Moissanite Care Guide: Does It Get Cloudy, How to Clean It, and What You Need to Know

Moissanite is one of the most durable gemstones used in fine jewellery, but it still raises questions. Does it get cloudy over time? Will it scratch? Does the setting tarnish? This guide answers every common moissanite care question directly and covers how to clean and maintain moissanite jewellery at home in Australia.

Last updated: 29 June 2026

Does Moissanite Get Cloudy?

Moissanite does not get cloudy. The stone itself is chemically stable — silicon carbide (SiC) does not react with the oils, cosmetics, or environmental exposure involved in everyday wear. The optical properties of moissanite are permanent and do not degrade over time.

What does accumulate on moissanite is surface film. Skin oils, hand lotion, sunscreen, hairspray, and soap residue build up on the surface of the stone and inside the setting over time. This film sits between the stone and incoming light and reduces the visible sparkle. The stone looks dull or hazy — but this appearance is caused entirely by the film on the surface, not any change to the stone itself.

Cleaning removes the film and restores full brilliance. A moissanite stone that looks dull after weeks of daily wear will return to full optical clarity after a proper clean.

The short answer: Apparent cloudiness in moissanite is always surface film. The stone does not change. Clean it and it comes back.

Does Moissanite Scratch?

Moissanite is extremely difficult to scratch under normal conditions. It rates 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale — the measurement of a material's resistance to surface scratching. This makes it the second-hardest gemstone used in fine jewellery, behind diamond at 10.

In practical terms, moissanite can only be scratched by a material harder than 9.25 on the Mohs scale. The only common substances that hard are diamond itself and certain industrial abrasives. Household dust, which contains quartz particles at approximately 7 Mohs, does not scratch moissanite. Neither do keys (steel, approximately 6.5 Mohs), ceramic, glass, or any other surface encountered in daily life.

What can scratch is the rhodium-plated sterling silver setting. The setting metal is softer than the stone, and the rhodium plating itself sits at approximately 6 Mohs. Prong tips and the surface of the setting will show fine surface marks over years of daily wear. This is separate from the stone and does not affect the moissanite's appearance.

The short answer: The moissanite stone will not scratch from everyday wear. The metal setting can and will show surface wear over time.

Does Moissanite Tarnish?

Moissanite does not tarnish. Silicon carbide is chemically inert — it does not oxidise or react with moisture, air, or skin chemistry. The stone will not discolour, darken, or develop surface tarnish regardless of how long it is worn or stored.

Sterling silver, the base metal used in most moissanite jewellery settings in Australia, does tarnish. Silver reacts with sulphur compounds in the air and on skin, producing the dark grey or black surface oxidisation familiar from older silver jewellery. Rhodium plating prevents this by sealing the silver surface under a hard, inert layer. While the rhodium plating remains intact, the setting does not tarnish.

If the rhodium plating wears through at any point — most likely at prong tips or high-contact areas — the underlying silver may begin to tarnish at those specific spots. Replating restores the protection.

The short answer: Moissanite never tarnishes. The sterling silver setting is protected by rhodium plating, which prevents tarnish while intact.

Does Moissanite Fade or Lose Its Sparkle Permanently?

Moissanite does not fade. The brilliance and fire of moissanite are properties of the stone's crystal structure and refractive index — they are permanent and cannot be diminished by wear, light exposure, or time.

A moissanite stone that appears to have lost sparkle has surface film on it. This is the same phenomenon as apparent cloudiness. Clean the stone and the full optical character returns.

There is no equivalent in moissanite to the dulling seen in pearl, opal, or turquoise — softer stones whose optical surface can be physically worn by abrasion. Moissanite at 9.25 Mohs does not lose surface material to normal wear.

The short answer: Moissanite sparkle is permanent. Apparent dullness is always removable surface film.

Will My Rhodium Plating Wear Off?

Yes, rhodium plating wears gradually over time. This is expected and normal — not a defect. Rhodium plating on jewellery is typically applied at a thickness of 0.5 to 1.5 microns. It is hard and resistant, but it is not permanent.

The rate of wear depends on which piece is wearing, and how it is worn.

Bracelets and rings experience the most contact with hard surfaces, clothing, and skin. These are the highest-wear pieces in any jewellery collection. Rhodium plating on a bracelet or ring worn daily can begin to show wear at prong tips and high-contact surfaces within one to three years. The wear typically appears first as a slight yellowing or darkening where the plating has worn through to the silver beneath.

Necklaces sit against clothing and skin but have minimal contact with hard surfaces. Rhodium plating on a necklace pendant and chain typically lasts three to five years or more with daily wear before noticeable wear appears.

