4 C’s of Moissanite | Guide to Moissanite Types, Grades & Prices

I still remember the first time I held a moissanite ring under natural sunlight. The way it danced with fire and brilliance was mesmerizing—it was hard to believe it wasn’t a diamond. But when I started comparing different stones, I noticed something interesting.

Some had a slight warmth in their color, others were completely icy white, and prices varied drastically.

That’s when I realized: not all moissanite is the same.

Like diamonds, moissanite is graded based on the 4 C’s—Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat—and these factors determine how much sparkle, fire, and value you’re getting. Whether you’re shopping for a loose moissanite to set in a custom ring or a ready-made piece, understanding moissanite grades is key to choosing the best stone for your budget.

And if you’ve ever wondered why a 5-carat moissanite ring can cost as little as $500 or as much as $2,000, the 4 C’s hold the answer.

In this guide, we’ll break down how moissanite cut, color, clarity, and carat weight affect its brilliance, price, and overall quality so you can make the best choice.

Types of Moissanite

Premium vs. Standard Moissanite – What’s the Difference?

Not all moissanite is created equal. If you’ve ever compared a Charles & Colvard stone to a no-name brand from Amazon, you’ve likely noticed differences in brilliance, durability, and color consistency.

• Premium Moissanite (like Charles & Colvard Forever One) is nearly colorless (D-E-F grade), offering diamond-like sparkle with minimal yellow or green undertones.
• Standard Moissanite (often found on Amazon or lesser-known brands) may have a slight warmth in color and can show more fire (rainbow flashes) under certain lighting conditions.

If you’re looking for the best sparkle and longevity, investing in premium moissanite is worth it—especially for engagement rings or heirloom jewelry.

GRA vs. GIA Certification – Can You Trust GRA-Certified Moissanite?

One common question buyers have is: Is a GRA-certified moissanite reliable?

Unlike GIA-certified diamonds, GRA (Gemological Research Association) is not a globally recognized grading lab like GIA (Gemological Institute of America). While GRA certification is common for moissanite rings, it doesn’t carry the same weight as GIA certification for diamonds.

What does this mean for you?

• GRA certification is fine for verifying that a stone is moissanite, but it doesn’t guarantee quality.
• If you’re buying an expensive moissanite piece, focus more on the cut, color, and clarity grade rather than just the certification.

Best Moissanite Brands – Where to Buy High-Quality Moissanite?

If you’re searching for the best places to buy authentic moissanite, a few brands stand out:

• Charles & Colvard – The pioneers of moissanite, offering the highest-quality Forever One stones.
• James Allen – Known for their stunning loose moissanite and custom ring settings.
• Amazon – Great for budget-friendly options, but quality can vary—make sure to check reviews carefully.

For a detailed comparison of loose moissanite from James Allen vs. Amazon, check out this guide.

Moissanite 4’Cs: Colors

Moissanite, one of the most brilliant gemstones, is graded on the 4’Cs: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat weight. Among these, color plays a major role in determining the appearance and value of the stone. The color grading of moissanite ranges from D (colorless) to Z (visibly colored).

The color of your moissanite can influence its brilliance and how it complements your setting.

Let’s take a deeper dive into each moissanite color grade and explore how they differ.

D – Absolutely Colorless or Icy White

The D-grade moissanite is considered the purest in color. It is completely colorless, showing no detectable warmth even when examined closely under magnification. This grade exhibits a diamond-like appearance, which makes it highly sought after.

Best For:

• Those who want a highly colorless appearance.
• Perfect for settings like platinum or white gold, where any warmth would stand out.

Price Range: $450 – $1,800 per carat

A moissanite color chart can help you compare how D-color moissanite looks next to other grades.

E – Colorless with Minuscule Traces of Color

E-grade moissanite is nearly identical to D-grade, but you may notice minuscule traces of warmth when examined closely under magnification. This makes it a more affordable option while still providing a near-colorless appearance.

Best For:

• Those who want a colorless appearance but at a lower cost than D-grade.
• Works well in white gold, platinum, or two-tone settings.

Price Range: $400 – $1,600 per carat

If you’re interested in moissanite sparkle, check out this moissanite vs. diamond in sunlight comparison.

F – Colorless with Slight Traces of Warmth

F-grade moissanite is considered colorless, but there’s a slight warmth detectable, especially when viewed from certain angles. The warmth is barely noticeable to the naked eye, making it a cost-effective alternative to D or E grades.

Best For:

• Those who want a premium appearance without paying for D or E-grade prices.
• Looks great in white gold, yellow gold, or platinum.

Price Range: $375 – $1,500 per carat

Helpful Tip: If you’re buying moissanite engagement rings, an F-color stone can still look brilliantly white in platinum or white gold settings.

