On 5 October 2026, moissanite stud earrings cost from $25 to $550 per carat of total pair weight in US dollars, and AUD $599.50 at Aura, mostly because of the metal. KRKC is the cheapest at $25 per carat. Mariqe's 925 sterling silver studs are $44 per carat. The brands that use solid 14K gold, Gema&Co, Charles & Colvard and Aura, charge several hundred per carat. All prices below were checked on each brand's own site that day.
How to read the table
Carat weight is the first trap. Mariqe's "1 carat" studs carry 1 carat in each earring, so the pair holds 2 carats in total. The product page names the variants "1 carat x 2". Some brands list the pair total instead, so a "1 carat" pair from them holds half as much. To compare fairly, the table divides the pair price by the total carat weight of both stones.
Weight basis is the second trap. Charles & Colvard labels its weights DEW, diamond equivalent weight. Not every brand says which basis it uses, and Mariqe's page does not, so treat the per carat figure as a guide to value, not a lab measurement.
| Brand and product | Metal | Stones | Pair price | Per carat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KRKC, Round Excellent VVS1 Moissanite Earrings 0201 | 925 sterling silver base, gold or white gold colour | 1.0 ct in each earring, 2.0 ct total | $49.99 sale (regular $62.99) | $25.00 (regular price $31.50) |
| Mariqe, Eterna Stud Earrings | 925 sterling silver with platinum plating | 1 ct (6.5mm) in each earring, 2.0 ct total | $88 | $44.00 |
| Mariqe, Eterna Stud Earrings | 925 sterling silver with 18k gold plating | 1 ct (6.5mm) in each earring, 2.0 ct total | $118 | $59.00 |
| DovEggs, Round studs push back | Sterling silver | 1 ct in each earring, 2 ct total | $256 | $128.00 |
| DovEggs, Round studs push back | Solid 14k gold | 1 ct in each earring, 2 ct total | $529 | $264.50 |
| Gema&Co, The Round Moissanite Studs, Resplendent stone | 14K white gold | 2.00 ct total, 6.5mm each, D/E/F, VS+ | $825 | $412.50 |
| Gema&Co, same studs, Charles & Colvard Forever One stone | 14K white gold | 2.00 ct total, 6.5mm each | $1,100 | $550.00 |
| Charles & Colvard, Four Prong Classic Round Stud Earrings | 14K white gold | 1.00 ct DEW total, 0.50 ct each | $499 | $499.00 |
| Aura, Round Brilliant Moissanite Stud Earrings | 14K solid white gold | 1 ct (6.5mm) each, 2 ct total, D VVS1 | AUD $1,199 | AUD $599.50 |
| Mezi, Brila Moissanite Studs (6.5mm) | Sterling silver base with gold plating | Two stones per earring, carat weight not stated | AUD $199 | Cannot be calculated |
Prices checked 5 October 2026 on each brand's own website, in the currency shown. Aura and Mezi price in Australian dollars, and the table does not convert them. Mariqe runs sales, so its product page is final. Charles & Colvard's 2.00 ct pair price was not displayed when we checked, so the table shows its 1.00 ct pair.
Where each brand wins
KRKC wins on price. At $49.99 on sale, or $62.99 at its regular price, it is below Mariqe at either figure. Its page lists a GRA report and a warranty card in the box. It is also sterling silver with a gold or white gold colour, the same kind of metal as Mariqe's, so the gap is price, not a different material.
Solid gold wins on metal. Gema&Co, Charles & Colvard, Aura and the solid gold DovEggs option use 14K gold or better. Gold does not need plating, and Mariqe's studs are plated sterling silver, not solid gold. That is what you pay the extra for. Our guide to sterling silver with plating versus solid gold sets out what each costs over years of wear.
Gema&Co and Aura give you a named stone grade. Gema&Co states D/E/F colour with VS+ clarity or better, and Aura states D VVS1. Mariqe states colourless (D), VVS1 and an excellent cut.
Mariqe sits in the middle. It costs less than DovEggs sterling silver at the same carat weight, and less than any gold option here, but more than KRKC. It includes a Lifetime Moissanite Warranty, a GRA report with a unique certification code, a leather box and a premium gift bag. The GRA report is a record of the stone, not an independent valuation. Our GRA certificate guide covers what it does and does not tell you.
Other things the price does not show
Gema&Co makes to order and quotes an average of 2.5 weeks, with up to 4 weeks possible. Aura lists a processing time of 5 to 7 working days. Mariqe ships free standard worldwide in 7 to 10 working days, with priority in 5 to 7. Pierced earrings cannot be returned for hygiene reasons unless defective, so check each seller's own earring policy before you buy.
Mariqe is an Australian company, ECOM CULTURE PTY LTD. The stones are cut and the pieces assembled overseas. The stones are lab grown, not mined, and conflict free.
What this means for you
Decide the metal first. If you want solid gold, the comparison is among Gema&Co, Aura, Charles & Colvard and DovEggs, and Mariqe is not in that group. If a plated sterling silver stud suits you, the real comparison is KRKC, Mariqe and DovEggs. Then compare carat weight on the same basis, pair total to pair total. The size chart in what size stud earring suits a woman over 60 helps you choose the stone size.
Eterna Stud Earrings
Six-prong lab grown moissanite studs in 925 sterling silver with platinum or 18k gold plating, from $88 for the pair at 1 carat in each earring (checked 5 October 2026), backed by the Lifetime Moissanite Warranty.
See sizes and pricesFrequently asked questions
How much do moissanite stud earrings cost per carat?
On 5 October 2026 the brands in this comparison ranged from $25 per carat of total pair weight at KRKC to $550 at Gema&Co with a Forever One stone. Mariqe's silver studs are $44 per carat. Most of the difference is metal, with solid gold costing several times more than sterling silver.
Is a 1 carat pair of moissanite studs 1 carat in each earring?
It depends on the brand. Mariqe's 1 carat studs hold 1 carat in each earring, so 2 carats in total. Charles & Colvard's 1.00 ct pair holds 0.50 ct in each. Always check whether the listed weight is per stone or per pair.
Why are some moissanite studs so much cheaper than others?
Metal is the largest factor. Sterling silver pairs cost far less than 14K solid gold pairs with similar stone sizes. Made to order production and stated stone grades also affect price.
Are Mariqe's earrings solid gold?
No. Mariqe's studs are 925 sterling silver with platinum plating or 18k gold plating. Solid gold options from other brands cost more per carat.