Moissanite pricing is more predictable than diamond pricing, but the range you will see while shopping is still wide. A loose stone can be listed for $25 on a marketplace or $600 at a specialist retailer, and a finished ring can cost $100 or $5,000. The stone explains only part of that difference. The metal, the accent diamonds, the quality of the cutting and the way the ring is made account for the rest.
This guide covers what moissanite costs at every common size, why two similar-looking rings can differ in price by thousands of dollars, how moissanite compares with lab-grown and natural diamonds, and how to judge whether a price is fair.
Moissanite Price Per Carat
The table below shows typical retail prices for loose moissanite with colorless (DEF) color, high clarity and a well-executed cut. These are the specifications most engagement ring buyers are shopping for. Sizes are listed in diamond equivalent weight, which is explained further down this guide.
| Carat (DEW) | Typical Price, Loose Stone | Approx. Round Size |
|---|---|---|
| Under 1 ct | $200 – $400 | Under 6.5mm |
| 1 ct | $300 – $600 | 6.5mm |
| 2 ct | $600 – $1,200 | 8mm |
| 3 ct | $1,200 – $2,500 | 9mm |
| 5 ct | $1,250 – $3,000 | 11mm |
Sources: retail price ranges published by Gema&Co (January 2026) and Chantal Vaulet (February 2026); Charles & Colvard's published range of $250 to $600 per carat. The 5 carat range applies that per-carat range to a 5 carat stone.
Unlike diamonds, moissanite does not become dramatically more expensive per carat as it gets larger. A 2 carat natural diamond typically costs three to four times as much as a 1 carat diamond of the same quality, because large rough diamonds are rare. Moissanite is grown in a laboratory, so a larger crystal is a production question rather than a rarity question, and prices rise roughly in line with size.
The lowest prices you will find are far below this table. Marketplace sellers list GRA-certified D color, VVS1 loose moissanite for around $25 per stone, and in most cases the material is genuine moissanite. The difference between a $25 stone and a $500 stone is not the substance itself. It is the precision of the cut, the consistency of the color, the quality control applied before sale, and the support behind the purchase. Those differences are easy to overlook in a listing photo and much easier to see on the hand.
What Changed in Moissanite Pricing in 2026
Three developments shaped moissanite prices this year. Lab-grown diamond prices kept falling, with wholesale prices down 13% year over year in the second quarter of 2026 and 96% since tracking began in 2018, according to analyst Edahn Golan. That narrowed the price gap between moissanite and lab-grown diamonds at smaller sizes. Gold prices rose sharply, trading near $4,400 an ounce in September 2026, about 19% higher than a year earlier, which raised the cost of every solid gold setting. And Charles & Colvard, the company that first brought moissanite to market in the 1990s, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2026, citing falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices among the causes.
The practical result is that in 2026 the metal in a moissanite ring often costs as much as the stone, and sometimes more.
How Much Is a 1 Carat Moissanite?
A 1 carat moissanite stone with colorless color and a good cut costs about $300 to $600 in 2026. Stones at the top of that range typically show tighter color consistency and more precise faceting. Stones well below it may be older inventory with a faint yellow or green tint, or may be cut quickly with less attention to symmetry.
A finished 1 carat moissanite engagement ring costs considerably more than the loose stone, because the setting, metal and labor are added. Mass-market 14k gold solitaires start around $435, while handcrafted solid gold rings generally begin near $1,000. Barkev's 1 Carat Oval Solitaire Moissanite Ring starts at $1,090 in 14k gold, set with a DEF color center.
For comparison, a 1 carat natural diamond of good quality costs $4,000 to $6,000, and a comparable lab-grown diamond costs $700 to $1,500. The full comparison appears in the diamond section below.
Moissanite Ring Prices by Carat Size
Finished ring prices depend on the setting style as much as the carat weight. The ranges below reflect solid gold solitaires, the simplest and most common style, alongside current Barkev's examples.
| Carat (DEW) | Typical Solid Gold Solitaire | Barkev's Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 1 ct | $435 – $2,000 | 1 Carat Oval Solitaire Moissanite Ring, from $1,090 |
| 2 ct | $700 – $2,500 | 2 Carat Oval Moissanite Solitaire, from $2,120; Modern 2 Carat Round Moissanite Ring, from $2,210 |
| 3 ct | $1,500 – $4,000 | Designs with natural diamond accents, see below |
| 5 ct | $2,500 – $6,000 | 5 Carat Radiant Cut Moissanite Ring with hidden halo, $5,100 |
Ring ranges combine the loose-stone prices above with typical solid gold setting costs and are cross-checked against current retail listings, including mass-market retailers, direct-to-consumer jewelers and Barkev's own collection. Halo, pavé and three-stone designs cost more than solitaires of the same center size.
