One of the most frequently asked questions is: “How do you properly care for and clean moissanite jewelry?” We’ve put together a simple guide to help you preserve your gemstone’s brilliance and captivating sparkle for years to come, just as beautiful as the day you bought it.
Moissanite is one of the hardest gemstones used in fine jewelry, with a hardness of 9.25–9.5 on the Mohs scale. This means it is highly resistant to scratches and everyday wear. For comparison, diamond, the hardest natural mineral on Earth, has a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale.
However, like all gemstones, moissanite requires regular care to maintain its brilliance for years to come. Fortunately, caring for moissanite is relatively simple, and you can easily clean your jewelry at home.
Storing Your Moissanite Jewelry
One of the first things you’ll need after purchasing moissanite jewelry is a proper jewelry box. It will protect your gemstone from dust and help preserve your jewelry’s original appearance for as long as possible.
Ideally, moissanite jewelry should be stored separately in a soft pouch or a fabric-lined jewelry box with individual compartments. Moissanite is extremely hard, which means it can scratch softer gemstones and precious metals when stored together.
How to Clean Moissanite at Home
Over time, you may notice that your moissanite seems to have lost some of its sparkle. This is common not only with moissanite but also with diamonds and other gemstones.
Constant contact with your skin and moisture can cause a thin layer of oils to accumulate on the gemstone. Dust and dirt then settle on its surface, gradually diminishing the jewelry’s original brilliance.
Although it’s impossible to prevent everyday buildup completely, a few simple habits can help keep your jewelry cleaner for longer:
- Avoid touching the gemstone unnecessarily. Natural oils from your skin and fingers can quickly leave a film on its surface.
- Remove your jewelry before applying cosmetics or skincare products. Hand creams, for example, can easily accumulate in hard-to-reach areas of the setting.
- Consider removing your jewelry before washing your hands. Soaps and certain hand sanitizers contain glycerin and moisturizing ingredients that may leave a thin residue on the gemstone.
Cleaning Your Moissanite
- One simple method of daily care is wiping the gemstone’s surface with rubbing alcohol. You can use a soft cloth or wipe to remove the oily film that has accumulated throughout the day.
- If you notice significant dirt buildup beneath the gemstone or inside its setting, prepare a simple cleaning solution using a few drops of dishwashing liquid and warm water. Soak the jewelry for approximately 10 minutes, then gently remove the dirt using a toothbrush with the softest available bristles. After cleaning, rinse thoroughly with water to remove any remaining detergent.
The bristle softness is usually indicated by the manufacturer on the toothbrush packaging.
Using a medium- or hard-bristled toothbrush, toothpaste, or baking soda is strongly discouraged. Although their abrasive properties may not damage the moissanite itself, they can easily scratch the precious metal setting and cause your jewelry to lose its shine.
- Dry your moissanite jewelry thoroughly with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Professional Jewelry Cleaning Products
If you’re looking for something more specialized than soap and water, you can choose a ready-made jewelry cleaning solution specifically designed for gemstones such as diamonds, moissanite, and corundum.
Choose a non-toxic, non-abrasive cleaner that is suitable for your particular piece of jewelry. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to help restore your moissanite’s beautiful sparkle.
*Please note that not all cleaning products are suitable for every type of metal or gemstone.
Using Ammonia to Clean Moissanite
Ammonia can be effective for cleaning moissanite jewelry. Before using it, wear protective goggles and gloves, and work only in a well-ventilated area.
To prepare a solution, dilute one part household ammonia with one to two parts water. Place the moissanite jewelry in the solution for a few minutes, depending on the level of contamination, then gently clean it with a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly under running water afterward.
Moissanite is a very durable gemstone and can generally withstand ultrasonic cleaning.
We recommend professional ultrasonic cleaning at a jewelry workshop approximately once a year, depending on how dirty your jewelry becomes. Ultrasonic vibrations effectively remove dirt and residue, even from areas that are difficult to reach. This type of cleaning can help restore your jewelry’s brilliance and cleanliness.
