Everything you need to know about moissanite engagement rings in one place. The material, the optical properties, the settings, the metals, the price, the care. A complete picture before you decide.
Moissanite is silicon carbide — a naturally occurring mineral first discovered in a meteorite crater in 1893. Every moissanite used in jewellery today is laboratory grown. It is the second hardest gemstone in common jewellery use at 9.25 on the Mohs scale, behind only diamond at 10.
It is not a diamond. It is not a diamond simulant in the sense of being an imitation — it is a genuine crystalline gemstone with its own distinct properties. What makes it relevant as an engagement ring stone is its combination of exceptional optical performance, very high hardness and a price point significantly below both lab grown and mined diamonds.
Moissanite can be set in every engagement ring style available for diamond. The setting styles, metals and design options are identical — the only difference is the centre stone.
Moissanite is sold by millimetre diameter rather than carat weight. This is because silicon carbide has a different density to diamond — a moissanite of the same millimetre dimensions as a diamond weighs approximately 10% less. The size comparison below uses the millimetre diameter that corresponds to each approximate diamond carat equivalent.
| Moissanite Diameter | Approximate Diamond Equivalent | What It Looks Like on the Hand |
|---|---|---|
| 5.0mm | 0.50ct equivalent | Delicate — suits fine bands and minimalist settings |
| 6.0mm | 0.75ct equivalent | Classic — the most popular starting size for everyday rings |
| 6.5mm | 1.00ct equivalent | Balanced — prominent without being overwhelming on most hands |
| 7.0mm | 1.25ct equivalent | A clear statement — noticeable and beautiful from across a room |
| 7.5mm | 1.50ct equivalent | Very striking — suits larger hands or buyers who want presence |
| 8.0mm | 2.00ct equivalent | Bold and dramatic — very prominent on the hand |
| 9.0mm | 2.50ct equivalent | Statement — the choice for maximum visual impact |
| 10.0mm | 3.00ct+ equivalent | Exceptional presence — very large on any hand |
Every metal available for diamond rings is available for moissanite rings at Fenora. The metal choice affects how the moissanite's colour and fire read in the setting.
Moissanite is significantly less expensive than both lab grown and mined diamonds at equivalent visible sizes. This is the primary reason buyers choose it — a moissanite ring provides a large, optically impressive stone for a fraction of the cost of a diamond ring of the same visual size.
| Visible Size | Lab Grown Diamond (approx.) | Moissanite (approx.) | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.00ct equivalent | $1,500–2,500 | $150–300 | ~90% |
| 1.50ct equivalent | $2,500–4,000 | $250–450 | ~90% |
| 2.00ct equivalent | $4,000–7,000 | $350–600 | ~90–92% |
| 3.00ct equivalent | $8,000–15,000 | $500–900 | ~93–95% |
Moissanite care is straightforward and almost identical to diamond ring care. The stone is extremely hard and durable. The main care considerations are the same as any fine jewellery ring.
Moissanite is the right choice for some buyers and not for others. This honest framework helps identify which category you fall into.
Book a free online consultation. Yash Chandpara shows moissanite rings and lab grown diamond rings side by side on screen so you can see the differences and make the right decision.