How Much is a 1 Carat Moissanite Worth?

Moissanite has become one of the most talked-about gemstones in modern engagement jewellery design – admired for its brilliance, longevity and approachable price point. While it shares the same clean, colourless look as a diamond, moissanite carries its own signature sparkle: a livelier, more prismatic fire that catches light differently. For many couples, that distinction is what makes it feel special. But how much is a 1-carat moissanite actually worth? Let’s take a closer look.

Moissanite sits in a category of its own. It’s not a diamond alternative as much as it is a contemporary option with its own beauty and performance. To the eye, moissanite and diamond can look remarkably similar – bright, white, and brilliantly faceted – with moissanite offering a slightly more colourful play of light.

With a 9.25 rating on the Mohs hardness scale, moissanite is the second-hardest gemstone used in fine jewellery, just behind diamond. This level of durability makes it ideal for an engagement ring: resistant to scratching, built for daily wear, and able to hold its clarity and sparkle for a lifetime.

Part of its appeal also lies in character. Diamonds tend to express a crisp white, grey and blue brilliance. Moissanite, with a higher refractive index, disperses more rainbow colour – a quality some people love immediately. For others, it’s the affordability that opens doors to a larger carat size, a unique shape, or a more intricate setting they may not have considered otherwise.

At Cullen, moissanite is priced simply: by carat size. Every stone is curated to the same high standard – VVS1 or VVS2 clarity, and D–F colour – which means you never need to weigh up varied grading or quality differences. The only decision guiding cost is the size that feels right for your style and your hand. All Cullen moissanite is part of Cullen Curated, our assurance that every lab grown gemstone meets our strict criteria for beauty, craftsmanship and long-term performance. Each piece is covered by our Lifetime Manufacturing Warranty, so your stone is protected for life.

Unlike diamonds, moissanite has a slightly different density, so weight isn’t an accurate measure. Instead, moissanite is measured by size (millimetres). A “1-carat equivalent” moissanite refers to how large the stone appears – matching the diameter of a 1-carat diamond, even if the weight differs. What you see on the hand is what matters.

Choosing moissanite over a diamond can result in significant savings, especially at higher sizes. A 1-carat moissanite offers the presence, durability and elegance many couples want, without the higher price of a mined diamond. For some, the decision is financial; for others, it’s the personality of the stone, its modern origin, or the opportunity to explore different proportions.

Whether you’re drawn to moissanite for its sparkle, its value, or its contemporary appeal, a 1-carat stone remains one of our most popular choices. And like every Cullen gemstone, it is fully traceable, meticulously crafted and made to last. Ready to explore stones, silhouettes and settings? Book a complimentary appointment and start shaping a ring that feels distinctly yours.