Large Moissanite Engagement Rings: A Guide to 3, 4 and 5 Carat Rings

If you love the look of a big center stone, moissanite is the most affordable way to get it. A 3, 4 or 5 carat moissanite has the presence of a statement diamond and more sparkle, for a small fraction of the price. This guide covers how big a "large" moissanite really looks, which shapes and settings carry size best, what CT and CTW mean on a listing, and what to expect to pay.

Why moissanite for a large ring?

• Price: the cost of moissanite rises gently with size, while diamond prices climb steeply above 2 carats. That's why most of our 3 to 5 carat moissanite solitaires cost about $450 to $1,100 in solid 14K gold.
• Hardness: moissanite rates 9.25 on the Mohs scale, just below diamond (10). It's hard enough to wear every day, and it won't cloud or scratch the way softer stones do.
• Sparkle: moissanite has more fire (rainbow flashes) than diamond. On a large stone, that fire is easy to see from across a room.
• Color and clarity: our moissanite is colorless to near-colorless with VVS clarity (each listing gives the exact grade), so even a big stone looks clean and bright.

Weighing moissanite against lab-grown diamond? Read moissanite vs. lab-grown diamond.

How big does a 3, 4 or 5 carat moissanite look?

Moissanite is slightly lighter than diamond, so jewelers often describe its size in millimeters, or as the carat weight a diamond of the same size would have. The millimeter size is what you actually see on the hand. Approximate sizes for a round stone:

• 2 carat look: about 8 mm across
• 3 carat look: about 9 mm
• 4 carat look: about 10 mm
• 5 carat look: about 11 mm

Many of our listings give the stone's exact measurement in the specifications. Elongated shapes like oval, emerald and elongated cushion look even bigger than a round of the same carat weight, because they cover more of the finger.

CT vs. CTW: read the title carefully

On our listings, CT usually means a single center stone, as in a 5.00 CT solitaire. CTW means carat total weight: the center stone plus every side stone, halo stone and, in a bridal set, the stones in the band. A 6.25 CTW three stone ring, for example, adds the center stone and its two side stones together. The specifications on each listing break down the center and side stone weights, so you know exactly how big the center is.

The best shapes for a large stone

• Oval and elongated cushion: look the largest for their weight and make fingers look longer. See our 3.00 CT oval moissanite solitaire.
• Round: the most brilliant shape, and moissanite's fire shows best in it. See our 5.00 CT round moissanite solitaire.
• Emerald and radiant: step-cut and rectangular shapes with an elegant, Art Deco look. Big emerald cuts show off moissanite's clarity.
• Cushion: a soft square with big, bold flashes, and our most popular large moissanite shape.

For more on each cut, see our engagement ring shapes guide.

Settings that make a big stone work

• Solitaire: four or six prongs and nothing else, so the stone is the whole show. Browse solitaire engagement rings.
• Hidden halo: a ring of small stones under the center that you see from the side, adding sparkle without making the top look busier. See this 7.50 CTW cushion hidden halo bridal set or all hidden halo rings.
• Halo and double halo: a border of small stones around the center that makes a large stone look even bigger. Browse double halo engagement rings.
• Three stone: a large center with two side stones, such as this oval and half moon three stone ring. Browse three stone engagement rings.
• Bezel: a smooth rim of gold around the stone. It's the most protective setting for a big ring you wear every day.

Comfort and everyday wear

• Check the band width. A large center needs a sturdy band to balance it. Many of our large rings are made in solid, heavy 14K gold for that reason.
• Think about height. A tall setting shows off the stone but can catch on sweaters and gloves. Bezel and low-profile settings sit closer to the finger.
• Get your size right. A heavy ring that's loose will spin and tip to the side. Use our ring size guide, and if you're between sizes, ask us before you order.
• Keep it clean. Lotion and soap dull any large stone. Soak it in warm water with mild dish soap, brush gently with a soft toothbrush, and rinse.

What does a large moissanite ring cost?

In our large moissanite rings collection, a typical ring of 3 to 7 carats total weight costs about $1,000 to $1,200. Simple solitaires start under $500, and the biggest statement pieces, up to 16.50 CTW, go up to about $5,000. Prices include solid 14K gold and free shipping in the US and Canada.

Shop large moissanite rings

See all 3 carat and larger rings in our large moissanite engagement rings collection, or browse bridal sets with a big center in bridal ring sets. Every piece is handcrafted in solid 14K white, yellow or rose gold in Los Angeles. Questions about a stone's size or a custom design? Call us at 310-486-8838 or email knrinc@att.net.