How to Clean and Care for Moissanite Jewelry: The Complete Guide
Moissanite requires minimal maintenance to stay brilliant for a lifetime. Clean it every 1-2 weeks with warm water and mild dish soap, store it separately from other jewelry, and avoid harsh chemicals. That is genuinely all it takes. Moissanite is one of the most low-maintenance gemstones you can own.
This guide from The Real Jewelry Company covers everything you need to keep your moissanite jewelry looking as brilliant as the day you bought it.
How to Clean Moissanite at Home
Method 1: Warm Soapy Water (Recommended)
This is the safest and most effective cleaning method for all moissanite jewelry.
- Fill a small bowl with warm (not hot) water and a few drops of mild dish soap
- Soak your jewelry for 10-15 minutes to loosen any oils and debris
- Gently brush with a soft-bristle toothbrush, paying attention to the underside of stones where dirt accumulates
- Rinse under warm running water
- Pat dry with a lint-free cloth or microfiber towel
- Allow to air dry completely before storing
Method 2: Jewelry Cleaning Solution
Commercial jewelry cleaning solutions work well for moissanite. Look for non-toxic, ammonia-free formulas. Avoid any cleaner that contains bleach, chlorine, or acetone.
Method 3: Ultrasonic Cleaner
Ultrasonic jewelry cleaners are safe for moissanite and do an excellent job removing dirt from hard-to-reach areas like prong settings. Fill with water and a drop of dish soap, run the cycle, and pat dry. These devices cost $20-$40 and are worth the investment if you clean your jewelry regularly.
How Often to Clean
| Wear Frequency | Cleaning Frequency |
|---|---|
| Daily wear | Every 1-2 weeks |
| Regular wear (3-4 days/week) | Every 2-3 weeks |
| Occasional wear | Before and after wearing |
| Special occasions only | Before each wear + before storing |
Storage Best Practices
- Store each piece separately. Moissanite (9.25 Mohs) can scratch gold (2.5-4 Mohs) and silver (2.5 Mohs). Keep pieces in individual pouches or compartments.
- Use a jewelry box with soft lining. Velvet or microfiber-lined boxes protect against scratches and tarnish.
- Keep away from humidity. While moissanite itself is impervious to moisture, sterling silver can tarnish in humid environments. Store silver pieces with anti-tarnish strips.
- Avoid direct sunlight for storage. Prolonged UV exposure will not damage moissanite, but it can discolor jewelry boxes and fabric linings.
What to Avoid
- Chlorine and bleach: Swimming pools, hot tubs, and cleaning products with chlorine can damage metal settings (especially gold alloys). Remove jewelry before swimming.
- Lotions, perfumes, and hair products: Apply these before putting on jewelry. Oils and chemicals create a film on stones that dulls sparkle.
- Abrasive cleaners: Baking soda, toothpaste, and scouring powders can scratch metal settings. Stick to dish soap.
- Impact and pressure: While moissanite is extremely hard, the metal settings can bend or loosen under impact. Remove rings before heavy lifting and bracelets before contact sports.
Metal-Specific Care
Sterling Silver (925)
Silver naturally tarnishes when exposed to air and sulfur compounds. Our silver pieces are rhodium-plated to resist tarnish, but over time (1-2 years of daily wear) the plating may thin. Re-plating is inexpensive ($20-$40) at any local jeweler.
Solid Gold (10K/14K)
Solid gold does not tarnish. It may develop a natural patina over years of wear that some people love. To restore the original shine, clean with soapy water or have it professionally polished. Our solid gold pieces are built to last a lifetime with minimal maintenance.
When to Get Professional Cleaning
We recommend professional cleaning and inspection once per year for pieces you wear daily, especially tennis bracelets and rings. A jeweler can check prong tightness, clasp function, and give the piece an ultrasonic and steam clean that restores showroom brilliance.
Have questions about caring for your The Real Jewelry Company jewelry? Contact us at info@therealjewelrycompany.com or call (757) 342-9280.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can moissanite get cloudy?
Moissanite itself cannot cloud — it is chemically stable and maintains its optical properties permanently. If your moissanite looks dull, it has a surface film of oils and dirt that cleaning will remove instantly. A quick soak in warm soapy water brings back full brilliance.
Can I shower with moissanite jewelry?
We do not recommend it. While moissanite is waterproof, soap residue builds up on stones and settings over time, dulling the sparkle. Hard water minerals can also leave deposits. Remove jewelry before showering for best results.
Is moissanite safe in an ultrasonic cleaner?
Yes. Moissanite is stable in ultrasonic cleaners. However, check that your metal setting is also safe — some plated or filled metals may be damaged by ultrasonic cleaning. Solid gold and sterling silver are safe.