Are you on the hunt for the perfect engagement ring but don't want to break the bank?
Look no further than moissanite, a brilliant and affordable diamond alternative that's been gaining popularity in recent years.
After scouring the internet and testing 20+ retailers, I've narrowed down the best place to buy moissanite engagement rings online.
From exceptional customer service to a wide range of styles and prices, this retailer stands out from the competition.
So if you're ready to pop the question and want a stunning ring that won't cost you a fortune, keep reading to discover my top pick to consider.
At LearningJewelry.com, we understand that trust is a vital factor in the diamond buying process. That's why we want to assure you that our articles are written by experts who have extensive knowledge and experience in the diamond industry.
Our primary author Juli Church is a certified diamontologist with over 7 years of experience in sorting and evaluating diamonds for quality and value. She worked at retail stores for Kay and Zales where she learned industry secrets and now uses her insider knowledge to help readers like you to save big on the perfect gem for their needs.
Juli has written hundreds of jewelry and diamond articles and spends much of her free time browsing and helping out in ring buying Facebook groups to keep up with the latest diamond and wedding trends. Her wealth of knowledge and experience has given her a unique perspective on what information truly helps our readers find and buy the perfect diamond engagement ring or piece of jewelry.
With our team of experts and our commitment to providing accurate and trustworthy information, you can trust LearningJewelry.com to guide you through the diamond buying process with confidence.
Top Pick For Buying Moissanite Rings Online: Brilliant Earth
Look no further than Brilliant Earth for the perfect moissanite engagement ring at a great price.
I researched and compared all of the top online stores before making this recommendation.
While we at Learning Jewelry love to talk diamonds and lab diamonds, we can't ignore the fact that many people, including myself, are on the hunt for the most popular diamond alternative—moissanite.
Surprisingly, a lot of our recommended retailers don't carry moissanite, but our friends at Brilliant Earth do. Before suggesting Brilliant Earth, I consulted reviews and assessed their reputation for quality products and customer service.
I appreciate how Brilliant Earth offers you the unique experience of being able to select a loose moissanite online. Out of the few popular retailers online that do sell moissanite, they usually sell it as a whole engagement ring rather than a loose stone and setting. I verified the authenticity of their moissanite stones and certifications.
The moissanite quality levels are separated into three categories: standard, premium, and super premium. Both premium and super premium are labeled, while standard isn't. I also enjoyed how they have a wide variety of different moissanite shapes to choose from.
Check out this nearly colorless cushion cut moissanite beauty below:
Brilliant Earth's ring settings are among my personal favorites because they have a lot of different styles that I don't see on other retailer sites. And the fact that you can easily customize your own setting for the moissanite center stone you've picked out is usually hard to do without having to leave your home.
Brilliant Earth makes it possible, whether it's in one of their 30 showrooms across the US, online via a virtual appointment with a gemologist, or at your own leisure building on their website. I visited their online store and found it easy and intuitive to navigate.
A neat additional feature to their clear and controllable 360˚ video is the Skin Tone changer. Brilliant Earth believes that having viewable options for different color skin tones will help people of color choose a ring to fit their skin tone.
Other recommended retailers don't offer anything like this.
Furthermore, Brilliant Earth is also philanthropic for both people of color and female artisanal miners. They love to give back and support equality and ethics on all fronts. This was an important factor for me when selecting a store to recommend.
If you want a routine maintenance warranty that's going to cover your rhodium plating for your white gold settings, prong retipping, and stone tightening, you'll have to purchase an Extended Service Plan.
The cost is based on the item you purchase, and it lasts three years. You also have the option of renewing it at the end of those three years, which is something I would definitely consider.
All in all, you can't go wrong with buying your moissanite engagement ring from Brilliant Earth which is my #1 choice for moissanite rings.
How We Selected the Best Places to Buy Moissanite Engagement Rings Online
Selection
When researching stores for moissanite engagement rings, I compared the variety of designs, shapes, and sizes available at different online retailers. I focused on selecting stores that offered a wide range of options to cater to diverse preferences and styles, ensuring that customers could find the perfect ring for their unique needs.
Quality
I assessed the quality of moissanite stones and craftsmanship at various stores by examining their certification, sourcing, and warranty policies. I also consulted reviews and sought advice from friends and family when possible to verify the authenticity and overall quality of the engagement rings offered by each store.
Settings and Jewelry Available
I browsed various online stores to view the range of settings, metal types, and additional jewelry options available. I prioritized stores that offered customization options, allowing customers to create unique engagement rings by selecting their preferred moissanite stone and setting combination.
Pricing
When compiling the list, I considered the budget and compared the prices of moissanite engagement rings across different online stores. I aimed to find stores that offered competitive pricing without compromising on quality, ensuring customers receive the best value for their investment.
Website Experience
I evaluated the online shopping experience by visiting each store's website, focusing on user-friendly navigation, clear product information, and helpful search filters. I also assessed the availability of 360˚ video previews, skin tone changers, and other innovative features to enhance the customer's online experience.