Stud earrings have the least contact of any jewellery form. A stud earring worn daily may retain its rhodium finish for five or more years without visible wear.

What to do when rhodium plating wears: Take the piece to a jeweller for replating. This is a routine, inexpensive process. The jeweller cleans the piece, buffs any surface marks from the setting metal, and applies fresh rhodium plating by electroplating. The process typically takes one to two days and restores the piece to its original appearance. The stone is not removed or affected by replating.

How to Clean Moissanite at Home

Home cleaning is the most important routine care for moissanite jewellery. Done regularly, it prevents significant film buildup and keeps the stone at full optical clarity.

What You Need

• A small bowl
• Warm water (not hot)
• A small amount of mild liquid dish soap
• A soft-bristle brush (a clean toothbrush with soft bristles works well)
• A lint-free cloth or microfibre cloth for drying

Step-by-Step Cleaning Method

Step 1: Fill the bowl with warm water. Add a few drops of mild liquid dish soap. The water should be warm, not hot — very hot water can stress the metal setting over time.

Step 2: Place the piece in the water and let it soak for two to three minutes. This loosens surface oils and cosmetic buildup before you start brushing.

Step 3: Remove the piece from the water. Use the soft-bristle brush to gently clean the stone's surface and the underside of the setting. Pay particular attention to the area beneath the stone between the prongs — this is where cosmetic residue and skin oils concentrate most. Brush in small circular motions.

Step 4: Rinse the piece thoroughly under clean running warm water. Ensure no soap residue remains in the setting or beneath the stone.

Step 5: Pat dry with a lint-free cloth. Do not rub vigorously — pat to absorb moisture, then allow the piece to air-dry fully before storing or wearing.

Alternative Methods

Ultrasonic cleaner: Safe for moissanite. The vibration is effective at loosening buildup in hard-to-reach areas of the setting. Use with plain water or a jewellery-specific ultrasonic solution. Not recommended for pieces with loose prongs — have the setting checked first.

Steam cleaner: Safe for moissanite and sterling silver settings. Effective for thorough cleaning. Steam cleaners designed for jewellery are available at most hardware stores and are a practical investment for owners of multiple pieces.

Jewellery cleaning cloths: Polishing cloths designed for silver can be used on the setting metal to restore shine. Use gently on the setting only — the stone does not require polishing.

What Not to Use

Toothpaste: Too abrasive for both the stone surface and the rhodium plating. Avoid.

Bleach or chlorine-based cleaners: Can damage sterling silver and accelerate rhodium wear. Avoid.

Baking soda: Too abrasive. Avoid.

Ultrasonic cleaners for pieces with damaged prongs: If any prong feels loose or catches on fabric, have the setting repaired before using an ultrasonic cleaner. The vibration can dislodge a stone in a loose setting.

How Often Should You Clean Moissanite?

For jewellery worn daily, a gentle clean every two to three weeks is sufficient to prevent significant film buildup. If you apply sunscreen, hairspray, or hand lotion regularly, more frequent cleaning is appropriate.

A quick rinse under warm water after heavy product exposure — a day at the beach, an event with hairspray, a cooking session with oils — prevents the kind of thick film that requires more effort to remove later.

A deeper clean using the full method above once a month keeps most daily-worn pieces at consistent clarity.

Signs that cleaning is overdue: The stone looks less bright than when first purchased, or appears hazy in direct light. This is always film, not the stone. Clean it.

Care by Piece Type

Moissanite Tennis Bracelet

The Bellari moissanite tennis bracelet is the piece in the range that experiences the most contact with surfaces. It sits on the wrist and moves constantly against clothing, skin, desk surfaces, and other jewellery.

For the tennis bracelet, monthly cleaning is the minimum for daily wearers. Pay particular attention to cleaning beneath the stones along the full length of the bracelet — film accumulates evenly across the line and reduces the visual clarity of the continuous stone row.

Check the clasp mechanism periodically. The box-and-tongue clasp with safety catch should operate cleanly. If the clasp feels stiff or the safety catch does not release smoothly, have a jeweller inspect it. A faulty clasp on a tennis bracelet is the primary risk of loss.

Rhodium replating for a tennis bracelet worn daily: expect to consider replating every two to three years at the prong tips and high-contact surfaces.

Moissanite Tennis Necklace

The moissanite tennis necklace sits against the skin and clothing but experiences less abrasive contact than the bracelet. Clean monthly. The chain links and stone row both benefit from the soak-and-brush method — film from neck cream and skin accumulates along the inside of the chain.

Store the necklace unclasped and laid flat or hung. Avoid storing coiled tightly, which creates pressure on the clasp over time.

