Moissanite is one of the most durable gemstones in the world — but like all fine jewelry, it benefits from regular care and cleaning to maintain its legendary brilliance. The good news? Caring for moissanite is simple, and with a few easy habits, your ring will sparkle just as brilliantly on your 25th anniversary as it did on the day you said yes.
Why Moissanite Stays Brilliant (But Still Needs Care)
Moissanite scores 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it highly resistant to scratching. It's also resistant to heat and most household chemicals. However, everyday exposure to lotions, soaps, oils, and environmental dust can create a film on the surface that dulls its sparkle over time. Regular cleaning removes this buildup and restores the stone's full fire and brilliance.
Daily Care Habits
A few simple habits will keep your moissanite looking its best between cleanings:
- Remove your ring before applying lotions, sunscreen, or perfume. These products leave a residue on the stone that reduces brilliance.
- Take off your ring before swimming. Chlorine in pools and salt in the ocean can affect metal settings over time, particularly gold.
- Avoid wearing your ring during heavy manual work such as gardening, gym workouts, or home repairs. While moissanite is tough, settings can be bent or damaged by impact.
- Put your ring on last when getting ready — after makeup, hairspray, and skincare products.
How to Clean Your Moissanite Ring at Home
Regular at-home cleaning is easy and takes just a few minutes. Here's the best method:
- Fill a small bowl with warm (not hot) water and a few drops of mild dish soap.
- Soak your ring for 20–30 minutes to loosen any buildup.
- Gently scrub the stone and setting with a soft-bristled toothbrush, paying attention to the underside of the stone where oils accumulate most.
- Rinse thoroughly under warm running water. Use a strainer or plug the drain to avoid accidents!
- Pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Allow to air dry completely before storing.
Aim to clean your ring at home every 1–2 weeks for best results.
What to Avoid
While moissanite is durable, certain cleaning methods can damage the metal setting or dull the stone's surface:
- Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, acetone, or chlorine-based cleaners. These can damage gold and platinum settings.
- Skip abrasive cleaners or rough cloths that can scratch softer metals like gold.
- Avoid ultrasonic cleaners if your ring has a pavé or halo setting with many small stones — the vibrations can loosen prongs over time. Solitaire settings are generally safe.
- Don't use toothpaste — it's mildly abrasive and can scratch metal surfaces.
Professional Cleaning and Inspection
We recommend having your moissanite jewelry professionally cleaned and inspected once a year. A professional jeweler will:
- Deep clean the stone and setting using professional-grade equipment
- Check prongs and settings for wear or looseness
- Re-polish the metal if needed
- Re-plate white gold settings with rhodium if the finish has worn
Annual inspections catch small issues before they become costly problems — like a loose prong that could cause you to lose your stone.
Storing Your Moissanite Jewelry
Proper storage protects your jewelry from scratches and tangles:
- Store each piece separately in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box to prevent stones from scratching each other.
- Keep jewelry away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- If you're not wearing your ring for an extended period, store it in a cool, dry place.
Caring for Your Wedding Band
If you wear a wedding band alongside your engagement ring, the same care principles apply. Stacked rings can rub against each other over time, so it's worth having both inspected together annually. Some couples choose to solder their rings together for a seamless, low-maintenance look.
More Jewelry Care Tips
For a comprehensive guide to caring for all your fine jewelry, visit our Jewelry Care and Cleaning page where we cover everything from gold and platinum care to storage best practices.
With just a little regular attention, your moissanite jewelry will remain as breathtaking as the day you first wore it. Explore our full collection of moissanite engagement rings and find a piece that will last a lifetime.