G – Near-Colorless with Some Traces of Color

G-grade moissanite is near-colorless, but it may have a faint hue that’s noticeable, especially in larger stones. However, the stone still appears quite white to the naked eye, and the color is much less noticeable compared to lower grades.

Best For:

• Those seeking a brilliant appearance at a lower cost than D-F grades.
• Pairs beautifully with yellow gold, rose gold, or platinum.

Price Range: $350 – $1,350 per carat

Understanding the weight of moissanite vs. diamonds can also impact how color is perceived in larger stones—check out this comparison.

H – Near-Colorless with Slight Warmth

H-grade moissanite may show a slight warm undertone, especially when compared to the higher color grades. This warmth can become more noticeable in larger stones but is still considered near-colorless.

Best For:

• Those who don’t mind a slight warmth in their stone.
• Looks excellent in yellow gold or rose gold settings.

Price Range: $325 – $1,200 per carat

Helpful Insight: Moissanite under UV light may show fluorescence, which can slightly affect how color appears in different lighting.

I – Near-Colorless with Visible Warmth

I-grade moissanite is where noticeable warmth begins to appear. The stone may have a clear yellowish or champagne tint that becomes visible to the naked eye, especially in larger stones.

Best For:

• Buyers looking for vintage-style or warmer-toned moissanite.
• Best in yellow gold or rose gold settings to highlight its warmth.

Price Range: $275 – $1,000 per carat

Did You Know? Moissanite eternity rings in rose gold settings can enhance the beauty of I-color stones by complementing their warm tones.

J-Z – Visibly Detected Color

Moissanite in the J-Z range shows clearly visible yellow, brown, or gray hues, especially in larger stones. This range is best for those who prefer a unique, warmer appearance.

Best For:

• Those seeking champagne-toned or antique-style stones.
• Best suited for rose gold or vintage-style settings.

Price Range: $200 – $900 per carat

See the Difference: If you’re considering black moissanite or colored moissanite, this guide can help you understand how different shades affect overall appearance.

Choosing the Right Moissanite Color for You

When choosing the ideal moissanite color, keep in mind:

• Color preference: If you prefer a diamond-like appearance, opt for D-F grades.
• Budget: If you’re looking for a great deal, G-Z grades offer good value with unique warmth.
• Setting style: White gold and platinum are great for colorless stones, while yellow gold or rose gold can complement the warmer tones in the stone.

For a deeper dive into different moissanite color, check out our Moissanite color chart guide

Moissanite 4’Cs: Clarity

When choosing a moissanite, clarity plays an essential role in determining its overall brilliance and beauty. Clarity refers to the presence of inclusions or blemishes within the stone.

Unlike diamonds, which often contain natural imperfections, moissanite is grown in controlled environments, making it inherently cleaner and clearer than most diamonds.

Since clarity impacts both the sparkle and value of the gemstone, it’s important to understand how moissanite clarity grades compare. Here’s a breakdown of the different clarity grades and what they mean for buyers.

FL-IF – Flawless to Internally Flawless

FL (Flawless) and IF (Internally Flawless) moissanite stones are completely free of inclusions—even under 10x magnification. This makes them the highest clarity grade possible. These stones exhibit maximum brilliance, ensuring no internal flaws interfere with their sparkle.

Best For:

• Buyers who want an absolutely flawless stone.
• Ideal for high-end engagement rings and luxury settings.

Price Range: $550 – $2,200 per carat

Looking for a stunning flawless moissanite? Browse our Moissanite Jewelry Collection to explore top-tier options.

VVS1-VVS2 – Very Very Slightly Included

VVS1 and VVS2 moissanite stones contain extremely tiny inclusions that are invisible to the naked eye and very difficult to detect even under magnification. These inclusions are so minor that they have virtually no effect on brilliance.

Best For:

• Buyers who want a near-perfect stone but at a slightly lower cost than FL-IF grades.
• Perfect for solitaire rings or three-stone engagement rings.

Price Range: $500 – $1,900 per carat

Not sure whether VVS clarity is worth it? Check out our guide on How to Choose the Best Moissanite to learn more.

VS1-VS2 – Very Slightly Included

VS1 and VS2 moissanite stones contain small inclusions that are not visible to the naked eye but can be detected under magnification. These inclusions do not affect the stone’s brilliance, making VS1-VS2 a great choice for those who want high clarity without the premium price tag.

Best For:

• Buyers looking for a balance between clarity and affordability.
• Works well in all types of settings, from solitaires to pavé rings.

Price Range: $450 – $1,600 per carat

Considering VS clarity moissanite for an engagement ring? See our handpicked moissanite engagement rings for inspiration.

SI1-SI2 – Slightly Included

SI1 and SI2 moissanite stones contain visible inclusions, but they are often positioned along the edges or in areas where they are less noticeable. These stones still sparkle beautifully, making them a great budget-friendly option.

