Carat is a weight, not a width — which is why ordering studs by carat alone is how people end up disappointed. What you actually see on the ear is the face-up diameter in millimetres. Here's the translation, and what each size reads like in real life.
Carat to millimetre, for round studs
- 0.3ct — about 4.3mm. A dot of light. Second-hole and stacking territory.
- 0.5ct — about 5.2mm. Reads as a proper stud without announcing itself. The safest everyday size.
- 1ct — about 6.5mm. Clearly visible across a room. This is the size most people picture when they say "diamond studs."
- 2ct — about 8.2mm. Statement territory. Catches light constantly.
- 3ct+ — 9.4mm and up. Deliberate. Great on camera, heavy enough that you'll want a secure back.
Those numbers are per ear. A "1ct pair" and a "1ct total weight" pair are very different purchases — the second is two 0.5ct stones. Always check which one a listing means.
Which size to actually buy
If it's your only pair, 1ct is the size that works at the office and at dinner. If you already own studs and want the upgrade, jump two steps rather than one — 0.5ct to 1ct is noticeable, 1ct to 2ct is obvious. Below 0.5ct, you're buying an accent piece, not a centrepiece.
Our 0.8ct Round Studs run $99–$129 depending on stone size, and the 1ct Round Solitaire Studs are $89. Both are D color, VVS1 clarity moissanite in 925 sterling silver. The full range sits in Earrings.
Why moissanite makes bigger sizes reasonable
A 2ct diamond stud pair is a five-figure purchase. A 2ct moissanite pair is a couple hundred dollars, which is the entire reason people wear larger stones in moissanite than they ever would in diamond. More on that maths in How Much Should Moissanite Cost and Is Moissanite Worth It.
Moissanite Stud Size Questions
What size moissanite studs are best for everyday wear?
1ct per ear (about 6.5mm) is the most popular everyday size — clearly visible but not a statement piece. 0.5ct is the subtler option if you wear earrings daily and want them to disappear into the outfit.
Is 1ct total weight the same as 1ct each?
No. '1ct total weight' means two 0.5ct stones — roughly 5.2mm each. '1ct each' means two 6.5mm stones. Always check which a listing means, as the visual difference is significant.
Do bigger moissanite studs look fake?
Size isn't what makes a stone read as fake — cut quality and setting do. A well-cut 2ct moissanite in a proper four-prong setting reads as a large, well-cut stone. Cheap settings and poor polish are what give a stone away.
How much do 1 carat moissanite studs cost?
At Stone Blvd, 1ct Round Solitaire Studs are $89 in 925 sterling silver with D color, VVS1 clarity stones. Diamond equivalents at that size typically run into the thousands.
