where does moissanite get cloudy and how to prevent it

Hey! Wondering if moissanite gets cloudy? You’re not the only one. I asked myself the same thing when I was picking my engagement ring.

Table of Content

1. Why does moissanite look cloudy sometimes?
2. How to clean cloudy moissanite jewelry
3. Moissanite vs diamond: which gets cloudier?
4. Does moissanite lose its sparkle over time?
5. Can you fix permanently cloudy moissanite?
6. How to prevent moissanite from getting cloudy
7. Does moissanite color affect cloudiness?
8. Moissanite care mistakes that cause cloudiness
9. Professional cleaning vs home care for moissanite
10. Moissanite cloudiness myths debunked
11. Final thoughts and action steps

Short answer: not really. But stuff can make it look less shiny sometimes. Let’s talk about why moissanite might dull, how to keep it shiny, and what makes it special. New to moissanite or a pro? I’ll share all my tips and tricks.

Why does moissanite look cloudy sometimes?

Moissanite’s super sparkly, but sometimes it can look cloudy. This happens when dirt, oil, or soap gunk builds up. It’s not like diamonds that cloud inside. Just surface stuff can make it less shiny. My ring got hazy after months, but one good clean made it sparkle like new!

The science stuff about moissanite is pretty cool.

It’s made of silicon carbide – almost as hard as diamonds (9.25 on that hardness scale).

So it doesn’t scratch easy like some other stones. But it shows dirt more because it’s so sparkly. That’s why you gotta clean it often.

My jeweler told me a cool tip: moissanite can get a little oily looking. Not really cloudy, just a thin film on top. No worries though! A pro clean or gentle scrub with soap takes it right off.

How to clean cloudy moissanite jewelry

Cleaning moissanite is easy – I’ve tried lots of ways. Just soak it in warm soapy water for 20 mins, then brush gently. I do this every couple weeks – looks new every time.

For tough gunk, store-bought cleaners work great. Just check they’re safe for moissanite and your ring’s metal. Once I used silver cleaner on my white gold ring – oops! Always read the label or ask your jeweler.

Ultrasonic cleaners are awesome, but be careful. Don’t use them too much – the shaking can loosen stones.

I use mine monthly for deep cleans – no problems yet. Take off any damaged or delicate pieces first.

Moissanite vs diamond: which gets cloudier?

People always compare these in jewelry chats. Both can look cloudy when dirty, but for different reasons. Diamonds cloud inside from flaws, moissanite only on the surface.

I have both – my moissanite stays cleaner longer. The diamond picks up more skin oil.

But when dirty, moissanite shows it more because it’s so sparkly. Like fingerprints on shiny vs matte surfaces.

Cool fact: moissanite’s tough, so scratches don’t cloud it permanently. My diamond chipped on a doorframe (ouch!), but my moissanite’s taken hits like a champ.

Does moissanite lose its sparkle over time?

This scared me most before buying. After 3 years of daily wear – nope, it keeps its sparkle.

Dirt and oil build-up can make it look dull. But clean it right, and it’s good as new.

A gemologist told me moissanite’s sparkle stays the same. Unlike some stones that fade in sun, moissanite stays sparkly forever. Perfect for jewelry you want to pass down.

Cheaper moissanite might look a bit cloudy even clean. So buy from good sellers with GRA papers. Mine came with GRA papers – totally worth it!

Can you fix permanently cloudy moissanite?

Good news – permanent cloudiness is super rare. What seems permanent is usually just tough gunk. Even that oily look I mentioned isn’t forever.

But if it looks cloudy inside, see a pro. I thought mine was ruined, but it was just a loose setting making it look bad. A quick tighten fixed it right up.

Very rarely, hard hits can cause tiny cracks. These might cloud it, but a good jeweler can polish them out. Just fix problems fast before they get worse.

How to prevent moissanite from getting cloudy

Better to prevent than fix, right? Here’s how I keep mine shiny. First, take it off when using lotions or sprays.

This stuff can make it look dull. I keep little dishes around to make this easy.

Rinse it after swimming or workouts. Sweat and pool chemicals gunk it up fast. I do this after workouts – big difference.

Also, think about the setting. Some styles are easier to clean.

My first ring had tons of dirt traps. Now I go for simpler but still stylish ones.

Does moissanite color affect cloudiness?

Most folks don’t think about this. Clear moissanite shows dirt more than tinted ones. Like clear vs frosted glass showing fingerprints.

I have both clear and tinted moissanite. Both get dirty, but the tinted one hides it better. But clean, the clear one looks amazing – just like a diamond.

Yellow or gray hides dirt even better. My friend’s champagne one always looks clean, even when dirty. If cleaning worries you, try these colors.

Moissanite care mistakes that cause cloudiness

I’ve messed up caring for mine too! Never use harsh cleaners like bleach. Once I used nail polish remover – big mistake! Didn’t hurt the stone, but messed up the plating.

Skipping pro check-ups is bad too. Jewelers catch loose settings you might miss. I get mine checked twice a year now.

Bad storage can make it look cloudy too. Don’t throw pieces together – they’ll scratch.

I use separate pouches or organizers. This keeps everything looking great.

Professional cleaning vs home care for moissanite

There’s definitely a place for both approaches in moissanite maintenance. I do regular home cleanings (about every two weeks) and professional cleanings twice a year. The professional cleanings are more thorough and include inspection of the setting, which home care can’t provide.

My jeweler uses steam cleaning and specialized solutions that remove buildup I can’t get at home. They also check the stone under magnification for any issues. The cost is minimal (often free if you bought the piece from them), and it gives me peace of mind.

That said, consistent home care is crucial for maintaining sparkle between professional cleanings. I’ve found that people who rely solely on professional cleanings often have cloudier-looking stones in between visits. It’s all about finding the right balance for your lifestyle.

Moissanite cloudiness myths debunked

Let’s clear up some common misconceptions! Myth #1: Moissanite gets cloudy with age. Not true – as we’ve discussed, any cloudiness is reversible with proper care.

Myth #2: All moissanite eventually turns yellow and cloudy. Absolutely false. High-quality moissanite maintains its color and clarity indefinitely.

Myth #3: Cloudy moissanite means it’s fake. Actually, fake moissanite (usually cubic zirconia) behaves differently – it scratches and clouds more easily. Real moissanite’s temporary cloudiness is just from surface dirt. I fell for this myth early on and almost returned a perfectly good stone!

Myth #4: You need special expensive cleaners for moissanite. Nope! Mild dish soap and water work perfectly fine. Save your money for more important things – like maybe another piece of moissanite jewelry!

Final thoughts and action steps

After all this research and personal experience, I can confidently say that moissanite doesn’t get cloudy in the way many people fear. Any loss of brilliance is temporary and easily remedied with proper care. The key takeaways? Clean your moissanite regularly, avoid harsh chemicals, and don’t skip professional check-ups.

If you’re considering moissanite but worried about cloudiness, I’d say go for it! Just be sure to buy from a reputable seller (look for that GRA certification) and commit to simple maintenance. My moissanite jewelry brings me so much joy, and I love that it stays beautiful with minimal effort.

Ready to keep your moissanite sparkling? Start today by giving your pieces a gentle cleaning – you’ll be amazed at the difference! And if you have any moissanite care tips of your own, I’d love to hear them. Happy sparkling!