Best For:

• Buyers who prioritize size over clarity and want a larger stone for the price.
• Best suited for bezel settings or vintage-style jewelry.

Price Range: $350 – $1,200 per carat

Want to learn more about moissanite clarity and setting choices? Explore our Moissanite Guide for expert advice.

Which Moissanite Clarity Should You Choose?

• For a flawless, diamond-like look: Choose FL-IF or VVS1-VVS2 grades.
• For a balance of clarity and value: VS1-VS2 offers a perfect mix.
• For the most affordable option: SI1-SI2 allows for larger stones at a lower cost.

Each clarity grade has its own advantages, and the right choice depends on your budget, setting, and personal preferences.

Moissanite clarity is one of the most important factors in choosing the perfect stone. Since moissanite is naturally cleaner than diamonds, even lower clarity grades like VS and SI can still provide incredible sparkle. The key is to balance budget and brilliance to find the best moissanite for your needs.

If you’re still unsure, visit our Moissanite Education Article for in-depth comparisons and expert advice on choosing the perfect moissanite stone.

Moissanite 4’Cs: Cut

Moissanite’s cut plays the most critical role in its brilliance and sparkle. Unlike diamonds, moissanite naturally has a higher refractive index, meaning a well-cut stone can exhibit incredible fire and light dispersion. Choosing the right cut ensures that your moissanite shines at its best, making it nearly indistinguishable from a diamond.

When selecting a moissanite cut, factors like symmetry, proportions, and faceting pattern matter. Here’s how different cut grades affect the stone’s performance.

Ideal – Exquisite Quality Cut

An ideal-cut moissanite is precision-cut to maximize brilliance and light reflection. It has perfect proportions, ensuring the best balance of fire (rainbow sparkle) and brilliance (white light return). These stones reflect nearly all incoming light, giving them unparalleled sparkle.

Best For:

• Buyers who want the highest level of brilliance and light performance.
• Those looking for a moissanite that mimics the finest-cut diamonds.
• Engagement rings, especially round, oval, and cushion cuts.

Price Range:

• Round Brilliant: $500 – $2,000 per carat
• Oval & Cushion: $400 – $1,500 per carat
• Emerald & Asscher: $350 – $1,300 per carat

Related Guide: Moissanite vs. Diamond: A Complete Comparison

Very Good – High-Quality Cut

A very good cut moissanite still offers excellent sparkle but with slightly less light return than an ideal cut. These stones are carefully proportioned, but minor differences in facet alignment or depth may reduce fire slightly.

Best For:

• Buyers who want outstanding sparkle at a slightly lower cost.
• Those who prefer a balance between beauty and affordability.
• Fancy shapes like pear, radiant, and marquise moissanite.

Price Range:

• Round Brilliant: $400 – $1,800 per carat
• Oval & Cushion: $350 – $1,300 per carat
• Emerald & Asscher: $300 – $1,100 per carat

Learn More: Best Moissanite Brand Guide

Good – Average Cut

Good cut moissanite offers decent brilliance but lacks the precision of higher cuts. These stones may have uneven facets or improper depth, leading to less fire and reduced light return.

Best For:

• Budget-conscious buyers who still want sparkle.
• Jewelry where maximum brilliance isn’t the top priority (e.g., earrings or pendants).
• Fancy shapes like princess, cushion, and pear cuts.

Price Range:

• Round Brilliant: $300 – $1,200 per carat
• Oval & Cushion: $250 – $1,000 per carat
• Emerald & Asscher: $200 – $900 per carat

Related Guide: Moissanite Color Chart Breakdown

Fair – Below Average Cut

Fair cut moissanite has less brilliance due to shallow or deep cut proportions. These stones may show light leakage, making them appear duller compared to better-cut options.

Best For:

• Buyers who prioritize size over sparkle.
• Large stones where slight brilliance loss is acceptable.
• Vintage or antique-style settings where a softer glow is desired.

Price Range:

• Round Brilliant: $200 – $800 per carat
• Oval & Cushion: $150 – $600 per carat
• Emerald & Asscher: $120 – $500 per carat

Explore More: Best Fake Diamond Rings – Moissanite

Cut is the single most important factor affecting moissanite’s brilliance. Investing in an Ideal or Very Good cut will ensure your stone maximizes light return and maintains an exceptional sparkle. If you’re on a budget, a Good cut may still offer impressive fire, while Fair cuts are best for those prioritizing size over sparkle.

For high-quality moissanite in various cuts, browse our moissanite jewelry collection.

Moissanite 4’Cs: Carat

When shopping for moissanite, many buyers compare its size to diamonds. However, moissanite is less dense than a diamond, meaning a moissanite stone of the same carat weight appears slightly larger than a diamond of equal weight. This difference makes moissanite an excellent choice for those wanting a bigger-looking stone without the higher cost.

