Top Loose Moissanite Retailers: Prices, Return Policies, and Upgrade Programs

Looking for where to buy loose moissanite stones? This guide compares leading retailers by typical price ranges, return policies, warranties, and viewing tools so you can shop with confidence. Moissanite is a lab-created gemstone prized for its high refractive index (~2.65–2.69), strong fire, and Mohs hardness ~9.25, offering diamond-like sparkle and durability at lower prices. Typical loose moissanite runs about $300–$1,500 per carat, while comparable diamonds range roughly $3,000–$15,000 per carat; some direct manufacturers list entry stones around $60, helpful for calibrated sizes and side stones (OnPattison’s buying guide; Franclaurent on moissanite specs; LooseMoissanite.com pricing note). Below, find concise retailer profiles, our evaluation framework, and a pre-purchase checklist.

Jewelry Guidebook

Our mission is to make value-conscious jewelry decisions simple. We synthesize price ranges (including moissanite price per carat), return policy norms, and warranty signals into scannable retailer comparisons. Expect data-informed notes on common 14–30 day return windows in reputable jewelry contexts, what warranties mean in practice, and when insured shipping matters for peace of mind (JS Diamonds on policy norms; Gema&Co’s insured delivery).

To speed decisions, we provide:

• Quick-glance retailer bullets: price feel, returns/warranty, best-for scenarios.
• A size-to-weight reference from vendor listings so you can translate mm to approximate carat expectations (e.g., 6.5 mm ≈ 0.86 ct; 8 mm ≈ 1.96 ct) (ShopLC sizing examples).

We apply this framework consistently across the retailers below.

Charles & Colvard

Charles & Colvard is widely credited as the original commercial moissanite brand and maker of the Forever One line, a common choice for colorless moissanite seekers who want established branding and consistency (Fine Grown Diamonds overview). Many top jewelers highlight 360° HD product views as a key shopping aid; use them to evaluate facet precision and light return before buying (IceCartel’s jeweler roundup).

What to check:

• Color grade positioning (aim for colorless lines if D–F is your target).
• Warranty language and whether it covers manufacturing defects.
• Return window length and whether return shipping is covered.
• Any grading or documentation offered per stone.

MoissaniteCo.com

MoissaniteCo offers a massive, moissanite-specific inventory with many shapes, sizes, and price tiers—ideal for hard-to-find cuts and exact millimeter targets. Their broader market positioning is often associated with competitive price bands (context: many MoissaniteCo ring builds land around $400–$1,500, which helps anchor overall value expectations even when you’re shopping loose stones) (OnPattison price context). Explore their loose selection at MoissaniteCo.com.

Before purchasing:

• Verify exact measurements in mm and tolerance.
• Request photos/360° video to confirm cut and brilliance.
• Confirm the return policy specifics for loose stones.
• Ask what specs (color target, cut style, calibration) are documented per stone.

Gema&Co

Gema&Co leans into service and assurance, making it a good fit if you prioritize warranty coverage and protected delivery. Policies include a limited lifetime warranty and a one-month return window for unworn items, plus insured shipping and secure packaging—comforting for first-time buyers (Gema&Co policy page). The brand also highlights ethical gemstones and custom loose options in industry roundups (Fine Grown Diamonds overview).

Pro tip: Ask at purchase about any upgrade or trade-in pathway. Formal moissanite upgrade programs are not consistently published across retailers, and clarity up front helps set expectations (OnPattison).

Brilliant Earth

Brilliant Earth is a mainstream brand name for shoppers who want assurance, ethical positioning, and documentation with moissanite—useful if you prefer a certified alternative to diamond with a polished retail experience (Fine Grown Diamonds overview). When buying loose stones, verify what grading or third-party documentation accompanies your purchase, the return window, and who pays return shipping.

Best for: buyers willing to pay a premium for brand reputation, consistent service, and ethical framing.

Etsy Sellers

Etsy can be a savvy route for budget or bespoke stones, including colored moissanite and unusual cuts. Pricing can be very competitive, but quality and policies vary by seller, so diligence is essential. Typical Etsy moissanite jewelry ranges from about $200–$800, signaling budget-friendly norms; loose stone pricing will vary similarly by size and grade (OnPattison Etsy context).

Due diligence checklist:

• Confirm return window length (many small shops use 7–14 days) and who covers return shipping.
• Read verified reviews and inspect seller photo/video consistency.
• Request neutral-light videos and confirm exact mm measurements.
• Message about color grade targets (e.g., D–F colorless moissanite) and clarity expectations.