Before choosing ultrasonic cleaning, consult a professional jeweler. Certain settings, particularly those holding small gemstones, may be vulnerable to ultrasonic vibrations and require inspection beforehand. Ultrasonic cleaning is also not recommended for jewelry featuring enamel or other delicate gemstones.
What to Avoid
- Harsh Chemicals
Avoid exposing your jewelry to harsh chemicals and substances that leave stubborn residues, such as strong cleaning agents, hairspray, glue, and resin. Although these substances may not directly damage the moissanite, they can encourage dirt buildup and reduce the gemstone’s brilliance. Hairspray, in particular, can make cleaning more difficult. When sprayed, it can settle evenly across the gemstone and reach areas that are difficult to access. Over time, the residue may harden and become difficult to remove. In severe cases, removing this buildup may require a jeweler to take the gemstone out of its setting for a thorough cleaning.
- Testing Your Gemstone’s Durability
Це правда, муасаніт витримує зношування і подряпини, але це не означає, що його зовсім не можна пошкодити. Сильний та одночасно різкий удар, спрямований на одну точку каменю, може призвести до сколу. Найкраще попередньо зняти кільце з муасанітом (браслет, підвіски та сережки), щоб не пошкодити його при заняттях спортом, під час походу, садівництвом та іншим.
It’s true that moissanite is highly resistant to wear and scratches, but that doesn’t mean it is completely indestructible.
A strong, sudden impact concentrated on one point of the gemstone can cause it to chip.
It’s best to remove your moissanite ring, bracelet, pendant, or earrings before sports, hiking, gardening, or other activities that might expose your jewelry to impacts or damage.
Moissanite can still be scratched by materials that are harder than the gemstone itself. Examples include diamond-tipped tools, diamond-coated surfaces, and other abrasives with a hardness above 9.5 on the Mohs scale. Try to avoid contact with such materials.
Does Moissanite Become Cloudy?
This is one of the questions our customers ask most frequently.
The good news is that high-quality moissanite does not permanently lose its natural brilliance or become cloudy internally under normal conditions, unlike some inexpensive diamond simulants, such as cubic zirconia, which may lose their original appearance over time.
However, as dirt, oils, and other residues accumulate on the surface, your moissanite may begin to look cloudy or hazy.
Since this cloudiness is generally caused by surface buildup rather than a change inside the gemstone, it can usually be removed with proper cleaning.
What Is an Oil Slick Stain on Moissanite?
Rainbow-colored, oily stains on moissanite are sometimes referred to as the “oil slick effect.”
This describes a thin film on the gemstone’s surface that creates iridescent, rainbow-like patches resembling oil on water. Such surface stains can often be removed through cleaning.
One method sometimes recommended for removing an oil slick stain is using silver polish with a soft toothbrush or cloth. Apply a small amount of silver polishing cream to the moissanite’s surface, gently rub it in circular motions, and rinse thoroughly.
The stain may disappear, restoring the gemstone’s beautiful sparkle.
You can also have this procedure performed by a professional jeweler, who can carefully remove the residue without damaging the details of the setting.
You are always welcome to contact Moissanite Ukraine for assistance with cleaning your jewelry or to ask any questions if you need additional advice.
How Often Should You Clean Moissanite?
There are no strict rules about how often moissanite should be cleaned. Every piece of jewelry is different, and you can usually tell when your gemstone needs a little extra attention.
We recommend checking your jewelry regularly and storing it carefully.
Over time, gemstone settings and prongs can become loose, increasing the risk of losing a stone.
To prevent this, pay attention to any unexpected movement of the gemstone within its setting. If you notice anything unusual or suspect that the stone is becoming loose, take your jewelry to a professional jeweler as soon as possible. A jeweler can inspect the setting and make any necessary adjustments or repairs to keep your gemstone secure.