Moissanite Stud Earrings

Moissanite stud earrings experience minimal abrasive contact but do accumulate film from hairspray, skin, and ear cream behind the stone. Clean the area behind the stone specifically — use the brush tip to work around the prong base and the post entry point.

The butterfly backing should be checked monthly. A worn butterfly back can work loose, which risks losing the earring. Replacement butterfly backs are available from most jewellers and are inexpensive.

If the post feels stiff when removing the butterfly, do not force it. Soak in warm soapy water briefly, then try again — product buildup can cause resistance that cleans away easily.

Moissanite Eternity Band and Rings

Rings experience the most varied contact of any jewellery form. Cooking, cleaning, gardening, and gym use all expose the ring to substances and impacts that accelerate both setting wear and film buildup.

For rings worn through daily domestic tasks, weekly cleaning is more appropriate than monthly. The inside of the band accumulates significant product buildup that is invisible but contributes to overall dullness.

Consider removing rings for tasks involving chlorine (cleaning products, pools), harsh chemicals, and heavy abrasive contact (gardening, gym with free weights). These activities do not damage moissanite but do accelerate rhodium plating wear on the setting.

What to Avoid When Wearing Moissanite Jewellery

These situations do not damage the stone but accelerate wear on the setting and rhodium plating:

Chlorinated water (swimming pools, spa pools): Chlorine does not affect moissanite, but sustained exposure degrades sterling silver and can accelerate rhodium wear over time. Remove moissanite jewellery before extended pool or spa use.

Saltwater (ocean swimming): Similar to chlorine — not harmful to the stone but reduces the life of the rhodium plating with repeated long-term exposure.

Harsh household cleaning products: Bleach, oven cleaners, and abrasive surface sprays can damage silver settings if they penetrate the rhodium layer. Wear gloves or remove jewellery when using strong cleaning products.

Applying lotions and cosmetics: Applying perfume, hand cream, sunscreen, or hairspray with jewellery on contributes the most to surface film buildup. The routine of putting jewellery on last after cosmetics is applied meaningfully reduces cleaning frequency.

High-impact physical activity: Moissanite itself will not be damaged, but impacts to ring and bracelet settings against gym equipment or hard surfaces can bend prongs over time. Bent prongs can loosen stones. Consider removing high-contact pieces for weights training and contact sport.

Ultrasound or MRI medical procedures: Remove all jewellery before medical imaging procedures. This is a standard recommendation for all metal jewellery.

Storing Moissanite Jewellery

Proper storage protects both the stone and the setting between wears.

Individual compartments or pouches: Store each piece separately. At 9.25 Mohs, moissanite will not be scratched by contact with softer stones, but the metal setting and rhodium plating can be scratched by contact with other pieces. A jewellery box with individual fabric-lined compartments, or individual soft pouches, is the appropriate storage format.

Avoid piling jewellery together: Clasps, prongs, and chains catch on each other when piled in a drawer or box. This causes kinks in chains and can gradually loosen prong settings.

Keep away from direct sunlight for extended periods: Moissanite itself is unaffected by light. However, some setting finishes and fabric lining in jewellery boxes can degrade with prolonged direct UV exposure. Normal indoor light is not a concern.

Humidity and temperature: Moissanite is stable across normal residential temperature and humidity ranges. No special storage conditions are needed in Australian conditions for either the stone or sterling silver settings.

Long-term storage: If storing moissanite jewellery for an extended period (months), clean it thoroughly before storage. Film left on the stone or setting during long storage is harder to remove than fresh film. Store in a dry, closed box away from dust.

Professional Care and Servicing

Home cleaning handles routine maintenance. A professional service is appropriate in three situations.

Prong inspection: Prongs in tennis bracelets and rings that receive daily wear should be inspected by a jeweller every year or two. Prongs can be worn down by abrasion or bent by impact without the damage being visible at a glance. A jeweller will check each prong for security and retip or reshape as needed.

Rhodium replating: When the setting shows visible yellowing or darker areas at wear points, rhodium replating restores the finish. This is a standard jeweller service. The piece is cleaned, any surface marks buffed from the setting metal, and fresh rhodium applied by electroplating. The stone is not affected. Cost is typically $50 to $150 AUD depending on piece complexity.

Chain repair: Tennis necklaces and necklace chains with broken links or faulty clasps should be repaired by a jeweller rather than worn with damaged components. A broken clasp in a tennis necklace risks losing the piece entirely.

For any service or warranty enquiry on Bellari pieces, contact hello@bellari.com.au. Full care and warranty information is also available at The Sparkle Guide.

