1ct Marquise Moissanite Engagement Ring in 925 Silver

Marquise is the long, pointed oval, a boat shape with a tip at each end. It is the cut that gives the most surface area for the carat weight, so a 1ct marquise looks noticeably bigger on the hand than a 1ct round. The elongated outline also lengthens the finger, which is why it flatters shorter hands. The trade off is the two points, which are the vulnerable part of the stone and are worth protecting with a secure setting.

The centre stone is moissanite. It reads like diamond to the eye and outperforms it on fire, because its refractive index of about 2.65 bends more light than diamond's 2.42. At 9.25 on the Mohs scale it is hard enough for a ring worn every day, and the hardness matters most at the points, where a softer stone would chip. The band is 925 sterling silver plated in 18k, so the metal will not tarnish the way brass does.

There is one stone weight, 1ct, so the main decision is ring size. Sizes are offered in small steps, including 4.25, 4.75, 5.25, 5.5, 6 and 6.5 and up, so you can find a close fit instead of rounding up or down. Measure at the end of a warm day, when fingers are largest, and remember that a long stone sits better when the ring is not too tight. Keep the tips clear of knocks.

• Stone: marquise cut moissanite, 1ct
• Metal: 925 sterling silver, 18k plated
• Ring sizes: US 4.25 to 6.5 and up, in quarter and half steps
• Setting: claw set with protected points
• Style: solitaire engagement ring
• Suits: engagement, promise or wedding