LooseMoissanite.com

LooseMoissanite.com positions as a direct-manufacturer value option with low entry prices—claims of starting near $60 per stone are useful for calibrated cuts, side stones, and DIY builds (manufacturer pricing note). If you’re matching pairs or building your own setting, prioritize precise measurements and tolerance matching.

Before ordering:

• Verify return terms, especially for custom dimensions.
• Ask what grading or specs come with each stone.
• Confirm whether customization affects eligibility for returns.

Fire & Brilliance

Fire & Brilliance is a boutique option known for custom design and made-to-order work—ideal when you want a unique shape or strict millimeter tolerances. For budgeting, custom pieces are often quoted around $800–$2,500, reflecting craftsmanship and personalization (OnPattison price context).

What to request:

• Exact videos, CAD previews, and mm tolerances for loose stones.
• Clear timelines and policies; custom and made-to-order return rules are often stricter.
• Whether any upgrade, remake, or credit programs are available.

How we evaluated prices, returns, and upgrades

We assess retailers at Jewelry Guidebook through three lenses you can apply anywhere:

• Price realism: Compare offers to market benchmarks—about $300–$1,500 per carat for quality loose moissanite, and budget entry points near $60 per stone for smaller calibrated cuts (OnPattison; LooseMoissanite.com).
• Policy clarity: Reputable jewelry sellers commonly post 14–30 day returns; know who pays return shipping and any restocking fees (JS Diamonds).
• Service longevity: Warranties (e.g., limited lifetime) and insured shipping are confidence drivers for online gem purchases (Gema&Co).

Retailer comparison at a glance:

What to verify before you buy

1. Confirm measurements in millimeters and approximate carat equivalent. Common examples from vendor charts:

   • 6.5 mm round ≈ 0.86 ct
   • 8.0 mm round ≈ 1.96 ct
   • 9×6 mm pear ≈ 1.30 ct
   • 7×5 mm octagon ≈ 0.87 ct
     These mappings help you compare apples to apples when listings cite mm vs ct (ShopLC sizing examples).

2. Request photos/360° videos under neutral lighting to evaluate cut quality and light performance; many reputable jewelers provide 360° HD views for this reason (IceCartel jeweler guide).

3. Verify the return policy length and who pays return shipping. A 14–30 day window is common among reputable sellers; confirm any restocking fees in advance (JS Diamonds on norms).

4. Ask about grading or documentation. Third-party reports aren’t uniform for moissanite, but you should still get detailed specs and the ability to inspect on receipt (JS Diamonds).

5. Clarify warranty terms and ask directly about upgrade/trade-in options, which are not consistently published across moissanite retailers (OnPattison).

“Refractive index measures how strongly a gem bends light; moissanite’s ~2.65–2.69 RI produces intense rainbow fire, often more than diamond at ~2.42” (OnPattison). For daily wear, moissanite resists scratching and abrasion thanks to its ~9.25 Mohs hardness (Franclaurent; Dincey on durability).

Size-to-weight quick reference:

Frequently asked questions

What is a fair price range for loose moissanite by size and quality?

Expect roughly $300–$1,500 per carat for quality stones, with some manufacturers offering entry prices near $60 for small calibrated cuts; larger, colorless stones with fine cuts trend higher. Jewelry Guidebook’s retailer snapshots help benchmark offers by size and specs.

Do loose moissanite stones come with certification or grading?

Certification isn’t uniform for moissanite; reputable sellers typically provide detailed specs and sometimes third-party documents. Use Jewelry Guidebook’s pre-purchase checklist to request measurements, neutral-light videos, and any grading details.

How do return windows and who-pays-return-shipping typically work?

Returns commonly fall in the 14–30 day range, but policies vary—confirm in advance whether you or the retailer covers return shipping and any restocking fees. Jewelry Guidebook notes policy norms in each retailer profile.

Are upgrade or trade-in programs common for moissanite?

Formal upgrade or trade-in programs are less common than in diamond retail; ask retailers directly at purchase about trade-up credits or custom paths tied to their service policies. Check the retailer’s page and ask—our profiles flag where to start.

What quality checks should I request before purchasing online?

Ask for exact mm measurements, neutral-light videos, and clarity on color grade and cut; confirm return windows, warranty coverage, and any available grading or inspection period. Jewelry Guidebook’s quick reference and policy notes make this faster.