How much does a carat of moissanite cost? Real price and what determines it
Moissanite offers one of the best value for money propositions in jewelry. But how much does it actually cost? The answer depends on several factors that are worth understanding before making a purchase.
The price of moissanite per equivalent carat
Moissanite is sold by size in millimeters, but it is often compared to diamonds using the concept of "equivalent carat" — the weight a stone of the same size would have if it were a diamond. Generally speaking, a 1-carat equivalent moissanite costs between 300 and 600 euros depending on quality, cut, and supplier. A 1-carat diamond of comparable quality costs between 4,000 and 10,000 euros. The difference is 10 to 20 times.
What factors determine the price
Clarity
VVS moissanite — Very Very Slightly Included — is the highest classification and the one we use at Silver Status. It is visually perfect to the naked eye and under magnification. A moissanite of lower clarity (VS or SI) will cost less, but will have detectable inclusions under precision instruments.
Cut
The cut determines how light interacts with the stone. The round brilliant cut is the most in-demand and maximizes the fire and brilliance of moissanite. Fancy cuts — oval, pear, cushion, emerald — have similar or slightly lower prices depending on demand.
Size
The larger the size, the higher the price per equivalent carat. A 0.5-carat equivalent moissanite is proportionally cheaper than a 2-carat one. This is the same as with diamonds, although the price scale is radically different.
Supplier and certification
Moissanite from certified brands like Charles & Colvard — the company that originally commercialized it — carries a premium price over generic lab-grown moissanite. Both are chemically identical, but certification provides quality assurance and traceability.
Why moissanite is not "cheap" — it's smart
Buying moissanite is not buying an imitation at a bargain price. It is choosing a precious stone with optical properties superior to diamonds — higher refractive index, more fire, more sparkle — at a fraction of the price. The savings do not come from sacrificing quality: they come from not paying the historical and marketing component that inflates the price of diamonds.
If you want to understand moissanite better, read what does VVS mean? and our comparison between cubic zirconia, moissanite, and diamond. Explore our collection of VVS moissanite jewelry in 925 silver.