In-person Experience
For customers who prefer an in-person experience, I researched the availability of showrooms and virtual appointments offered by different stores. I selected stores that provided multiple options for customers to interact with gemologists, inspect the moissanite engagement rings, and customize their desired design.
My Experience
I personally went through the checkout process for buying a moissanite engagement ring at each retailer, taking note of the ordering, shipping, and receiving process. I considered the ease of use of each website and took note of any additional charges and taxes added to the order cost.
Customer Service
I evaluated the customer service of each store by inquiring about their moissanite sourcing, certification, and warranty policies. I also tested their responsiveness, helpfulness, and ability to address concerns or issues, ensuring that customers would receive exceptional support throughout their engagement ring purchase journey.
Additional Buying Options
Based on our research, Brilliant Earth remains our top recommendation for purchasing moissanite engagement rings. However, we encourage you to explore the options below as potential alternatives to find the perfect engagement ring that suits your needs.
Online retailers worth considering include Charles & Colvard, MoissaniteCo, Blue Nile, James Allen, Kobelli, Forever Moissanite, Moissanite International, Moissanite Outlet, Moissanite by Design, Clean Origin, Moissanite Direct, Moissanite On Fire, Moissanite Fine Jewelry, Gemvara, and Whiteflash.
For those who prefer brick and mortar stores, you may want to explore Helzberg Diamonds, Michael Hill, Zales, and Borsheims. These retailers also have an online presence, providing you with the flexibility to shop in person or from the comfort of your own home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Moissanite?
Moissanite has been called "Space Diamond" and "Stardust" because it is believed that naturally occurring moissanite has been found in meteorites. This colorless gemstone was discovered by Henri Moissan, a French scientist who had been digging around in crater in Arizona in 1893. He originally thought he'd found a diamond, but it turned out to be an entirely new gemstone that would be called moissanite.
There's a lot of conflicting information about moissanite stones. Is it a diamond? Is it a fake diamond? A diamond simulant? A gemstone? There are many misconceptions and preconceived notions of this flashy stone, and I understand the confusion.
I'm happy to clarify for you that all modern moissanite jewelry is created in a laboratory since naturally occurring moissanite is so rare in existence in nature.
Is Moissanite Good For An Engagement Ring?
Yes, moissanite rings make a fine choice for someone who wants an alternative to a diamond ring. Like me, perhaps you want something different, or perhaps you're looking for something more affordable that looks close enough to a real diamond.
Whatever the case may be, I can confidently say that moissanite makes for a good engagement ring.
One of the measurements I used in determining if a gemstone is fit for engagement or wedding ring purposes, is to measure it on the Moh scale. The Mineral of Hardness scale assesses to the hardness and durability of all minerals.
A diamond reaches a 10 on the Moh scale, which is the hardest mineral on Earth. Moissanites reach a 9.25 on the Moh scale, making them the second hardest mineral on Earth.
Moissanites aren't changed by heat like diamonds, so there's no need to worry about a jeweler's torch altering it during repairs. They are also brighter and flashier than diamonds, especially in sunlight. Some find it a bit too much for everyday wear, so you should see videos of moissanite in the sunlight before choosing it as an engagement ring.
The main drawback to having a moissanite ring is that it doesn't usually have a trade in value and it's almost as expensive as a real diamond. Natural diamonds have both trade-in and investment values. For places to buy diamond engagement rings with a trade-in benefit, check out James Allen's lifetime upgrade benefits here.
Are Moissanite Rings More Expensive Than Diamond Rings?
No, moissanite rings do not cost as much as diamonds. However, they are definitely one of the pricier diamond alternatives, so it's not uncommon for a moissanite center stone to cost thousands of dollars. But when compared to a diamond, there is a distinct difference in cost.
For example, a nice quality one carat moissanite should only set you back about $500, while the average price of a high quality one carat diamond is $4,000. Additionally, the price of moissanite engagement rings depend on the company and if it's a premium moissanite.
When shopping and considering your options, keep in mind that moissanite rings should never cost more than a natural diamond engagement ring.
What Should You Look For When Buying Moissanite Rings Online?
Natural diamonds follow the grading scale set forth by the GIA, the 4Cs. Moissanite's don't have a recognizable grading scale from the GIA. However, I'll share the guidelines that can be applied when buying moissanite stones using the same principles.
Cut
Moissanite cut refers to the proportions and symmetry that allow light to pass through displaying brilliance and fire. Brilliance is the white light in a sparkle and fire is the rainbow light. Premium quality moissanite like the Forever One Moissanite from Charles and Colvard is cut from the strict proportions that moissanites need in order to shine bright.
Moissanites actually shine brighter than a diamond, which some actually find distracting, or even tacky. Diamonds have a refractive index of 2.4 and moissanites have a refractive index of 2.6, making the brilliance more intense than a diamond.
