December 05, 2024

Does Moissanite Get Cloudy Over Time?

Moissanite has quickly become the #1 diamond alternative for its affordability, durability, and brilliance. It’s a fraction of the price and even more brilliant, which is why men and women alike are choosing this precious stone over the rest.

But will moissanite get cloudy? If so, why does moissanite get cloudy over time? These are some of the most common questions we get asked here at Adamans (along with, does moissanite pass diamond tester?). We’ve decided to put an end to the uncertainty today.

The truth is genuine moissanite will NOT lose its luster with age - as long as you take good care of it. The key here is that not all moissanite is created equal and that any “cloudiness” you see is surface level. It can be cleaned away to unveil its original luster.

So, keep reading to learn how to keep moissanite from getting cloudy in the first place along with tips on how to clean cloudy moissanite jewelry if you do end up dealing with this issue.

If your cloudy moissanite jewelry is beyond restoration, the good news is you can spoil yourself with something new and exciting here at Adamans. Whether you want a moissanite chain or moissanite bracelet, the perfect style is only a few clicks away guaranteed for life!

What is Moissanite?

Moissanite was originally discovered in 1893 by Henri Moissan in a meteorite crater. It was initially mistaken for a diamond, which speaks to how visually striking and hard it is.

Most moissanite today is lab-created since natural moissanite is very rare. This makes it a far more ethical and sustainable alternative to mined diamonds. Let’s look at some of its unique characteristics and benefits before getting into the cloudy moissanite conversation.

Unique Properties of Moissanite

Moissanite is the most brilliant stone at your disposal with a refractive index of 2.65. Yes, even more brilliant than diamonds. It puts off unparalleled sparkle and fire, with rainbow-like flashes of color and a brilliant effect that’s impossible to ignore.

It’s typically flawless too as a result of its controlled manufacturing process. This means there are no natural inclusions - its clarity is uniform throughout the stone.

But brilliance aside, it’s also incredibly durable with a 9.25 ranking on the Mohs hardness scale. It’s second only to diamond. This toughness, paired with its affordability, is what makes it so practical. It resists scratches, chips, and everyday wear like no other diamond alternative can.

Advantages Over Other Materials

Moissanite clearly has the advantage over diamonds. It’s more brilliant, durable, and affordable. Perhaps most importantly, though, it’s an ethical choice. You can feel good about spoiling yourself or a loved one with moissanite jewelry.

But there are plenty of other diamond alternatives as well. In fact, we have a more detailed comparison of moissanite vs cubic zirconia. Long story short, moissanite is far more durable and resistant to scratching or clouding over time.

All things considered, you can’t go wrong investing in a moissanite chain, bracelet, ring, or anything in between. That being said, does moissanite get cloudy over time?

Does Moissanite Get Cloudy Over Time?

The last thing you want is to pay hundreds (or thousands) of dollars for a moissanite piece only to see it forming a cloudy appearance over the course of time. So, will moissanite get cloudy?

Fortunately, this is not something you need to stress about. Moissanite does not get cloudy over time. Its unique chemical structure and hardness ensure it retains its brilliance and sparkles for years to come, even with regular wear.

That being said, many do feel as if they’re dealing with cloudy moissanite - when in reality, it’s some sort of external factor causing the issue. This could be residue from lotions, oils, dirt, or hard water. Or, it could be scratches or some other damage causing a dulled look.

Moissanite is non-porous. This means it won’t absorb any substances that could cause discoloration or internal clouding. In this sense, avoiding moissanite clouding up is as simple as regularly cleaning your jewelry.

We’ll share tips on how to do so safely in a moment. First, why is my moissanite cloudy? Let’s unpack all the common culprits to help you figure out what you’re dealing with.

Why is My Moissanite Cloudy?

What’s the point of wearing moissanite if its luster is dulled? That sparkle is its defining feature, after all. In almost all cases, though, moissanite looks cloudy as a result of some surface-level imperfection. This could be residue, damage, or some other environmental factor.

Surface Residue

Every time you wear your moissanite you’re exposing it to oils from your skin, lotions, and other beauty products. These all accumulate on the stone’s surface, and over time, can form a thin film that interferes with the way light reflects through the gemstone. In other words, it dulls it.

Hard water and soap residue from improper cleaning can also contribute to this lackluster look. Fortunately, these issues are surface-level and can be resolved with regular, gentle cleaning.

Scratches or Surface Damage

Now, what’s more concerning is scratches or some other form of physical damage causing cloudy moissanite. This is typically caused by contact with harder materials or improper storage, such as keeping Moissanite jewelry loose in a drawer where it rubs against other items

This is very rare, mind you, as moissanite is the second-highest gemstone in the world. However, improper handling or exposure to rough surfaces can lead to minor scratches on the surface.

You may not even see the damage itself, rather, an uneven light scattering that creates a dull or hazy effect. In some cases, the only answer might be to replace the stone altogether.

Environmental Factors

Exposure to chemicals, chlorinated water, or high heat can also impact the appearance of Moissanite.

Some of the most concerning chemicals in question are bleach or ammonia, so you’ll need to avoid these when cleaning your jewelry. We’ll explain how to clean cloudy moissanite momentarily.

