Moissanite has revolutionized the jewelry industry with its extraordinary brilliance, exceptional durability, and ethical sourcing—all at a fraction of a diamond’s cost. However, even this remarkable gemstone can occasionally lose its sparkle, appearing cloudy or dull. If you’ve noticed your moissanite ring looking less brilliant than when you first fell in love with it, don’t worry. This comprehensive guide will help you understand why this happens and provide proven methods to restore your ring’s dazzling sparkle.
Understanding Moissanite’s Unique Properties
Before diving into cleaning solutions, it’s important to understand what makes moissanite special:
- Brilliance and Fire: Moissanite has a refractive index of 2.65-2.69, exceeding a diamond’s 2.42, which gives it more brilliance and fire.
- Durability: Rating 9.25-9.5 on the Mohs scale (compared to diamond’s 10), moissanite is highly resistant to scratching.
- Chemical Stability: Unlike some gemstones, moissanite is resistant to most chemicals and doesn’t naturally cloud over time.
This means that if your moissanite appears cloudy, it’s almost certainly due to external factors rather than the stone itself degrading—good news for restoration!
Common Causes of Cloudy Moissanite
1. Everyday Residue Buildup
The most common culprit is the accumulation of oils, lotions, soaps, and other products that create a film over your stone. This film blocks light from entering and reflecting properly, diminishing the stone’s natural brilliance.
2. Hard Water Mineral Deposits
If you live in an area with hard water, calcium and magnesium deposits can gradually build up on your ring, creating a chalky film that’s particularly noticeable on brilliant stones like moissanite.
3. Soap Scum
Regular hand washing with bar soaps can leave a residue that’s difficult to remove with water alone, especially in the intricate settings often used for moissanite rings.
4. Makeup and Skincare Products
Foundations, powders, and creams can work their way into setting crevices and coat the stone’s surface, dramatically reducing sparkle.
5. Environmental Factors
Exposure to dust, pollution, and other environmental contaminants can gradually coat your moissanite ring.
6. Manufacturing Residue
New rings sometimes have polishing compound residue that wasn’t completely removed during the final cleaning process.
7. Quality Considerations
While rare, lower-quality moissanite can have internal characteristics that affect clarity. High-quality moissanite from reputable sources like Charles & Colvard, MoissaniteCo, or Brilliant Earth should not develop internal cloudiness.
Comprehensive Cleaning Methods: From Gentle to Deep
Method 1: Basic Soap and Water Cleaning (Weekly Maintenance)
What You’ll Need:
- Warm (not hot) water
- Mild, phosphate-free dish soap (like Dawn Original)
- Soft-bristled toothbrush (baby toothbrushes work well)
- Lint-free microfiber cloth
- Small bowl
Step-by-Step Process:
- Fill a small bowl with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap.
- Soak your ring for 10-15 minutes to loosen dirt and oils.
- Gently brush all surfaces of the ring, including under the stone and in crevices.
- Pay special attention to the pavilion (bottom) of the stone where buildup often occurs.
- Rinse thoroughly under running warm water, ensuring all soap is removed.
- Dry immediately with a lint-free cloth.
- Finish by polishing with a clean section of the microfiber cloth.
Pro Tip: Never leave your ring to air dry, as this can cause water spots that make the stone appear cloudy.
Method 2: Vinegar and Baking Soda Solution (Monthly Deep Clean)
This method is excellent for removing stubborn residue and hard water deposits.
What You’ll Need:
- ½ cup white distilled vinegar
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
- Small bowl
- Soft toothbrush
- Lint-free cloth
Step-by-Step Process:
- Mix vinegar and baking soda in a bowl (expect it to fizz).
- Once the fizzing subsides, soak your ring for 15-20 minutes.
- Gently brush all surfaces, focusing on areas where the stone meets the setting.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
- Dry and polish with a lint-free cloth.
Warning: This method is safe for moissanite and most metals, but if your ring has other gemstones or pearls, consult a jeweler first.
Method 3: Professional Jewelry Cleaning Solution (Bi-Monthly Treatment)
What You’ll Need:
- Moissanite-safe jewelry cleaner (see recommendations below)
- Soft brush (often included with cleaner)
- Lint-free cloth
Recommended Jewelry Cleaners:
- Weiman Jewelry Cleaner: Gentle and effective for all types of jewelry
- Connoisseurs Precious Jewelry Cleaner: Contains no harsh chemicals
- Brilliant Jewelry Cleaner: Specifically formulated for high-refractive-index stones
Step-by-Step Process:
- Follow the specific instructions on your chosen cleaner.
- Most require soaking for 1-2 minutes, then gentle brushing.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry completely.
Important Note: Avoid any cleaners containing ammonia, chlorine, or abrasives, as these can damage the metal settings over time.
Method 4: Ultrasonic Cleaner (Occasional Deep Clean)
Ultrasonic cleaners use high-frequency sound waves to create bubbles that dislodge dirt and buildup.
