Five carats is the point where people stop asking what the stone is and start asking whether it's comfortable. Both questions have straightforward answers.

What five carats costs

• Brilliant Oval Cut 5ct Moissanite Double Hidden Halo Ring — $1,700

• 5 Carat Moissanite Engagement Ring — $1,875

• 5 Carat Brilliant Round Moissanite, 6-Prong High Profile Pavé — $1,875

• 5 Carat Brilliant Round Moissanite, 6-Prong High Profile — $2,100

• 5 Carat Oval Cut Moissanite Ring — $2,225

For comparison, a 5 carat lab grown diamond ring costs several times that, and a mined diamond of comparable quality runs into six figures.

How a 5 carat stone actually wears

It is lighter than it looks. Moissanite is less dense than diamond, so a 5 carat moissanite weighs noticeably less than a 5 carat diamond of the same dimensions. On a stone this size that is a genuine comfort difference.

Profile decides everything. A high-profile setting at 5 carats catches on sleeves, hair and car doors. A hidden halo or lower setting solves most of it, which is why two of the rings above use that construction.

Spinning. Large stones are top-heavy. A sturdier shank, or sizing beads, stops the ring rotating on the finger.

Fire. At this size moissanite's dispersion is unmistakable. In sunlight it throws rainbow flashes that a diamond does not. Some people love that, some find it reads as not-a-diamond. Look at video, not stills, before deciding.

Which shape suits five carats

• Oval spreads the weight across a longer face, so it looks enormous without excessive depth, and it elongates the finger

• Round sits tallest and reads most traditional

• Elongated cushion softens the outline and hides depth well

Frequently asked questions

How much is a 5 carat moissanite ring?

Between roughly $1,700 and $2,225 complete in solid gold, depending on shape and setting.

Is a 5 carat ring too big to wear daily?

It is wearable daily in a lower setting. Many owners keep a plain band for hands-on work and wear the large ring the rest of the time.

Will people be able to tell it isn't a diamond?

At this size, someone familiar with stones may notice the extra fire in bright light. Most people won't look that closely.

What setting works best at 5 carats?

A hidden halo with a sturdy shank: it lowers the profile, supports the stone and stops the ring spinning.

Browse moissanite engagement rings, or compare with 7 carat options.