If you own a moissanite engagement ring or other cherished piece of moissanite jewelry, you know how truly unique and special it is. Admirers may have noticed too and showered you with compliments about how it looks just like a real diamond. There’s no denying its magic – especially when the light hits just right, creating a dazzling disco-ball cast.
And while moissanite is durable enough (scores a 9.25 out of 10 on Moh’s Scale of Mineral Hardness) to wear and marvel at year-round, know that in time, its shine may fade due to a build-up of dirt, oils, lotions, and anything else it comes into contact with. Be on the lookout for the dreaded “oil slick” or watery rainbow-colored stain that sits on the gem’s surface (think oil in a puddle).
The good news is, with proper cleaning and care, you can keep the slick away and enjoy the sparkle of your favorite moissanite gem(s) for years to come.
What is Moissanite?
Before you learn how to clean and care for your moissanite jewelry, it’s important to get to know the stone a little better. Trust us, it's fascinating—out of this world, even. Known as a gemstone born from the stars, moissanite was first discovered in 1893 amongst the remnants of a meteorite that had crashed into the Arizona desert. Bet you had no idea you were wearing stardust from the cosmos, did you?!
Full disclosure: Nowadays, naturally occurring moissanite is ultra-rare, which is why most moissanite jewelry on the market is man-made or lab-grown. But don’t fret. Just because it’s made in a lab doesn’t mean it’s fake. Lab grown moissanite has the same chemical makeup (silicon carbide), hardness, and optical properties as the crystals that fell from the sky over 130 years ago.
Today, lab grown moissanite is a popular and affordable diamond alternative, especially for engagement rings. Modern brides love how it shines brighter, too. This is not hyperbole. Moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamonds, meaning it bends light twice as much. What results is a supercharged sparkle with fiery flashes of rainbow-colored light, making the gem shimmer like a disco ball.
How to Clean Moissanite Jewelry
Cleaning a murky moissanite ring, necklace or pair of earrings is easy, as you can revitalize it instantly with the help of a few common household items. Got dish soap, baking soda, or vinegar? These mild, naturally acidic ingredients are non-abrasive yet tough enough to remove dirt and grime. Surprisingly, it’s all that’s required to bring your moissanite back to life. There’s no rule for how often you should clean your moissanite gems, but once a month should suffice. If it’s worn daily, you may opt for more frequent cleanings.
DIY Ways to Clean Your Moissanite Jewelry at Home
Soap and Water
For a tried-and-true, quick-and-easy way to clean your moissanite jewelry, all you need is warm water, mild dish soap, a soft-bristled toothbrush and a soft cloth. Then follow these simple steps:
- Fill a bowl with water and mix in a few drops of dish soap.
- Place your moissanite jewelry in the suds mixture and let soak for up to five minutes.
- Use a toothbrush to clean any nooks and crannies.
- Rinse under cold water, then pat dry with a soft, clean cloth.
- Polish with a microfiber cloth (optional).
Baking Soda and Vinegar
For a deeper clean that banishes stubborn deposits of debris, try a powerful fizzy blend of baking soda and vinegar.
- Add two tablespoons of baking soda to a small bowl.
- Pour a half cup of white wine vinegar into the bowl. When the vinegar hits the baking soda, a chemical reaction will occur, causing the mixture to bubble.
- Whisk the mixture with a fork until the baking soda is fully dissolved.
- Soak your moissanite jewelry in the solution for two hours.
- Rinse under cold water, then pat dry with a soft, clean cloth.
- Polish with a microfiber cloth (optional).
The Dos and Don'ts of Taking Care of Moissanite Jewelry
Understanding how to care for your moissanite jewelry is essential for keeping it safe and looking its best. Follow these dos and don'ts to preserve its sparkle for as long as possible.
Do...
- Buy jewelry insurance. While regular at-home cleaning and maintenance will keep your moissanite in good condition, it won’t protect it from other perils like damage, theft, loss or disappearance. For peace of mind and financial protection, consider a stand-alone jewelry insurance policy from Jewelers Mutual. It’s an affordable option that can provide broader coverage than traditional homeowners insurance and won’t impact your premiums in the event of a claim. Get a jewelry insurance quote quickly.
- Visit a reputable jeweler twice a year for a professional cleaning and inspection. They have high-tech equipment for cleaning and polishing that can oust dirt and remove any scratches or abrasions. In addition, a jeweler can check to ensure that no stones have come loose and that no prongs have been bent out of shape.
- Store your moissanite properly. Place your moissanite gems in a soft jewelry pouch or a separate fabric-lined compartment in your jewelry box to prevent it from getting scratched or damaged. For more great jewelry storage tips, visit our “How to Store Jewelry” post here.
- Avoid exposure to harmful chemicals. Chemicals found in everyday household products, such as hairspray, perfume, cosmetics and cleaning products, can degrade your moissanite gemstone and tarnish its metal setting. Make sure to remove your moissanite when you use these products.
Don’t Wear Moissanite While...
- Showering. Soaps, shampoos, cleaners, and conditioners can create a film on your moissanite jewelry, making it look dull and dirty over time. If you’re wearing a moissanite ring, these suds could also cause it to slip off your finger (gasp!) and fall down the drain.
- Swimming. Chlorine and saltwater can cause discoloration and damage certain types of metal settings such as gold or silver. While gold is a pure metal, if you are wearing gold mixed with any alloys, it is at risk for damage from chlorine and saltwater (the lower the karat, the more risk for alloys to be present and damage to occur). Cold water can also cause fingers to shrink, making it easy for your favorite piece to slide off into the water’s depths.
- Doing housework. The chemicals in cleaning supplies (i.e., bleaches, detergents and solvents) can be abrasive and erode the finish and polish of your moissanite.
- Gardening. Keep your moissanite away from dirt, pebbles, fertilizers, and creepy crawly things – for obvious reasons.
- Breaking a sweat. Whether you’re hitting the gym, playing a competitive sport, going for a run or working out at home, it’s best to leave your precious moissanite behind. Any sudden movements, collisions or heavy lifting may result in damage or loss. Plus, no one wants all that oily perspiration blotting out your moissanite’s brilliance!
- Doing hair and makeup. Avoid putting your moissanite jewelry in the line of fire of cosmetics, face creams and lotions, hairsprays and perfumes. The oil and grease in these products can easily stick to your stone and muddy it up. Instead, put your moissanite jewelry on last. Think of it as the exclamation point to your look!
Preserving your moissanite jewelry requires some diligence to keep it protected from harm. There’s no better protection for your moissanite jewelry than obtaining personal jewelry insurance just in case something unexpected happens. Jewelers Mutual provides an affordable option that typically costs 1-2% of your jewelry’s value, per year. Check your rate online using the button below.