While there is not an official cut grade for any moissanite shape, most people prefer the round cut moissanite. I've also found that fancy shapes like princess, pear, radiant, Asscher, and marquise can also make for beautiful moissanite stones.
Color
When moissanites were first becoming popular, they weren't always colorless. All moissanites contained a hint of color, usually yellow or brownish. These colors may be comparable to diamond color grade of J-M.
Today, moissanites can be found in a range of colors, exactly like the GIA's color grade system for natural diamonds. The color grades for both moissanite and diamond is DEF, GHI, and J-M. Super premium moissanites are colorless D-F. Premium moissanites are near colorless G-I. JKL have a faint tint to them and are regular moissanite. Moissanites with faint color hues of yellow or brown will look nice in rose gold or yellow gold bridal sets.
You should be aware that even colorless moissanite doesn't always look colorless. Moissanite's color changes in lighting, which is one reason why people opt for the steady color display of a natural mined diamond.
Clarity
When a stone is created in a lab like moissanite, it doesn't usually leave inclusions or imperfections in the stone. With diamonds, you're more likely to find bits of crystal trapped in the stone.
So, one further benefit I appreciate about moissanites is that they will always be eye-clean by default, whereas diamonds will cost more to be eye-clean.
Carat
Moissanites allow you to get bigger bling for your buck and costs you less. This is a huge reason why people may opt for a moissanite ring as an alternative to diamond. We said earlier that a loose 1 carat diamond of high quality costs around $4,000. Instead of thinking about moissanites in carats, let's consider the size.
A one carat diamond is about 6.5mm. A colorless moissanite that costs $4000 will be roughly 11mm. That's how much larger a stone you can get. Of course, you'll want to keep in mind that the blinding sparkle of moissanite increases its effect the larger the stone is.
Red Flags When Buying Moissanite Rings Online
You shouldn't come into many issues if you're purposely seeking a moissanite ring. The main red flag when it comes to moissanite is misrepresentation. I noticed how at some places, you'll see moissanite called a "moissanite diamond". This is incredibly misleading. A moissanite may look like a diamond, but the composition is completely different.
Therein lies the problem with moissanite. A person who is looking for a diamond may come across "moissanite diamonds" and think it's the real thing. Unfortunately, some jewelry stores have even duped their customers into purchasing a moissanite under the impression of it being a diamond, like this article here.
The other thing you want to look out when buying moissanite rings is just misinformation. There's a lot of inconsistencies in the moissanite market where people claim that they are almost the same as a diamond, when the two are distinct.
Others may tell you that moissanite is a type of diamond, which it isn't. It's a gemstone all on its own. Some will tell you the value of a moissanite will increase over time. There is a very small chance of that happening. Although natural diamonds don't go up in value, they typically stay the same.
Moissanites do too. Colorless moissanites may not always appear colorless. These are some of the things that a moissanite seller may not tell you when you're shopping around for a moissanite ring.
Read also: Moissanite vs Lab Diamonds
How to get the Best Deal?
Make Sure You Can See the Stone
There are two reasons why you want to observe moissanite before you go and purchase one in your cart. I've told you about how a moissanite ring has a higher show of light than a diamond. Here's a good video comparison of a Harro Gem moissanite, a natural diamond, and a Forever One super premium moissanite from Charles & Colvard.
I have to say, the flashiness is a bit much for me, especially when it comes to shaded light on the Forever One moissanite. The white light is so overwhelming that I can't even tell there's a stone beyond all that light! I prefer the subtle, yet sparkly look of the diamond in the center.
I can see deep into the stone while still enjoy the rainbow light and sparkle. The Harro Gem also looks too gray to me in some lighting and then too flashy in other. I like that diamonds stay close to the same in sunlight or shade.
Make sure you have a good idea of what you're buying before you buy it, even if you have to search for videos yourself. Many companies won't provide high quality videos like they do with diamonds, for moissanite. This is another reason why some prefer diamonds. James Allen uses a 360 viewing technology that allows you to see their diamonds and synthetic diamonds up close and personal.
Remember the Warranty
A good thing to remember is the setting of your ring. If your moissanite ring is white gold, you're going to want a lifetime warranty. White gold needs rhodium plating, which has to be done in order to keep its silvery white color.
Prongs will have to be retipped and stones may need to be tightened. Don't forget about resizing either. It might be difficult to find someone that will replace your moissanite stone it it falls out. Cover your bases with a decent warranty that you can live with.
In Conclusion
Brilliant Earth is the top choice for moissanite engagement rings, with a wide selection of loose stones and customizable ring settings. They offer high-quality products and customer service, and have a reputation for ethics and philanthropy.
Their 360-degree video technology is innovative and unique, and they even offer a Skin Tone changer for viewing rings. With an Extended Service Plan available for routine maintenance, you can keep your ring looking like new. Choose Brilliant Earth for a beautiful and ethical moissanite engagement ring.
