Moissanite diamonds have taken the jewellery world by storm, offering a dazzling, ethical, and more affordable alternative to traditional diamonds. Known for their brilliant sparkle and near-diamond hardness, moissanite gems require specific care to maintain their stunning appearance over time. This guide provides essential tips and tricks on how to care for your moissanite diamond, ensuring it continues to shine brightly for years to come.
Understanding Moissanite
Before diving into care instructions, it's essential to understand what sets moissanite apart from other gemstones. Moissanite is a naturally occurring silicon carbide, but almost all moissanite sold today is lab-created. This process not only ensures ethical sourcing but also allows for the creation of flawless gems that rival the appearance of diamonds at a fraction of the cost. With a Mohs hardness scale rating of 9.25, moissanite is second only to diamonds, making it durable for everyday wear but not invincible.
Regular Cleaning is Key
Daily Wear Accumulates Dirt and Oil
Your moissanite diamond, like any other piece of fine jewellery, accumulates dirt, oil, and grime from daily wear. This buildup can dull the gemstone's sparkle over time. Regular cleaning ensures that your moissanite maintains its brilliant shine.
Gentle Cleaning at Home
You can keep your moissanite diamond sparkling with some simple at-home cleaning methods:
- Mix mild dish soap with warm water to create a cleaning solution.
- Soak your moissanite jewellery in the solution for 20-30 minutes.
- Use a soft-bristled brush, like a toothbrush, to gently scrub the stone and its setting.
- Rinse under warm running water, ensuring all soap is washed away.
- Dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Professional Cleaning for Deep Cleansing
While at-home cleaning is effective for regular maintenance, professional cleaning is recommended for a deeper cleanse. Jewellers use ultrasonic cleaners and steamers that can remove even the most stubborn dirt and grime without damaging the stone. Aim for a professional cleaning once or twice a year, depending on how frequently you wear your moissanite jewellery.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Moissanite is durable, but exposure to harsh chemicals can damage the stone and its setting. Everyday substances such as chlorine, bleach, and abrasive cleaners can dull the gemstone's surface and erode the metal setting. Always remove your moissanite jewellery before swimming in chlorinated pools, cleaning with harsh chemicals, or performing any activity where the gemstone could come into contact with abrasive substances.
Storage Solutions to Prevent Scratches
Proper storage is crucial to protecting your moissanite diamond from scratches and damage. Even though moissanite is hard and resistant to scratches, it can still be scratched by harder materials, including other moissanite stones or diamonds.
Individual Storage
Store your moissanite jewellery in individual soft pouches or lined jewellery boxes with compartments. This prevents your moissanite pieces from coming into contact with other jewellery that could scratch their surfaces.
Handle with Care
Although moissanite is known for its durability, it's still essential to handle it with care:
- Avoid wearing moissanite jewellery during high-impact activities or sports where it could be subjected to sharp blows.
- Remove your moissanite jewellery when applying makeup, lotions, and perfumes to prevent buildup on the stone.
Regular Inspections are Crucial
Regular inspections by a professional jeweller can catch any issues before they become serious problems. This includes checking for loose settings, chips, or scratches. Moissanite itself is incredibly hard to chip, but it's not immune to impact damage, especially at its edges. Annual inspections ensure the longevity and beauty of your moissanite jewelry.
Knowing When to Leave it to Professionals
While many aspects of moissanite care can be managed at home, some situations require professional intervention. If you notice any chips, scratches, or lose settings, it's crucial to take your jewelry to a professional. Attempting to fix these issues yourself can lead to further damage.
Conclusion
Caring for your moissanite diamond ensures that it remains a dazzling centrepiece of your jewellery collection for years to come. By following these essential tips and tricks—regular cleaning, avoiding harsh chemicals, proper storage, handling with care, and opting for professional inspections and cleanings when necessary—you can maintain the brilliance and sparkle of your moissanite. Embrace these practices, and your moissanite diamond will continue to shine as brightly as the day you first laid eyes on it, symbolizing not just beauty and elegance but also the care and attention you've invested in its upkeep.