At 3 carats and above, one appearance detail is worth knowing before you buy. GIA notes that moissanite's strong fire, the colorful flashes of light it throws, becomes more noticeable at 1 carat and larger. Many buyers choose moissanite specifically for that effect. Buyers who want a quieter, whiter sparkle often prefer step cuts such as emerald or asscher at larger sizes, since those shapes show broad flashes of light rather than intense color.
Why One Moissanite Ring Costs $100 and Another Costs $5,000
This is the most common question moissanite shoppers ask, and the answer is almost never the center stone. The table below shows the four price tiers you will encounter and what each one actually includes.
| Tier | Typical Price, 1 ct Look | Metal | What Drives the Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marketplace | $25 – $300 | Sterling silver or gold-plated | Minimal metal, little quality control, no meaningful resale |
| Mass retail, solid gold | $400 – $600 | Solid 10k or 14k, lightweight | Solid gold at a minimal weight, standard settings |
| Handcrafted fine jewelry | $1,000 – $2,500 | Solid 14k, 18k or platinum | Graded colorless stones, made-to-order craftsmanship, heavier metal |
| Designer and statement | $2,500 – $10,000+ | Heavier gold or platinum | Natural diamond halos and pavé, larger centers, intricate metalwork |
The metal. In September 2026, 14k gold carries a melt value of about $83 per gram. A simple solitaire typically contains 2 to 3 grams of gold, while halo and pavé designs can contain 5 grams or more. That means the raw gold in a single ring can be worth $165 to over $900 before any casting, finishing or setting work begins. Barkev's 3 Carat Antique Moissanite Ring, for example, contains approximately 11.1 grams of 14k gold.
Plated versus solid gold. Many low-priced listings describe their rings as "14K white gold finish" or "14K gold FN." Both terms mean the ring is plated, usually over silver or base metal, rather than made of solid gold. A 3 carat moissanite ring described as having a 14K white gold finish sells for around $83, which is less than the value of the gold in a genuine solid 14k solitaire. Plating wears over time and holds no metal value if the ring is ever sold.
The accent diamonds. In designer rings, the side stones often cost more than the moissanite center. Natural diamond pavé and halos add both material and hours of setting work. The same Barkev's 3 Carat Antique Moissanite Ring pairs its DEF center with approximately 0.88 carats of natural diamonds and is priced at $9,870. Its moissanite center, worth roughly $1,200 to $2,500 loose, represents a minority of the total.
The craftsmanship. A made-to-order ring is cast, finished and set individually, with the setting shaped to the exact stone. That work is slower and more expensive than mass production, and it shows most clearly in how securely the stone sits, how cleanly the prongs are finished and how comfortable the ring feels to wear.
Barkev's has been designing and handcrafting engagement rings in Los Angeles since 1981. Every Barkev's moissanite ring uses a DEF color center stone, and the accent stones are natural diamonds.
Moissanite Price by Quality Grade
Moissanite is graded on color, clarity and cut, similar to diamonds, although the grades affect price less dramatically.
| Factor | Grades You Will See | Effect on Price |
|---|---|---|
| Color | DEF (colorless), GHI (near colorless) | DEF costs more. GHI can show faint warmth, most visibly in larger stones and step cuts. |
| Clarity | VVS, VS | Most moissanite is eye-clean because it is grown under controlled conditions. VVS carries a small premium. |
| Cut | Excellent to fair | The largest visible difference. A precisely cut stone returns more light and looks brighter than a larger, poorly cut one. |
Color is the grade most worth paying for in moissanite. Older generations of moissanite often showed a yellow or green tint, and discounted stock still sometimes does. Colorless DEF stones look white in every lighting condition. The difference between VVS and VS clarity, by contrast, is rarely visible without magnification.
Moissanite vs Diamond Price
Moissanite costs about 90% less than a natural diamond of the same size and roughly half to a third of a comparable lab-grown diamond at 1 carat. The gap widens as stones get larger.
| Size | Cubic Zirconia | Moissanite | Lab-Grown Diamond | Natural Diamond |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 ct | $10 – $50 | $300 – $600 | $700 – $1,500 | $4,000 – $6,000 |
| 2 ct | $20 – $100 | $600 – $1,200 | $2,500 – $4,500 | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| 3 ct | $30 – $150 | $1,200 – $2,500 | $5,000 – $10,000 | $50,000 – $80,000 |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 8 – 8.5 | 9.25 | 10 | 10 |
| Resale value | None | Minimal | Low | Moderate |
Diamond prices assume G to H color, VS2 clarity and an excellent cut, as detailed in our diamond price guide. Cubic zirconia ranges reflect a typical price of $10 to $50 per carat.
