Where to Buy High-Quality Loose Moissanite: Trusted Retailers Reviewed
Where to Buy High-Quality Loose Moissanite: Trusted Retailers Reviewed
Moissanite is a lab-grown gemstone made of silicon carbide, prized for its diamond-like look, high durability, and exceptional fire. It’s distinct from diamond, yet delivers comparable sparkle at a fraction of the price. Its refractive index (2.65–2.69) exceeds diamond’s 2.42, which explains moissanite’s vivid brilliance; nearly all moissanite sold is lab-grown, and comparable stones can cost about 90% less than diamonds, according to OnPattison’s moissanite buying guide. This Jewelry Guidebook review shows exactly where to buy high-quality loose moissanite stones and how to compare vendors on cut performance, imaging, warranties, and return policy—so you can shop colorless moissanite, VVS moissanite, and Hearts & Arrows moissanite with confidence.
How to evaluate a loose moissanite retailer
Use this fast, fact-based Jewelry Guidebook checklist to avoid misrepresented stones and weak policies:
- Origin and brand disclosure: Confirm the stone is lab-grown and the brand is named (e.g., Forever One, Harro Gem, Kori). Brand provenance helps standardize expectations and backing.
- Transparent specs: Look for clear color and clarity (aim D–F for colorless; VVS/IF when available) and explicit cut style (e.g., Hearts & Arrows round, crushed-ice cushion, step-cut emerald).
- Real imaging: HD photos and 360° video of the exact stone—not just stock images—let you judge light return, contrast, and potential issues like windowing.
- Written protections: Seek a written warranty (lifetime defect coverage is ideal) and a reasonable return window (commonly 14–30 days). Clarify exclusions for custom cuts.
- Third-party or brand testing: Ask for certification or documented quality testing where advertised.
- Responsive support and transparent policies: Check shipping, taxes, resizing or setting services, and how issues are handled in writing.
“Cut quality refers to how well a gemstone’s facets are proportioned, aligned, and polished. In moissanite, precision cuts like Hearts & Arrows can enhance brightness and symmetry, minimizing light leakage and visual artifacts. Ask for neutral-light videos to judge sparkle, contrast, and bow-tie in elongated shapes.”
Suggested quick-compare table to build as you shop (Jewelry Guidebook uses a similar grid in our reviews):
| Retailer | Brands carried | Color/clarity ranges | Imaging (exact stone) | Warranty | Returns (typical) | Typical price band (loose/rings) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles & Colvard | Forever One | D–F colorless; eye-clean clarity | Often on request | Lifetime manufacturer | Confirm per listing | Premium; rings ~ $900–$1,800 |
| MoissaniteCo | In-house + select options | D–F; VVS options on select listings | 360° for many shapes | Limited lifetime (varies) | Confirm per listing | Rings ~ $400–$1,500; loose budget–mid |
| Gema&Co | In-house | D–F; VVS options available | 360° where available | Lifetime defect coverage | Confirm window | Mid |
| Fire & Brilliance | Custom-focused (varied brands) | D–F; custom clarity/cuts available | CADs + stone videos | Shop policy (custom focus) | Custom returns stricter | Custom rings ~ $800–$2,500 |
| deBebians | C&C Forever One, Harro Gem, Kori | D–E–F; varied clarity by brand | Photos/video on request | Brand-backed where applicable | Standard; confirm | Varies by brand/cut |
| Loose Moissanite | In-house | D–F; VVS listed on many stones | Videos upon request | Stated with orders | Often ~30 days | Budget–value |
| IceCartel | VVS focus, 14K gold settings | Emphasis on VVS clarity | Video recommended | Shop policy | Confirm per listing | Rings ~ $500–$3,000 |
Note: Always verify the exact return window and warranty terms on the retailer’s site before purchase.
What to expect on price, quality and return policies
- Price: Many moissanite rings are cited around $300–$3,000 depending on specs; loose stones often run ~$300–$1,500 for high-quality pieces, with premium/VVS/Forever One priced higher. Moissanite typically costs about 90% less than comparable diamonds, which enables larger sizes or higher cut quality within budget (OnPattison’s moissanite buying guide).
- Quality targets: For a colorless look, prioritize D–F color and VVS/IF clarity, and request documented cut details. This matters most in larger stones where tint and inclusions can show.
- Policies: Expect 14–30 day return windows on stock items, lifetime defect coverage from better vendors, and stricter/no returns on custom cuts. Always confirm what’s covered (chips, manufacturing defects) and what voids the warranty.
Jewelry Guidebook’s shortlist criteria
- Shortlist 2–3 retailers and request videos of the exact stones. Compare identical size, shape, and cut style across sellers before you buy.
- Prioritize: named brand provenance (Forever One, Harro Gem, Kori), D–F/VVS listings, precision cuts (Hearts & Arrows or well-specified brilliant/step), 360° views, lifetime warranty, and 14–30 day returns.
- Scoring rubric (0–5 each): imaging quality, policy strength, brand clarity, cut disclosure, price transparency, support responsiveness. Choose vendors scoring 22+.
Charles & Colvard
Charles & Colvard is widely credited as the original moissanite company and an industry pioneer; its Forever One line is known for consistent colorless stones and lifetime-backed coverage, with typical premium ring pricing in the ~$900–$1,800 range (OnPattison’s moissanite buying guide). Ask for exact cut details (round brilliant, Hearts & Arrows, etc.) and HD video to assess light performance before purchase. Score each listing against Jewelry Guidebook’s rubric.