Understanding how moissanite’s carat weight translates to size can help you make the best choice. Below, we break down the differences and provide a diamond vs. moissanite carat weight comparison chart to help visualize the size differences.

Moissanite vs. Diamond Carat Weight Differences

Why This Matters

• A 1-carat moissanite appears about 6.5mm in diameter, the same as a 1-carat diamond. However, because of its lower density, a moissanite of the same size weighs slightly less.
• A 2-carat moissanite appears similar in size to a 2.3-carat diamond—giving you a larger look for less.
• Since pricing is based on weight, moissanite offers more size for your budget.

Learn More: Moissanite vs. Diamond – Which One is Right for You?

Moissanite vs. Diamond Carat Comparison Chart

Key Takeaways from the Chart:

• Moissanite has a larger appearance for the same carat weight, making it a great option for those who want a big look.
• A 2.0-carat moissanite looks similar in size to a 2.3-carat diamond, but it costs significantly less.
• For those who prioritize size over weight, moissanite is a budget-friendly alternative.

Moissanite Prices

Moissanite is a budget-friendly alternative to diamonds, offering exceptional brilliance at a fraction of the cost. However, its price varies based on cut, color, clarity, and carat weight—the 4 C’s. Understanding these factors will help you get the best value for your budget.

How Moissanite Pricing Works

Unlike diamonds, moissanite is lab-created, which makes it more affordable. However, its price is influenced by:

• Cut: Ideal-cut moissanite costs more due to better light performance.
• Color: Colorless (D-E-F) moissanite is priced higher than near-colorless (G-H-I).
• Clarity: Most moissanites are VS1+ clarity, but flawless stones cost more.
• Carat Weight: Larger moissanites cost exponentially more as size increases.

Explore our full pricing guide here: Moissanite Price Chart

Moissanite Price Ranges

Compare moissanite vs. diamond size & cost: Weight of Moissanite vs. Diamond

Where to Buy Moissanite for the Best Value

Finding the best moissanite at the right price requires careful consideration of quality, certification, and retailer reputation. Here’s where to shop for high-value moissanite jewelry:

1. Aurelia Moissanite Collection

Aurelia offers hand-selected, premium-quality moissanite in a variety of styles. Their collection includes colorless and near-colorless moissanite, ensuring a diamond-like sparkle at competitive prices.

2. GRA-Certified Moissanite Rings

For buyers looking for affordable yet certified moissanite, Aurelia’s GRA-certified collection provides budget-friendly options with third-party verification.

3. Online Retailers (James Allen, Charles & Colvard, Amazon)

• James Allen – Offers high-quality moissanite engagement rings with detailed 360° videos.
• Charles & Colvard – One of the original moissanite brands, known for premium Forever One™ stones.
• Amazon – A wide range of affordable moissanite jewelry with varying quality levels.

CLICK TO VISIT

JAMES ALLEN

James Allen is a top leader in online diamond sales, offering cutting-edge imaging technology that lets you inspect diamonds as if you were using a jeweler's loupe. With the largest exclusive selection of loose diamonds available online and excellent pricing, they also boast one of the finest collections of lab-created diamonds on the market. They currently run a 25% discount on selected lab-grown diamonds!

WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT THEM:

• 30-day no-questions-asked return policy, with a prepaid shipping label provided by James Allen.
• Lifetime warranty on all purchases.
• Free international shipping.
• Complimentary prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating, and cleaning every six months.
• Insurance appraisals included with purchases.
• One free resizing within 60 days of purchase.
• Free ring inscriptions available.
• Best-in-class high-quality imagery for every diamond in stock.
• 24/7 customer support.
• Premium, best-in-class packaging.

VISIT JAMES ALLEN

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4. Custom Jewelers

Some jewelers provide bespoke moissanite settings, allowing buyers to customize their jewelry while controlling costs.

How to Get the Best Deal:

• Shop online to avoid retail markups.
• Compare certifications (GRA vs. GIA) for authenticity.
• Opt for near-colorless (G-H-I) moissanite to balance beauty and price.

FAQ’S

Conclusion

Moissanite is a brilliant, affordable, and ethical alternative to diamonds. By understanding the 4 C’s (Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat Weight), buyers can make an informed decision based on:

✔ Color Preference: Choose D-F for icy white or G-H for the best value.
✔ Clarity: Moissanite has fewer inclusions than diamonds, making even VS1-VS2 stones a great choice.
✔ Cut Quality: Ideal cuts offer maximum sparkle, while Very Good cuts balance brilliance and price.
✔ Carat Weight: Moissanite appears larger than diamonds, so a smaller size can still provide a bold look.

For the best value, shop at reputable sources like Aurelia, James Allen, or Charles & Colvard to ensure you get high-quality moissanite at the right price.