Quick Reference: Moissanite Care Summary

Frequently Asked Questions: Moissanite Care Guide Australia

Does moissanite get cloudy over time? No. Moissanite does not cloud. The stone is silicon carbide — chemically stable and unaffected by wear, oils, or environmental exposure. What appears as cloudiness is surface film from skin oils, sunscreen, hairspray, or lotion sitting on the stone. This is fully reversible with cleaning. A clean moissanite returns to full clarity regardless of how long the film has been building up.

How do I clean moissanite jewellery at home? Soak the piece in warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap for two to three minutes. Use a soft-bristle brush to gently clean the stone surface and the underside of the setting between the prongs. Rinse thoroughly under clean warm water. Pat dry with a lint-free cloth and allow to air-dry before storing. Repeat every two to three weeks for daily-worn pieces.

Does moissanite scratch easily? No. Moissanite rates 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it the second-hardest gemstone in fine jewellery. Only diamond (Mohs 10) can scratch it. Household dust, keys, glass, ceramics, and all common surfaces encountered in daily life are softer than 9.25 Mohs and cannot mark the stone. The metal setting is softer and will show surface marks over time.

Does moissanite tarnish? The stone does not tarnish — silicon carbide is chemically inert. The sterling silver setting is protected by rhodium plating, which prevents tarnish while it remains intact. If rhodium plating wears through at any point, the underlying silver may develop tarnish at that spot. Replating resolves this.

How long does rhodium plating last on moissanite jewellery? It depends on the piece and how often it is worn. On a bracelet or ring worn daily, visible wear can appear at prong tips and high-contact areas within one to three years. On a necklace, three to five years is typical. On stud earrings, which experience minimal surface contact, five years or more is common. Rhodium replating at a jeweller restores the finish.

Can I wear moissanite in the shower? Occasional shower exposure is not a concern. The stone is unaffected by water. Repeated daily exposure to soap and hot water over years can gradually soften rhodium plating on the setting. If you prefer to shower with jewellery on, the practice is not harmful for the stone but will reduce the time between replating appointments.

Can I wear moissanite swimming? The stone is not damaged by water, chlorine, or saltwater. However, sustained exposure to chlorinated pool water or saltwater accelerates wear on rhodium-plated sterling silver settings. The recommendation is to remove moissanite jewellery before extended pool, spa, or ocean swimming. Occasional brief exposure is not a concern.

Will moissanite lose its sparkle permanently? No. Moissanite's fire and brilliance are properties of its crystal structure and refractive index — they are permanent. A stone that appears to have lost sparkle has surface film on it. Cleaning removes the film and restores the full optical character. There is no wear mechanism that permanently reduces moissanite sparkle under normal jewellery use.

What should I avoid when wearing moissanite jewellery? The stone itself requires no avoidance. For the setting, avoid prolonged exposure to chlorinated water, bleach-based cleaning products, and heavy abrasive contact (particularly for rings and bracelets worn during gym use or gardening). Apply perfume, sunscreen, and hairspray before putting on jewellery rather than after, to reduce surface film buildup.

Is it safe to use an ultrasonic cleaner on moissanite? Yes. Moissanite is safe in an ultrasonic cleaner. Before using one, check that all prongs in the setting are secure — the vibration of ultrasonic cleaning can dislodge a stone in a loose prong setting. If any prong feels loose or catches on fabric, have the setting inspected by a jeweller before ultrasonic cleaning.

When should I take moissanite jewellery to a jeweller? A jeweller inspection every one to two years is appropriate for daily-worn pieces, particularly rings and bracelets. The jeweller will check prong security, inspect the clasp mechanism, and assess whether rhodium plating needs refreshing. Replating is routine and inexpensive. Do not wait until a prong is visibly bent or the setting shows through the worn plating — preventive inspection is easier and cheaper than reactive repair.

How do I store moissanite jewellery properly? Store each piece separately in a fabric-lined jewellery box compartment or individual pouch. Avoid piling pieces together — clasps and prongs catch on each other and can loosen settings over time. Clean pieces before long-term storage. No special temperature or humidity control is needed for moissanite or sterling silver in standard Australian residential conditions.

Final Thoughts,

Moissanite is one of the most durable gemstones in fine jewellery. It does not cloud, scratch, tarnish, or fade under normal wear conditions. The care required is minimal: regular gentle cleaning every two to three weeks for daily-worn pieces, and a jeweller inspection of prong security every year or two.

The rhodium-plated sterling silver setting requires more attention than the stone. Rhodium plating wears gradually and will need refreshing over the life of the piece — the timeline depends on which piece and how it is worn. Replating is routine, inexpensive, and restores the original appearance completely.

For full care references across the Bellari moissanite range, see The Sparkle Guide. For the moissanite tennis bracelet, necklace, stud earrings, and eternity band, see the full Bellari collection.