2 ct oval moissanite engagement ring with a pave band in yellow gold

How to Buy a Moissanite Engagement Ring: A Step-by-Step Guide

Buying a moissanite engagement ring comes down to ten decisions, made in the right order: budget, stone, shape, size, grade, setting, metal, ring size, seller and timing. This guide walks through each one in plain words, with links to our deeper guides whenever you want more detail. Bookmark it and work through it step by step.

1. Set your budget

Decide what you are comfortable spending before you start looking, and leave room for the wedding band. With moissanite, most of the price is the metal and the design, not the stone, so a bigger stone costs only a little more. In our store, a simple moissanite solitaire costs under $350 in sterling silver and roughly $500 to $700 in 14K gold. See the full moissanite ring price guide.

2. Be sure moissanite is the right stone

Moissanite is a lab-created gem, not a diamond. It is very hard (9.25 on the Mohs scale), sparkles with more rainbow fire than diamond, and costs far less. If you want a real diamond, a lab grown diamond is the alternative. Read what is moissanite?, is moissanite worth it? and moissanite vs lab grown diamond.

3. Choose the shape

If you want... Consider
The most classic, diamond-like look Round brilliant
A bigger look for the same carat Oval, pear or marquise
Modern and geometric Princess, radiant or emerald
Maximum sparkle Radiant, crushed ice cushion or Portuguese
A vintage feel Old European, old mine or rose cut

Our moissanite cut guide compares every shape, oval vs round settles the most common choice, and the antique cut guide covers vintage looks.

4. Choose the size

Moissanite is usually sold by diamond-equivalent size, so think in millimetres. A 1 ct round is about 6.5 mm across, a 2 ct about 8.1 mm and a 3 ct about 9.3 mm. On a typical US size 6 finger, a 1 ct round covers about a third of the finger's width and a 2 ct close to half. Our size chart lists every shape. Bigger stones show more rainbow fire, which some people love and others do not.

5. Check color and clarity

For a white look, choose colorless (D to F). Most moissanite is VVS clarity, so inclusions are not a worry. Grades are given by the seller rather than an independent lab, so judge the stone by photos, videos and the return policy too. Read moissanite grades explained. Prefer color? See the colored moissanite guide.

6. Choose the setting

For what is in fashion right now, see engagement ring trends.

7. Choose the metal

14K gold is the most popular balance of strength, color and price for daily wear. 10K is harder and cheaper, 18K richer but softer, and platinum dense and long-wearing. Sterling silver keeps the price low and suits lighter wear; yellow and rose on silver are plated finishes. Compare them in metal colors for an engagement ring and white gold vs platinum.

8. Get the ring size right

Measure a ring that already fits the right finger, or measure the finger at the end of the day. If it is a surprise, borrow a ring your partner wears on that finger, or ask a friend to help. Use our ring size guide, and send us a photo or measurement if you are unsure: made-to-order rings are much easier to get right first time than to resize later.

9. Check the seller

The stone and metal should be named clearly, the return policy written down, and delivery insured and tracked. Our online buying checklist lists everything to look for, and is moissanite a real diamond? explains the wording to watch out for.

10. Plan the timing

Most moissanite rings are made to order. Ours take 8 to 10 business days to make, then 8 to 20 business days with free standard shipping or 6 to 9 with express. Allow four to six weeks before a proposal date, and more around holidays.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Choosing a huge stone without checking how it looks in millimetres on the finger.
  • Buying sterling silver for a ring that will be worn every day for years, when 14K gold fits the budget.
  • Guessing the ring size.
  • Forgetting the wedding band: check that the band will sit well next to the setting. See choosing a wedding band.
  • Paying for a certificate as if it proved quality. Look at the stone, the metal stamp and the return policy instead.

After you buy

Moissanite needs little care: a weekly soak in warm soapy water and a soft brush keep it bright. Take it off for the gym, swimming and heavy work, and have the prongs checked once or twice a year. Read can you wear moissanite every day? and how to clean moissanite.

Quick answers

What should I look for when buying a moissanite ring?

A clearly named stone with its size in millimetres, a colorless grade if you want a white look, solid gold or platinum for daily wear, a secure setting, and a written return policy.

What is the best shape for a moissanite engagement ring?

Round looks the most like a diamond; oval looks bigger for its weight. Both are excellent choices.

What size moissanite should I get?

The average centre stone in the US is about 1.9 carats, according to The Knot's 2026 Real Weddings Study, but the right size depends on your hand and style. Compare millimetre sizes on the hand before deciding.

Is moissanite good for an engagement ring?

Yes. It is hard enough for daily wear, keeps its sparkle and costs far less than diamond.

Ready to start? Browse all moissanite engagement rings or ask us about a custom design.

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