The price difference reflects what each material is. Natural diamonds are priced by rarity. Lab-grown diamonds are chemically identical to natural diamonds but can be produced at scale. Moissanite is a different gemstone, silicon carbide, with its own optical properties: it has a higher refractive index than diamond and more than twice the fire. Cubic zirconia is the least expensive option but is softer and tends to scratch and dull with daily wear, which is why it is rarely recommended for an engagement ring meant to last.
For a full comparison of appearance, durability and how each stone looks on the hand, see moissanite vs diamond.
Moissanite vs Lab-Grown Diamond Price
This comparison has changed more than any other in the past two years. Lab-grown diamond prices have fallen so far that at 1 carat, the lowest-priced lab-grown stones now overlap with premium moissanite. Tracked retail asking prices for a 1 carat round lab-grown diamond ranged from $223 to $856 for an identical specification in September 2026, depending on the retailer. A quality 1 carat moissanite costs $300 to $600.
At larger sizes, moissanite keeps a clear price advantage. A 3 carat moissanite costs $1,200 to $2,500, while a 3 carat lab-grown diamond typically costs $5,000 or more.
In practical terms, a buyer choosing between the two at 1 carat is now deciding mostly on preference: moissanite's brighter, more colorful fire versus the diamond's whiter sparkle and the fact that it is a diamond. At 2 carats and above, the budget difference becomes a larger part of the decision. Our guide to moissanite vs lab-grown diamonds covers the differences beyond price.
Diamond Equivalent Weight: The Carat Detail That Changes Price Comparisons
Moissanite is lighter than diamond. Its specific gravity is 3.22, compared with 3.52 for diamond, so a moissanite weighs about 9% less than a diamond of the same dimensions. To make sizes easy to compare, the industry sells moissanite by diamond equivalent weight, or DEW, which describes the carat weight a diamond of the same size would have.
A 6.5mm round moissanite actually weighs about 0.88 carats but is sold as a 1.00 carat DEW stone, because a 6.5mm round diamond weighs 1 carat.
This matters when comparing prices. If one seller quotes price per carat using DEW and another uses actual weight, the same stone can appear about 14% more expensive per carat in the second listing. The simplest way to compare fairly is by millimeter size and shape, which every reputable seller should list.
GRA Certificates and What They Mean for Price
Most moissanite sold today comes with or can be issued a GRA report. Because GIA does not grade moissanite, GRA reports have become the common document for these stones. A GRA report identifies the stone as moissanite and records its color, clarity, measurements and diamond equivalent weight. It is a genuine document, but it should not be confused with a diamond grading report from GIA or IGI. IGI does grade some moissanite.
When you receive a GRA report, verify the report number on the GRA database. Where the stone carries a laser inscription on the girdle, the number should match the report.
A GRA report does not by itself explain a price difference. GRA reports accompany moissanite at nearly every price point, including rings listed for under $30. What the report can do is confirm the specifications a seller has described. The price is still determined by the cut quality, the metal and the craftsmanship around the stone.
Does Moissanite Hold Its Value?
Moissanite has very little resale value as a stone. Because it is produced in a laboratory without supply limits, there is no meaningful secondary market for it, and pawn shops and buyers typically pay only for the metal in the ring.
This makes the setting more important than many buyers realize. A solid gold setting keeps its melt value, which has risen considerably with gold prices in 2026, while a plated ring has essentially none. Moissanite is best bought for how it looks and how long it lasts rather than as a store of value. With a hardness of 9.25, it is durable enough for daily wear for decades.
Moissanite Engagement Rings by Budget
Under $500. At this level, most moissanite rings are sterling silver or gold-plated, or lightweight solid 10k or 14k gold from mass retailers. A solid gold 1 carat solitaire is achievable near the top of this range.
$500 to $1,000. Solid 14k gold becomes standard, with better finishing and more consistent stones. Most rings in this range are 1 carat solitaires from mass retailers and direct-to-consumer brands.
$1,000 to $2,000. This is where handcrafted, made-to-order rings begin. Expect graded colorless centers, heavier metal and more refined settings. Barkev's 1 Carat Oval Solitaire starts at $1,090, and the Princess Cut Moissanite Twist Engagement Ring With Black Diamonds starts at $1,900.
$2,000 to $3,000. Handcrafted 2 carat solitaires and 1 to 2 carat designs with diamond accents. Barkev's Marquise Moissanite Solitaire starts at $2,025, the 2 carat oval, round and pear solitaires start between $2,120 and $2,260, and the Pear Shaped Moissanite Engagement Ring With Twisted Band starts at $2,415.
$3,000 and above. Larger centers, natural diamond halos and pavé, and statement designs. Barkev's 5 carat moissanite rings start at $5,100.