What You’ll Need:
- Ultrasonic jewelry cleaner
- Distilled water
- Mild dish soap or jewelry cleaning solution
Recommended Ultrasonic Cleaners:
- Magnasonic Professional Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner: Affordable with good reviews
- InvisiClean Ultrasonic Cleaner: Features multiple cleaning cycles
- GemOro Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner: Professional-grade quality
Step-by-Step Process:
- Fill the ultrasonic cleaner with distilled water and a small amount of mild soap or jewelry cleaner.
- Place your ring in the basket and run for the recommended cycle time (usually 3-5 minutes).
- Rinse thoroughly under warm running water.
- Dry and polish with a lint-free cloth.
Important Safety Considerations:
- Not all settings are suitable for ultrasonic cleaning. Consult your jeweler if your ring has:
- Tension settings
- Pave or micro-pave settings
- Antique or fragile metalwork
- Other gemstones (especially soft or porous ones)
- Never use an ultrasonic cleaner on a ring with loose stones.
Method 5: Steam Cleaning (Professional Option)
Steam cleaning is highly effective but best left to professionals unless you have proper equipment.
Professional Steam Cleaning:
- Most jewelers offer steam cleaning services for a nominal fee or even free for regular customers.
- Professional steam cleaners reach temperatures that eliminate stubborn residues.
- This method is especially effective for intricate settings where dirt can be trapped.
Method 6: Specialized Polishing Cloth (Quick Touch-Up)
For on-the-go sparkle restoration:
What You’ll Need:
- Jewelry polishing cloth (preferably with microfiber on one side and treated material on the other)
Recommended Polishing Cloths:
- Sunshine Polishing Cloth: Contains mild cleaning agents
- CONNOISSEURS Jewelry Polishing Cloth: Two-sided for cleaning and polishing
- Town Talk Anti-Tarnish Silver Polishing Cloth: Works well for silver settings
Step-by-Step Process:
- Use the treated side of the cloth to gently rub the stone and setting.
- Finish with the untreated side for a final polish.
- For best results, use circular motions and light pressure.
Troubleshooting Persistent Cloudiness
If your moissanite still appears cloudy after trying these methods, consider these potential issues:
1. Oil Trapped Between Stone and Setting
Sometimes oils can get trapped in the mounting area, especially in prong settings.
Solution: Soak in warm, soapy water for 30 minutes, then clean with a soft brush, directing water flow between the stone and setting.
2. Setting Issues
Occasionally, the problem isn’t the stone but the setting itself.
Solution: Have a jeweler check if the setting needs cleaning or if the stone needs to be reset.
3. Scratched Metal Reflecting onto Stone
Micro-scratches on white metals can sometimes create an illusion of cloudiness in the stone.
Solution: Have the metal professionally polished.
4. Internal Issues
In rare cases, lower-quality moissanite might have internal characteristics affecting clarity.
Solution: Consult with the vendor or a gemologist if you suspect this issue.
Comprehensive Preventative Care
Daily Care:
- Remove your ring before applying lotions, perfumes, or cosmetics.
- Put your ring on after getting ready, not before.
- Remove before washing hands when possible.
- Avoid hand sanitizers and harsh chemicals while wearing your ring.
Weekly Care:
- Give your ring a basic soap and water cleaning.
- Check for any loose stones or setting issues.
Monthly Care:
- Perform a deeper cleaning using one of the methods above.
- Inspect your ring under bright light for any issues.
Annual Care:
- Have your ring professionally inspected and cleaned.
- Consider having the setting checked for security.
Storage Recommendations
When not wearing your moissanite ring:
- Store in a fabric-lined jewelry box or pouch.
- Keep separate from other jewelry to prevent scratching.
- Consider a specialized ring holder for short-term storage.
- Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures or humidity.
Moissanite vs. Diamond Maintenance: Key Differences
While moissanite care is similar to diamond care, there are a few important distinctions:
- Oil Resistance: Moissanite is less “oil-loving” than diamonds, meaning oil buildup can be more noticeable but also easier to clean.
- Heat Resistance: Moissanite can withstand higher temperatures than diamonds, making it safe for all standard cleaning methods.
- Durability: While extremely durable, moissanite is slightly softer than diamond (9.25-9.5 vs. 10 on the Mohs scale), so avoid abrasive cleaners.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Professional cleaning for moissanite is often less expensive than for diamonds due to lower insurance and handling costs.
When to Seek Professional Help
Consider consulting a professional jeweler if:
- Your ring has complex settings or additional gemstones.
- You notice any loose stones or setting issues.
- The cloudiness persists after multiple cleaning attempts.
- Your ring is a vintage or antique piece.
Most jewelers offer free inspections and cleaning services, especially if you purchased the ring from them.
Conclusion: Maintaining Your Moissanite’s Magical Sparkle
With proper care and regular cleaning, your moissanite ring will continue to captivate with its extraordinary brilliance for generations. Remember that cloudy moissanite is almost always a temporary issue that can be resolved with the right cleaning approach. By incorporating these cleaning methods and preventative care practices into your routine, you’ll ensure your moissanite remains as breathtaking as the day you first laid eyes on it.
This guide is updated regularly to include the latest recommendations for moissanite care. Last updated: March 2025.
