How to Care for Moissanite Jewelry: The Complete Guide (2026)

Why Moissanite Is One of the Easiest Fine Jewelry Stones to Maintain

Moissanite scores 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale — harder than any gemstone except diamond. It does not scratch from contact with everyday materials, does not chip under normal wear, and does not react to standard cleaning agents. Its high refractive index (2.65–2.69) means that even a thin film of oil or soap residue will noticeably reduce its brilliance — which is why regular cleaning matters. The stone itself is nearly indestructible. The goal of maintenance is to keep the surface clean so the stone can perform at its optical maximum.

Part I: Daily Care

What Reduces Brilliance

Moissanite loses brilliance when its surface is coated with:

• Skin oils and lotions
• Soap and shampoo residue
• Sunscreen and cosmetics
• Cooking oils and food residue
• Dust and environmental particulates

None of these damage the stone. All of them reduce light return. A moissanite that looks dull has not degraded — it is simply dirty.

Daily Habits That Extend Cleaning Intervals

• Remove before applying lotions and sunscreen. Apply first, let absorb, then put jewelry on.
• Remove before cooking. Cooking oils coat stones and settings quickly.
• Remove before swimming. Chlorine does not damage moissanite, but it can degrade metal settings over time, particularly silver.
• Put jewelry on last. After hair products, perfume, and makeup are applied.

Part II: Cleaning Methods

Method 1: Warm Water and Dish Soap (Weekly)

This is the standard cleaning method for moissanite — effective, safe, and requires no special equipment.

1. Fill a small bowl with warm (not hot) water.
2. Add a few drops of mild dish soap (Dawn or equivalent).
3. Soak the jewelry for 20–30 minutes.
4. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to gently scrub the stone and setting, paying attention to the underside of the stone where oil accumulates.
5. Rinse thoroughly under warm running water.
6. Pat dry with a lint-free cloth. Allow to air dry completely before storing.

Safe for: all moissanite settings including prong, bezel, pavé, and channel.

Method 2: Ultrasonic Cleaner (Monthly)

Ultrasonic cleaners use high-frequency sound waves to remove debris from hard-to-reach areas. Moissanite is hard enough to withstand ultrasonic cleaning without damage.

Use with caution if: the setting has loose prongs, fracture-filled stones, or delicate pavé work. If in doubt, use Method 1.

Do not use if: the piece has been repaired with adhesive, or if any stones appear loose.

Method 3: Commercial Jewelry Cleaner

Commercial jewelry cleaning solutions designed for diamonds are safe for moissanite. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid cleaners containing bleach or chlorine.

What to Avoid

• Bleach and chlorine-based cleaners — safe for the stone, damaging to metal settings
• Abrasive cleaners or toothpaste — can scratch metal settings
• Paper towels — can scratch polished metal surfaces; use lint-free cloth only
• Boiling water — thermal shock can damage settings and any treated stones in the same piece

Part III: Storage

The Core Rule

Store moissanite pieces separately. Although moissanite will not scratch other moissanite, it will scratch softer stones (sapphire, emerald, opal) and can scratch polished metal surfaces. Each piece should have its own compartment, pouch, or box.

Storage Guidelines

• Fabric-lined jewelry box with individual compartments — the standard solution for most collections.
• Individual soft pouches — ideal for travel or for pieces worn infrequently.
• Anti-tarnish strips — recommended for sterling silver pieces stored for extended periods.
• Avoid bathroom storage — humidity accelerates tarnishing in silver and can degrade adhesives in some settings.

Part IV: Metal-Specific Care

Sterling Silver

Sterling silver tarnishes — this is a chemical reaction between silver and sulfur compounds in the air, not a sign of low quality. To remove tarnish: use a silver polishing cloth or a paste of baking soda and water applied with a soft cloth. Rinse thoroughly. To prevent tarnish: store in anti-tarnish pouches or with anti-tarnish strips.

14K Gold (White, Yellow, Rose)

14K gold does not tarnish. White gold is rhodium-plated at the factory — this plating wears over time (typically 1–2 years with daily wear) and may need to be reapplied by a jeweler. Yellow and rose gold require no plating maintenance.

Platinum

Platinum develops a natural patina over time. It can be re-polished by a jeweler to restore its original bright finish. Platinum does not tarnish or corrode.

Part V: Professional Maintenance

Annual professional inspection is recommended for any piece worn daily. A jeweler will check prong integrity, clasp function, re-polish metal surfaces, re-plate white gold if needed, and perform ultrasonic cleaning.

Quick Reference: Moissanite Care Summary

All TARA AYARH LUNE moissanite jewelry is set with lab-grown, conflict-free stones in sterling silver or 14K gold. Each piece is inspected before shipping and includes care instructions.