A diamond may look small in size, and by small I mean, tiny in size but inside, it keeps enough weight that one can feel it easily. This is the reason when there is moissanite and real diamond on the same table one will definitely, “could you please check which one is heavy”, so the debate would be initiated and from there the moissanite carat size vs diamond gets interesting. And this is because of the same shine and sparkle but different weight.
So, when someone enters the jewelry shop, they may see the diamond sparkle first, but the magic is inside the gemstone, weight, shape and cut.
That is the reason I have explained both diamonds in detail. The real diamonds are heavier, small in size, more density but moissanite on the other side are lower in weight, large size and have a huge sparkle.
This makes the competition tough, both are extremely beautiful, and are attractive but require more experience to compare both. Worry not, in this gemstone size guide, I have explained each and every point about the two beautiful stones clearly. Just scroll down and get the info in a few minutes.
What Does Carat Size Mean in Jewelry?
Many people considered the carat, gemstone size, but it is actually the weight of the diamond. According to GIA, one metric carat equals 0.2 grams. Exactly your heard right, the diamond carat size defines the weight of the stone not the size. From the size I mean, not that wide angle which appears from the top of the stone and that cut sizes as well.
But here is a trick between two stones, they can fool you with their same weight but different size. Because the same weight does not mean that both diamonds would have the same size as well. Because, one would may sit deeper while the other look large in size then the heavy deeper stone. So keep this point in mind while shopping, otherwise you will catch the heavy one instead of that large size diamond.
What Is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a lab created diamond which is considered the alternative option of the real diamond and made from silicon carbide. Yes you heard right, it is a lab created. Because, this famous and beautiful stone is very rare on earth, but has very high market demand. That is the only reason that these shiny stones are created in laboratories. And this high market demand is because of the good looking structure, bright color, and rainbow fire and the most important one is its low price which everyone can afford easily.

And as we discussed above, the stone weight is lower than real diamond but large in size which makes its beauty maximum and offers a huge sparkle and shine.
What Is Diamond?
A gemstone made of pure carbon and different from other alternatives like moissanite or Cubic Zirconia. These stones are real diamonds but also lab created as well. Real diamonds grow inside the earth but are very rare, on the other side, in controlled laboratories, scientists provide the heat and pressure to the same materials and then create real lab created diamonds. Both can provide the same shine, durability and emotions and have similar demand in the market. Because real stuff has its own aura and attraction which can never be ignored.
So, in America, diamonds are the only choice which is considered the perfect option for an engagement ring. People love its shine and value. Not only shine but have huge history at the back and of course the better resale value. So, if someone needs to invest money, real diamonds are the only option.
Moissanite Carat Size vs Diamond: The Main Difference
Now here is the interval of the topic. This huge debate is circulating around that secret which 95% don't know, and that is the diamond density. So real diamonds have more weight than that alternative stone “Moissanite”. But still sellers list the moissanite stones in diamond equivalent.
So, as a beginner, do not get confused about the moissanite carat size vs diamond. Now I have something more to shock you, that “1 carat DEW” in the moissanite diamond means that the diamond is close to the real diamond 1 carat weight. Of course, the actual weight of the moissanite stone is completely different and lower than the real diamond, and this is only because of the gravity value, which is different for both stones due to high and low density.
Moissanite Size Chart vs Diamond Size Chart
Still if you are confused, I have created a clear and easy to understand table which contains both diamond values. The diamond size, depth, cutting style and shape can change the table values. So read the blow moissanite and real diamond size chart, this is not a strict rule but you can use it as a visual guide.

|
Diamond Look |
Approx. Round MM Size |
Moissanite Listing Style |
Best Use |
|
0.50 carat |
5.0 mm |
0.50 ct DEW |
Studs, small rings |
|
1.00 carat |
6.5 mm |
1.00 ct DEW |
Classic engagement ring |
|
1.50 carat |
7.4 mm |
1.50 ct DEW |
Noticeable center stone |
|
2.00 carat |
8.1 mm |
2.00 ct DEW |
Bold bridal look |
|
3.00 carat |
9.3 mm |
3.00 ct DEW |
Statement jewelry |
Does Moissanite Look Bigger Than Diamond?
Yes, moissanite looks bigger than the real diamond and this is because of its huge sparkle and rainbow fire which attract everyone's eyes in a watch suitcase, even when both diamonds are equal in size. For example both are equal around 7mm (millimeter). This extra shine creates a charming aura.
Still, the exact size purely depends on the measurement for both diamonds, if it is 7mm, one can not say one is 7 and the other one is 8mm. But that strong light can make the moissanite louder in a crowd. On the other hand, real diamonds have more density, which one can feel while holding both in fingers.
Best Moissanite Size for Watches and Bracelets
Let me explain this scenario in easy words. The engagement rings have only one large diamond in the center. But in case of watches and bracelets, many small or large size moissanite diamonds are placed nicely to cover the whole watch or the bracelet. But the question arises here, how to weigh the diamonds in this case. So here the total weight of the diamonds matters the most, not a single one.
So you would need to ask about the stone size in millimeters, the clasp strength (connecting material which is used to join the two ends together), total stone count and of course the warranty. That’s it. So the bracelet having large size stones looks louder, has more shine and is ready for the party all the time. The small size diamond bracelet looks more sharp and refined.
Moissanite vs Diamond Price by Carat Size
As we all know that moissanite is an alternative option and is cheaper than real diamonds. So all the smart buyers in the watch market compare moissanite vs diamond price before going to purchase a ring, watch or a bracelet. So, in the same small budget, you can choose the bigger moissanite diamonds for better attraction.
But in case of real gemstones, its price could be affected with the carat size. Not only the carat size but the other factors as well such as, clarity of the diamond, origin, color and cut (sharp or dam). So, diamonds having larger size, clear cut and bright color could cost you more than ever.
FAQs:
Following are the trending queries people ask about the moissanite carat size vs diamond.
Is 1 Carat Moissanite the Same Size as 1 Carat Diamond?
As you know carats define the weight of the diamond, but the two diamonds, moissanite and real diamonds have different sizes in the same weight. Still, the jewelers will guide you that both are equal and same. But 1 carat diamond is a bit heavier than 1 carat DEW moissanite, if both sizes match in millimeters.
Does Moissanite Look Bigger Than Diamond?
If both diamonds are the same size, the moissanite will look bigger because of its huge sparkle and shine, which is the only reason buyers considered the moissanite bigger than diamonds. For example, if both stones are 7 mm round, in this case, both should look similar in size, yet moissanite looks brighter and bigger.
Should I Compare Moissanite by Carat or MM?
First of all, you need to compare by millimeter, then comes to the carat or DEW. Because the millimeter shows you the actual size of the diamond and carat tells you how much weight the diamond has.
Conclusion
So, we’re at the final part of the article, and I hope your confusion about these two beautiful stones, moissanite carat size vs diamond, is now clear.
Keep the carat size away from the millimeter or DEW size of the diamond. The millimeter tells you the actual size of the diamond and the carat shows you the actual weight of the diamond. So, we have made it clear that moissanite looks larger but lower carat size than real diamonds. Real diamonds have more density which makes it heavy in weight.
But both numbers get skipped by most of the buyers, and they look first to the diamond cut, clarity and shape, not just the diamond weight and size.
Still, if you are going to purchase one of the above diamonds, ask for the real and genuine video, real image and for a gra certificate where each and every details of the diamonds are mentioned clearly.