How to Choose Moissanite Earrings: Size, Shape, Setting and Backs
Moissanite earrings are one of the easiest ways to wear a lot of sparkle every day, and because moissanite costs far less than diamond, you can choose a size that really shows. The right pair comes down to five choices: size, shape, setting, back and metal. Here is how to make each one.
1. Choose the Size
Earrings are usually sold by carat total weight (ct tw), the weight of both earrings together, so a 2 ct tw pair holds two stones of about 1 ct each. Moissanite is labelled by its diamond-equivalent size, so the millimetre size is what tells you how big each stone looks.
| Pair (ct tw) | Each stone | Round, approx. | Princess, approx. | Look |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 ct tw | 0.5 ct | 5 mm | 4.5 mm | Small and refined, good for every day and second piercings |
| 2 ct tw | 1 ct | 6.5 mm | 5.5 mm | The classic stud size, noticeable but easy to wear |
| 3 ct tw | 1.5 ct | 7.4 mm | 6.3 mm | Bold, a clear statement |
| 4 ct tw | 2 ct | 8 mm | 6.9 mm | Large, best for occasions or a dramatic everyday look |
Sizes are typical; every listing gives the stone measurements. For other shapes, see our moissanite and diamond size chart.
2. Choose the Shape
- Round: the most sparkle and the most classic look. Shop round moissanite stud earrings.
- Princess: a crisp square with a modern feel. At the same carat weight it measures a little less across than a round, but its corners give it a bold outline. Shop princess cut moissanite stud earrings.
- Cushion: a softened square with big flashes of colour. Shop cushion cut moissanite studs.
- Asscher: a square step cut with a calm, mirror-like look. Shop Asscher cut moissanite studs.
- Trillion and other fancy cuts: triangles, rose cuts and old mine cuts for something less expected. Shop trillion cut moissanite earrings.
3. Choose the Setting
- Four-prong: shows the most stone and lets in the most light.
- Bezel: a smooth rim of metal around the stone. It protects the edge and does not catch on hair or scarves, which makes it a great everyday choice. Shop round moissanite bezel studs.
- Halo: a ring of small stones around the centre makes the whole stud look larger. Shop the vintage halo studs.
- Drops: a stone that hangs below the lobe moves and catches the light, ideal for evenings. See the green radiant halo drop earrings.
4. Choose the Back
Every stud in our moissanite earrings collection is offered with a choice of backs:
- Screw back: the back threads onto the post. It is the most secure choice, especially for larger stones and for earrings you sleep in or wear when active.
- Push back: slides on and off quickly. It suits smaller studs that you take out often.
5. Choose the Metal
Our earrings are made to order in 925 sterling silver or 10K, 14K or 18K solid gold, in yellow, white or rose. Sterling silver keeps the price low; white silver is rhodium plated and yellow and rose silver are gold plated, so the colour layer can wear over time. Solid gold keeps its colour and is the better choice for earrings you wear every day. Sterling silver contains a small amount of other metals, usually copper, so if your ears react to some metals, solid gold is usually the more comfortable option.
Prices
In our store, round, princess, cushion and Asscher studs all start at $149.99 for a 1 ct tw pair in sterling silver. Each extra carat adds $50, so a 2 ct tw pair is $199.99 and a 4 ct tw pair is $299.99. In solid gold, a 1 ct tw pair is $549.98 in 10K and $649.98 in 14K. Each product page shows the price for every size and metal; prices were checked in October 2026.
Caring for Moissanite Earrings
Lotion, hair products and skin oil collect behind the stone and dull the sparkle. Soak your earrings in warm water with a drop of mild soap, brush gently behind the stone with a soft toothbrush, then rinse and dry. Moissanite rates 9.25 on the Mohs scale, so the stones themselves resist scratches well. Read how to clean moissanite.
Quick Answers
What size moissanite earrings should I get?
For everyday wear, 1 to 2 ct tw (0.5 to 1 ct each, about 5 to 6.5 mm for a round) is the most popular range. Choose 3 to 4 ct tw if you want a bold statement.
Do moissanite earrings look like diamond earrings?
From normal distance most people cannot tell. Moissanite shows a little more rainbow fire, especially in bright light. It is its own gemstone, not a diamond; see moissanite vs diamond.
Are screw back earrings better?
They are more secure, which matters most for larger and more valuable studs. Push backs are quicker to put on.
Princess or round studs: which looks bigger?
At the same carat weight, a round is slightly larger face up: a 1 ct round is about 6.5 mm across and a 1 ct princess about 5.5 mm on each side. The princess's corners give it a bold, geometric outline, and the round has a little more sparkle.
Browse all moissanite earrings, or if you prefer a lab grown diamond, see our lab grown diamond earrings.