Moissanite has become one of the most talked-about gemstones in the UK jewellery market, and for good reason. It outperforms diamonds on brilliance, costs a fraction of the price, and carries none of the ethical concerns tied to mining. But as the market has grown, so has the variety of moissanite available, and two terms in particular cause genuine confusion for buyers: coloured moissanite and lab grown moissanite.
These terms are not opposites, and they are not interchangeable. Understanding the difference between them will help you make a far more informed decision when choosing a ring, whether you are shopping for an engagement ring, a wedding band, or a fashion piece.
This article breaks down exactly what each term means, how the two types differ in origin, appearance, performance, and value, and which is the better choice depending on what you are looking for.
What Is Lab Grown Moissanite
All moissanite used in jewellery today is lab grown. Natural moissanite exists but is extremely rare and not used in modern jewellery making. Lab grown moissanite is created in controlled conditions to achieve:
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High clarity
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Strong brilliance
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A near colourless appearance
Most stones are designed to sit within the colourless or near-colourless range, making them visually similar to diamonds. This is why they are widely chosen for engagement rings in the UK.
Key insight: “Lab grown” is not a special category. It simply describes how all modern moissanite is made.
What Is Coloured Moissanite
Coloured moissanite is also lab created, but with one key difference. Instead of removing colour to mimic a diamond, manufacturers introduce or preserve colour during the growth process.
This can be done by:
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Adjusting chemical conditions during formation
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Introducing trace elements
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Applying advanced treatments to achieve stable tones
Common colours include:
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Grey and black for modern, minimal styles
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Blue and green for bold statement pieces
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Champagne and yellow for warm, subtle tones
Important point: Coloured moissanite is not a lower grade. It is a deliberate design choice.
What Is the Real Difference Between Coloured and Lab Grown Moissanite?
This is where most buyers get confused. Both stones are lab grown. The real difference is intent.
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Lab grown (colourless) moissanite is created to replicate a diamond
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Coloured moissanite is created to stand apart from it
So the comparison is not about origin. It is about outcome.
How Do Coloured and Colourless Moissanite Rings Compare in Appearance?
Lab Grown (Colourless) Moissanite
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Bright white appearance
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Clean, crisp light reflection
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Classic and widely accepted for engagement rings
Coloured Moissanite
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Visible tones that shift under light
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More personality in different lighting conditions
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Often chosen for unique or non-traditional designs
Insight: Colourless stones reflect light in a more neutral way, while coloured stones interact with light differently, often enhancing the “fire” (rainbow flashes) moissanite is known for.
Does Coloured Moissanite Sparkle More Than Colourless Moissanite?
Yes, but not in the way most people expect. Moissanite already has a higher level of dispersion than diamonds, which means it produces more rainbow flashes.
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Colourless moissanite: cleaner, whiter sparkle
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Coloured moissanite: slightly tinted sparkle with more visible colour play
Neither is better. It depends on what you prefer visually.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Lab Grown (Colourless) Moissanite If:
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You want a traditional engagement ring look
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You prefer a diamond-like appearance
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You value simplicity and versatility
Choose Coloured Moissanite If:
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You want something distinctive
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You prefer a modern or personalised design
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You are not trying to replicate a diamond
Practical insight: Many UK buyers now choose coloured centre stones with neutral bands to balance individuality with wearability.
What Is the Price Difference Between Coloured and Lab Grown Moissanite Rings in the UK?
Coloured moissanite rings in the UK are usually slightly cheaper or priced similarly to lab grown (colourless) moissanite rings, with a typical difference of around 5% to 20%. Colourless moissanite can cost a bit more because it is produced to achieve a diamond-like appearance and is in higher demand, while coloured moissanite pricing depends on the shade and finish. In most cases, the difference is small, so the choice comes down more to style than budget.
Franc Laurent Perspective: Choosing the Right Moissanite for Your Style
At Franc Laurent, the decision between coloured and colourless moissanite is never treated as a question of better or worse. It is about intent.
Some buyers want a ring that mirrors the traditional engagement aesthetic. For them, colourless moissanite offers clarity, balance and familiarity.
Others are looking for something more personal. A grey or champagne moissanite, for example, creates a completely different presence on the hand without compromising durability or brilliance.
What matters most is how the stone aligns with the wearer’s style, not how closely it resembles a diamond. That shift in mindset is what defines modern moissanite buying in the UK.
Final Thoughts
Both coloured moissanite and standard lab grown moissanite are extraordinary gemstones by any measure. They share the same exceptional hardness, the same ethical lab-grown origin, the same dramatically superior brilliance compared to any other gemstone at their price point, and the same ability to be custom cut and set in a vast range of designs.
The difference between them is not one of quality, it is one of intention and expression. Colourless moissanite is the timeless, performance-first choice. Coloured moissanite is the expressive, personality-first choice. Understanding which one reflects what you want from your jewellery is the only decision you need to make.