Similarly, prolonged exposure to saltwater or abrasive materials may affect the surface finish over time. You may just want to avoid wearing your jewelry in bodies of water to be safe.

How to Identify True Moissanite Cloudiness

The vast majority of moissanite cloudiness can be traced to some surface-level imperfection. However, you should be aware that true cloudiness can occur in some cases. Here’s how to tell what exactly you’re up against:

Surface Issues: If the gemstone feels smooth when you run your finger over it, the dullness is likely from residue that can be cleaned off.
Internal Cloudiness: Inspect the stone under bright light. True cloudiness would indicate internal structural issues, which are extremely rare with Moissanite.
Professional Assessment: Consult a jeweler near you if you’re unsure. They can determine whether the problem is residue, scratches, or something else and recommend the best course of action.

Most of the time, though, it’s as simple as learning how to clean cloudy moissanite jewelry. We’ll share best practices below.

How to Clean Cloudy Moissanite Chains, Bracelets, or Rings

Don’t stress if your moissanite looks cloudy - restoring its original brilliance is actually much easier than you might have thought. However, you need to carefully follow best practices for how to clean cloudy moissanite to avoid doing more harm than good. Here’s our advice:

Prepare a Cleaning Solution: Fill a small bowl with warm water and add a few drops of a mild, non-abrasive dish soap. Avoid bleach, ammonia, or acidic solutions for obvious reasons - these can actually make cloudiness worse or tarnish the setting.
Soak the Jewelry: Place your Moissanite jewelry in the soapy water and let it soak for 5-10 minutes. This will loosen dirt, oils, and any other residue.
Gently Scrub the Jewelry: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush (preferably one designed for jewelry or babies) to gently scrub the gemstone and the surrounding metal. Pay extra attention to hard-to-reach areas like prongs, links, or under the setting, where buildup tends to accumulate.
Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the jewelry under warm, running water to remove all soap and loosened debris. Make sure the drain is securely covered or use a mesh strainer to avoid losing small pieces.
Dry Carefully: Pat the jewelry dry with a lint-free cloth or allow it to air-dry on a clean, soft surface. Avoid paper towels as they can leave fibers behind or scratch the surface.

Be sure to avoid overcleaning. The truth is, less is more. Once every 1-2 weeks is plenty to keep your prized piece looking stunning.

This is a simple approach anyone can use at home. But there are other methods, too. Ultrasonic cleaners are safe for Moissanite stones but should only be used if the jewelry’s setting is secure, as vibration can loosen poorly set stones.

You could also consider taking your jewelry to a professional for a more intensive cleaning if this DIY method doesn’t yield the results you’d hoped for. They can use specialized tools and techniques, such as steam cleaning or polishing.

How to Keep Moissanite From Getting Cloudy in the First Place

You know what they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Before we wrap things up here are some quick tips on how to keep moissanite from getting cloudy in the first place.

Proper Jewelry Maintenance

We’ve already covered how to clean cloudy moissanite jewelry, but there are many other things you can do to keep your pieces looking pristine. Storing it properly is the most important.

We suggest a soft-lined box or a separate pouch when not wearing your jewelry to avoid contact with other items that could scratch the surface or leave residue.

Avoid touching the gemstone directly with your fingers whenever possible. We already mentioned how cloudy moissanite can often be the result of skin oils transferring onto the stone.

Wearing Moissanite Responsibly

We know you want to show off your moissanite chain or bracelet any chance you get - but sometimes it’s best to take it off and leave it at home.

For example, we recommend you avoid wearing your jewelry when cooking, gardening, or working out. Beach days, camping trips, and other situations where the jewelry might take on more wear and tear than normal are other instances it might make sense to leave it at home.

If you own multiple pieces of jewelry, rotating them can reduce wear and buildup on any single piece. Speaking of which, there’s one more tip we want to offer…

Buying Legit Moissanite Jewelry

The quality of your Moissanite jewelry directly impacts how well it retains its brilliance over time, so don’t settle for less than the best. Poorly crafted jewelry with subpar plating or settings can compromise the durability of your Moissanite and make it harder to clean.

The good news is Adamans is your trusted source for high-end moissanite jewelry that will stand the test of time. In fact, our items are backed by a lifetime guarantee so you can place your order with peace of mind. Here are some popular categories:

From a diverse range of tennis chain sizes to styles like cuban links, we’ve got something for everyone here in our catalog. It’s made with certified 18K gold or .925 sterling silver and handcrafted to perfection.

So whether you’re stressing about cloudy moissanite or currently dealing with moissanite cloudiness, browse our collection and see what catches your eye. Head-turning pieces are just a few clicks away!

Final Thoughts on Why Moissanite Looks Cloudy Sometimes

So, does moissanite get cloudy? The short answer is no - true cloudiness is incredibly rare in moissanite. However, there are many reasons why moissanite looks cloudy - but these surface imperfections can be effortlessly cleaned away or avoided altogether with proper care.

We hope this overview of moissanite cloudiness has dispelled your concerns and doubts that this is the right material for you. The only thing left to do is discover the magic of moissanite firsthand at Adamans. Make your next statement piece unforgettable!