MoissaniteCo
MoissaniteCo offers a large selection of shapes, sizes, and settings—helpful for buyers needing niche shapes or matched pairs. See the MoissaniteCo gemstone catalog for breadth and current availability. Expect value-oriented pricing, with many rings cited in the ~$400–$1,500 range. Compare multiple cuts (round, oval, cushion, emerald) and ask about bow-tie performance in elongated shapes.
Gema&Co
Gema&Co is a consumer-friendly specialist known for strong protections, including lifetime warranty coverage and free shipping over $250—good signals of policy strength. Request D–F color stones with VVS options and 360° media when available. Compare their imaging and policies against comparable retailers for similar sizes/shapes to weigh value versus service.
Fire & Brilliance
Fire & Brilliance is a solid pick for bespoke designs and tailored cuts. They specialize in custom moissanite work and unique settings; market ranges for custom rings are often around $800–$2,500, reflecting craft-focused positioning (as noted by industry roundups). Ask for CADs, cut diagrams, and video of your exact stone prior to setting, and confirm custom-order return policies, which are typically stricter.
IceCartel
IceCartel leans style-forward, prioritizing VVS moissanite and premium metals like 14K gold. Their overview of top moissanite jewelers cites engagement ring pricing in the ~$500–$3,000 range depending on style. Verify whether loose VVS stones can be purchased separately, request any available certification/testing, and ask for neutral-light video to confirm minimal tint in larger stones.
deBebians
The deBebians loose moissanite collection is a curated source that carries multiple respected brands, including Charles & Colvard Forever One, Harro Gem, and Kori. You’ll find D–E–F colorless listings and Hearts & Arrows options for superior sparkle, plus Harro Gem custom cuts across many shapes. Compare the same size/shape across these brands to see how cut style and price differ.
Loose Moissanite
Loose Moissanite positions itself as budget-friendly and policy-forward, noting worldwide shipping, conflict-free stones, 30-day returns, and claims that each gemstone is certified and quality-tested before shipping. Ask for the certifying body’s name, sample certificates, and video of the exact stone to corroborate specifications, and compare their transparency with other listed retailers.
Independent and Etsy sellers
Etsy and independent jewelers can be a cost-effective path to unique cuts or savings, with many finished pieces between ~$200–$800. Always corroborate with documentation and stone videos. Use the Jewelry Guidebook safety flow below to standardize your checks.
Safety flow for independents:
- Verify brand/origin (Forever One, Harro, Kori).
- Request HD photos/video of the actual stone.
- Confirm D–F/VVS specs and return window in writing.
- Ask about warranty/defect coverage.
- Pay via protected methods with insured shipping.
Popular moissanite brands to ask for
- Charles & Colvard Forever One: Colorless options, lifetime-backed, American-grown heritage.
- Harro Gem: Broad shapes/sizes with custom-cut capabilities.
- Kori: Available via curated retailers; verify color/clarity ranges on the listing.
Hearts & Arrows moissanite features precisely aligned facets that display distinct heart-and-arrow patterns under a viewer, signaling high symmetry and optimized light return for intense sparkle.
Best places for custom settings after you buy loose
- Shortlist design-forward shops experienced with client-supplied stones, such as custom-focused specialists like Fire & Brilliance.
- Request CADs, metal specs (14K vs 18K), prong style, and setting tolerances matched to your stone’s millimeter dimensions.
- Verify insurance during setting, workmanship warranty, and resizing policy before shipping your stone.
Tips for comparing the same stone across sellers
- Fix target specs: size in mm/carat, shape, cut style, color/clarity.
- Gather 360° videos and stills under neutral light for each vendor.
- Map price, warranty length, and return window into a simple table.
- Score bow-tie severity for ovals/elongated (none, faint, moderate, strong).
- Confirm brand provenance and any certification or testing statements.
Suggested comparison template:
| Vendor | Brand | Specs (D–F/VVS) | Cut (H&A/other) | Imaging | Warranty | Returns | Price |
|---|
Red flags and pitfalls to avoid
- Listings without brand/origin, with only stock photos, or missing color/clarity details. Always ask for videos of the exact stone.
- Too-good-to-be-true “D/VVS” claims without documentation. Request certificates or test results where advertised.
- For elongated shapes, ask directly about bow-tie and windowing; reject stones showing strong bow-tie or obvious leakage in video.
Frequently asked questions
Is moissanite graded like diamonds and who certifies it?
Moissanite isn’t graded by GIA like diamonds. Sellers use brand reports or partner labs; Jewelry Guidebook recommends asking who certifies the stone and reviewing a sample report.
What color and clarity are best for a colorless look?
Choose D–F color and VVS or IF clarity for a crisp, colorless appearance, especially in larger stones where tint and inclusions are more visible. Jewelry Guidebook favors these specs when you want a guaranteed colorless look.
How do I judge cut quality and light performance online?
Request HD videos or 360° views under neutral lighting and look for even brightness, crisp reflections, and minimal leakage. Jewelry Guidebook generally prefers Hearts & Arrows rounds and minimal bow-tie in ovals.
Will moissanite scratch or cloud over time?
Moissanite is highly durable and doesn’t permanently cloud. Regular cleaning keeps it bright, and its higher refractive index contributes to vivid sparkle.
Should I buy the loose stone first or pick the setting first?
Buy the loose stone first if you want a precise, custom-fit setting built to its exact millimeter dimensions. Jewelry Guidebook suggests confirming size tolerances in writing if you start with the setting.