January 30, 2025

How Much Is a 1 Carat Moissanite Worth? A Complete Price Guide

An upclose shot of a moissanite showcasing the brilliance of the gemstone

When shopping for a stunning, diamond-like gemstone without the hefty price tag, moissanite is one of the most popular choices. But how much is a 1-carat moissanite worth? The price of moissanite depends on several factors, including its cut, clarity, color, and the retailer you purchase from. In this guide, we’ll break down how much a 1-carat moissanite costs, compare it to diamonds, and help you determine if moissanite is the right choice for you.

What Is Moissanite?

Before we dive into the pricing, let's take a closer look at what moissanite actually is. Moissanite is a lab-created gemstone originally discovered in a meteor crater by scientist Henri Moissan in 1893. While naturally occurring moissanite is extremely rare, modern technology allows it to be synthesized, making it widely available in the jewelry market.

Moissanite is known for its incredible brilliance, fire, and durability. It closely resembles a diamond but offers a more budget-friendly alternative, making it a popular choice for engagement rings, earrings, and other fine jewelry pieces.

Factors That Affect the Price of a 1-Carat Moissanite

The cost of a 1-carat moissanite stone varies depending on the following key factors:

1. Quality & Grade

Moissanite comes in different quality grades, affecting its price. The two main categories include:

Premium Moissanite – Offers excellent brilliance and fire, but may have slight color tinges.
Super Premium (VVS) Moissanite – High clarity, near-colorless, and nearly indistinguishable from a diamond.

The higher the grade, the more expensive the moissanite will be.

2. Cut & Shape

The cut and shape of a moissanite stone also influence its price. Common shapes include:

Round Brilliant (most expensive due to highest brilliance)
Oval, Cushion, and Pear (moderately priced)
Emerald and Asscher (often more affordable due to step-cut faceting)

The round brilliant cut is generally priced higher than other cuts due to the demand and complex faceting that maximizes sparkle.

3. Color Grade

Moissanite stones are available in different color grades:

Colorless (D-F Grade) – Resembles a high-quality diamond and is more expensive.
Near Colorless (G-H Grade) – Slightly warm tint but still brilliant.
Faint Yellow (J-K Grade) – More affordable but may show noticeable color in certain light.

For those who prefer the most diamond-like appearance, opting for a colorless D-F grade moissanite will cost more but provide exceptional quality.

4. Brand & Retailer Pricing

Different retailers and brands set their own prices for moissanite based on the manufacturing process, certification, and brand reputation. For example:

High-end jewelry brands may charge $500 - $700 for a 1-carat moissanite stone.
Affordable online retailers or wholesale sellers might price the same stone between $250 - $450.

5. Certification & Authenticity

Certified VVS moissanite stones from reputable sellers come with a higher price tag because they guarantee quality, authenticity, and grading. Always look for certification when purchasing high-value moissanite jewelry.

How Much Does a 1-Carat Moissanite Cost?

Now, let’s get to the core question: How much is a 1-carat moissanite worth?

On average, the price of a 1-carat moissanite typically ranges between $250 and $700 depending on quality, cut, and where you buy it from. Here’s a general breakdown:

Moissanite Grade	Price Range for 1 Carat
Standard Moissanite	$250 - $400
Premium Moissanite	$400 - $600
VVS Super Premium	$600 - $700

Comparing Moissanite vs. Diamond Prices

To put this in perspective, let’s compare moissanite to diamonds:

Gemstone	1 Carat Price
Moissanite	$250 - $700
Natural Diamond	$4,000 - $8,000
Lab-Grown Diamond	$1,500 - $3,500

As you can see, a 1-carat moissanite stone is significantly more affordable than a natural diamond. Even compared to lab-grown diamonds, moissanite still remains the more budget-friendly option.

Is a 1-Carat Moissanite a Good Investment?

A 1-carat moissanite is an excellent investment for those looking for an affordable yet stunning alternative to diamonds. Here’s why:

1. Affordability

Moissanite offers exceptional brilliance and durability at a fraction of the price of diamonds.

2. Durability

With a Mohs hardness rating of 9.25, moissanite is second only to diamonds, making it suitable for everyday wear.

3. Ethical & Sustainable

Unlike natural diamonds, which may have ethical concerns related to mining, moissanite is lab-created and environmentally friendly.

4. Sparkle & Brilliance

Moissanite has more fire and brilliance than diamonds, meaning it reflects more light, creating a dazzling effect.

Where to Buy a 1-Carat Moissanite?

If you’re looking to buy a high-quality 1-carat moissanite, consider these options:

Jewelry Retailers – Trusted jewelers like Adamans offer high-quality, certified moissanite rings, earrings, and pendants.
Online Marketplaces – Websites like Etsy and eBay have competitive prices, but be cautious about authenticity.
Wholesale Suppliers – Direct suppliers provide affordable prices for loose moissanite stones.

Final Thoughts: Is a 1-Carat Moissanite Worth It?

If you’re looking for a brilliant, durable, and affordable alternative to diamonds, moissanite is an excellent choice. With prices ranging from $250 to $700, a 1-carat moissanite offers incredible value without compromising on beauty or quality. Whether you're purchasing a moissanite engagement ring, earrings, or a pendant, you’ll be getting a timeless piece that shines just as brilliantly as a diamond—at a fraction of the cost.