Moissanite has quickly become one of the most beloved alternatives to diamonds – celebrated for its brilliance, durability, ethical sourcing, and remarkable affordability. Whether set in an engagement ring, earrings, or a timeless necklace, moissanite jewellery dazzles with a fire and sparkle that rivals even the finest gemstones.
But just like any cherished piece, proper care is essential to maintain the eye-catching luster of moissanite. Although moissanite is incredibly durable – second only to diamonds on the Mohs scale of hardness – it still requires regular maintenance and thoughtful handling to ensure it stays beautiful for decades to come.
Moissanite scores a 9.25 out of 10 on the Mohs scale, making it an extremely hard gemstone and perfect for everyday wear. Its resistance to scratching and chipping makes it ideal for engagement rings and heirloom-quality pieces. That said, moissanite is not completely impervious to damage. While the stone itself is tough, the jewellery setting – whether gold, platinum, or silver – can still wear over time, and improper cleaning can dull its signature sparkle. Oils, lotions, dust, and daily exposure can cause grime to accumulate, dimming even the most brilliant gem. The key to preserving the brilliance of your moissanite lies in combining routine care with mindful habits.
Creating smart habits for everyday wear helps with your jewellery preservation. Moissanite is designed to be worn and admired, but like any precious jewellery, it benefits from a bit of caution. Developing a routine will go a long way towards protecting your ring from unnecessary damage or wear. It’s best to remove your ring during household chores as cleaning agents like bleach and ammonia can harm the settings of your metal and leave a film on your gemstone. Slip off your jewellery or wear gloves whilst cleaning. Also, whether you are lifting weights, doing yoga, or playing tennis, physical activity can expose your jewellery to impact or pressure that can loosen settings or cause scratches. The sparkle of your moissanite jewellery can also be dulled by perfumes, lotions and makeup so be sure to remove when using beauty products. When doing gardening or hands-on work, dirt and debris can easily get lodged in crevices, and tools can knock or damage the setting of your ring. A simple rule to go by is if your hands are about to get messy or wet, your jewellery is probably better off in a safe spot nearby.
Even the most radiant of stones will lose some of its dazzle when coated in everyday residue. Fortunately, moissanite is easy to clean at home with minimal tools and a little care. To restore the brilliance of your jewellery, you will need a small bowl of warm water, a few drops of gentle dish soap, a soft toothbrush and a lint-free or microfibre cloth. First, let your jewellery soak in the soapy solution for 15 to 30 minutes. Then use the toothbrush to gently clean around the stone, with a focus on the edges and beneath the settings.
After, rinse thoroughly under lukewarm running water before patting your ring dry with a clean, soft cloth to avoid spotting. Repeat this routine every few weeks to keep your moissanite looking as vibrant as ever. It’s worth noting that you should avoid abrasive pastes or powders, harsh chemicals, and tissue or paper towel at all costs when trying to clean your moissanite jewellery, as abrasions and scratches on the metal can occur. With gentle, regular cleaning, your moissanite will keep reflecting light with stunning brilliance – just as it did when you first received it.
Even if you clean your jewellery at home, it’s wise to have it professionally cleaned and inspected once or twice a year. Jewellers use steam cleaners that remove grime from hard-to-reach areas to restore the full brilliance to your piece. But professional jewellery maintenance and preservation offers more than just a sparkle – it’s an opportunity to inspect the prongs and setting to ensure the stone is secure, check for wear and tear in the band or chain and re-polish the metal, especially for white gold or silver that may tarnish or dull. Routine professional inspections can prevent loose stones or damage that might otherwise go unnoticed until it’s too late.
Avoiding long-term exposure to harsh conditions is also an effective way of moissanite care. Although moissanite won’t fade or cloud over time, prolonged exposure to harsh environments can take a toll on the overall appearance or setting of your jewellery. Avoid direct, intense heat such as saunas or heat tools that could warp softer metals, chemical-rich environments such as industrial kitchens and hair salons without proper protection, and avoid UV light or tanning beds, which may weaken certain adhesives used in jewellery settings. If you work in an environment with potential hazards, consider wearing a protective ring cover or leaving your moissanite at home.
Caring for moissanite isn’t just about the stone – the metal it’s set in matters too. Each metal has different properties and care needs:
- Gold is prone to surface scratches and white gold may need rhodium plating every few years to maintain its colour.
- Platinum is more durable and less likely to scratch but can sometimes develop a soft ‘patina’ over time – some love this aged look but others prefer polishing.
- Sterling Silver is more prone to tarnishing and oxidation and requires regular polishing. Generally considered too soft for an engagement or wedding ring that will be worn daily.
- Cleaning the stone while ignoring the setting can still lead to tarnish, wear or discolouration. Give equal attention when performing any care routine.
Make Your jewellery Last a Lifetime
At Vinny and Charles, we believe your jewellery should shine for a lifetime – just like the moments they mark. That’s why our moissanite pieces are made with the highest standards of craftmanship and quality, designed to be worn, loved, and cared for every day.
Call one of our team of friendly, expert gemmologists who will be more than happy to assist you in making sure your moissanite jewellery will continue to sparkle as brilliantly as your love story.