Browse the full range of moissanite engagement rings, or narrow the search to moissanite solitaire rings, moissanite halo engagement rings or moissanite wedding sets.
How to Tell If a Moissanite Price Is Fair
- The metal is stated precisely. Look for "solid 14k gold," "18k gold" or "platinum." Terms such as "gold finish," "FN," "gold tone" or "gold plated" indicate plating. Some jewelers also list the approximate gold weight in grams, which is the clearest measure of what the setting contains.
- The stone specifications are specific. A fair listing states the color grade, clarity, shape and millimeter size. Vague descriptions such as "high quality" or "diamond-like" make comparison impossible.
- Loose-stone prices fall within market ranges. A 1 carat colorless moissanite priced far above $600 as a loose stone should be supported by exceptional cutting or a meaningful warranty. One priced far below $300 is likely to be older stock, off-color or cut with less precision.
- The price reflects the whole ring. When a ring costs well above the stone value, the difference should be visible in the metal weight, the accent diamonds or the quality of the work. Natural diamond accents in particular can add significantly to a ring's cost.
- Carat weights are compared consistently. Confirm whether a seller is quoting diamond equivalent weight or actual weight, and compare by millimeter size whenever possible.
- Report numbers verify. If a ring comes with a GRA report, check the number on the GRA database before relying on it.
What Is a Fair Price for Moissanite in 2026?
For a quality colorless moissanite, a fair price in 2026 is about $300 to $600 per carat for the loose stone. For a finished engagement ring, expect roughly $400 to $600 for a lightweight mass-market solid gold solitaire and $1,000 to $2,500 for a handcrafted solid gold ring with a graded colorless center. Larger stones and natural diamond accents raise the price from there.
Moissanite remains the most affordable way to wear a large, brilliant, durable center stone. What separates one moissanite ring from another is rarely the stone alone. It is the metal, the accent stones, the precision of the cut and the care taken in making the ring.
Barkev's moissanite engagement rings are designed and handcrafted in Los Angeles, with DEF color moissanite centers and natural diamond accents, starting at $1,090 in solid 14k gold.
More Pricing Guides
- Diamond Price Guide: How Much Does a Diamond Cost? covers natural and lab-grown diamond prices at every carat weight.
- Black Diamond Price Guide covers treated, natural and lab-grown black diamond pricing.
- Blue Diamond Price Guide covers treated, natural and lab-grown blue diamond pricing.
- 2026 Engagement Ring Trends covers what couples are buying this year, including moissanite's place among non-diamond center stones.
Related reading: What is moissanite?, Does moissanite pass a diamond tester? and What are simulated diamonds?
Moissanite Price FAQs
A 1 carat colorless moissanite costs about $300 to $600 as a loose stone in 2026. A finished 1 carat moissanite engagement ring in solid gold typically costs $435 to $2,000, depending on the metal, setting style and whether the ring is mass-produced or handcrafted.
A 2 carat moissanite stone costs about $600 to $1,200. A finished 2 carat moissanite ring in solid gold typically costs $700 to $2,500, with designs featuring diamond accents costing more.
A 3 carat moissanite stone costs about $1,200 to $2,500. A finished 3 carat solid gold solitaire typically costs $1,500 to $4,000, and designs with natural diamond halos or pavé can exceed that considerably.
Moissanite under 1 carat typically costs $200 to $400 as a loose stone. Smaller stones cost less in total but not dramatically less, since cutting and handling costs remain similar at smaller sizes.
A 1 carat natural diamond of good quality costs $4,000 to $6,000, and a 1 carat lab-grown diamond costs $700 to $1,500. A 1 carat moissanite costs $300 to $600, roughly 90% less than a natural diamond.
No. Moissanite is one of the most affordable durable center stones available. It costs far less than natural or lab-grown diamonds at the same size, and its price rises roughly in line with carat weight rather than steeply.
Moissanite has little resale value as a stone, because it is produced in a laboratory without supply limits. When a moissanite ring is resold, most of its value comes from the metal. A solid gold setting retains its melt value, while a plated ring retains almost none.
A good price for a quality 1 carat moissanite engagement ring in solid gold is roughly $1,000 to $2,500 for a handcrafted ring with a graded colorless center, or $400 to $600 for a lightweight mass-market solitaire. Rings below that are usually plated or silver.
The biggest differences come from the metal (plated, silver or solid gold, and how much of it), the accent stones, the precision of the cut, the color grade and the craftsmanship. The moissanite material itself is inexpensive to produce, so quality control and the ring around the stone account for most of the price.
A GRA report confirms that a stone is moissanite and records its specifications, but it does not determine the price. GRA reports accompany moissanite at nearly every price level. Verify the report number on the GRA database, and judge value by the cut, metal and craftsmanship.