Use lukewarm water, a few drops of mild dish soap and a very soft brush, then rinse and dry with a lint-free cloth. That cleans the moissanite stone completely and is gentle on plated silver. Skip abrasives, hot water, bleach and ultrasonic cleaners for plated pieces. The whole job takes about five minutes.
The stone is the easy part
Moissanite is lab grown silicon carbide, and at Mohs 9.25 it is hard enough that a soft brush and soapy water are no risk to it. What makes it look dull is not damage. It is a thin film of skin oil, hand cream, hairspray and soap residue sitting on the surface. Remove the film and the sparkle returns, because the stone itself has not changed.
The setting is the part that rewards a little thought. Every current Mariqe piece is 925 sterling silver with 18k gold plating or platinum plating, and plating is a very thin layer. That is true of all plated jewellery, from any brand, so the gentle method below is simply the right method for plated pieces in general.
The five minute method
- Mix the bath. A bowl of lukewarm water with a few drops of mild dish soap. Warm is fine. Hot is not needed, and hot water is on the avoid list for plated pieces.
- Soak briefly. A few minutes loosens the film. Long soaks are unnecessary.
- Brush gently. Use a soft toothbrush or soft cloth. Pay attention to the underside of the stone and around the prongs, where oil collects.
- Rinse well. Clean running water removes soap that would otherwise leave a new film.
- Dry fully. Pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid paper towels, which can leave lint or scratch metal.
Jewelers Mutual recommends the same soap, lukewarm water, soft brush and thorough drying for gold plated jewellery, and suggests a quick clean with lukewarm water and a soft cloth every week or two, or before storing. Charles & Colvard gives the same advice for moissanite itself: mild soap, warm water and a soft brush.
What to leave out
None of these will hurt the stone much. They are about keeping the plated finish looking its best for longer.
| Method | Fine for the stone? | Good for plated silver? |
|---|---|---|
| Mild dish soap, lukewarm water, soft brush | Yes | Yes. This is the recommended method |
| Baking soda, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide | Yes | No. Jewelers Mutual lists these as DIY cleansers that can damage gold plating |
| Bleach and household cleaning products | Not needed | No. Chlorine and cleaners can break down plating |
| Abrasive pastes, including toothpaste | Not needed | No. Plating is thin, and abrasives rub it away |
| Ultrasonic cleaner | Sources disagree | Skip it for gemstone pieces |
| Polishing cloth | Not needed | Use sparingly, if at all. Cloths are mildly abrasive |
On ultrasonic cleaners, the guidance genuinely differs. Charles & Colvard's consumer advice says to avoid them. Its jeweller's bench guide says single moissanite pieces cause no problems in one, and Moissanite Co. calls ultrasonic cleaning the most effective option for bare stones. A jeweller's setting and a plated piece are different situations, though, and Jewelers Mutual says to avoid ultrasonic cleaning for gemstone pieces. The soap and brush method works well enough that you do not need to take the risk.
How often to clean it
Moissanite attracts grease a little less than diamond does, according to Moissanite Co., yet everyday oils and cosmetics still dull it. A quick wash once a month suits most people, and a wipe with a soft cloth after wearing keeps the film from building up. If you wear a piece daily, a weekly rinse is easy to fit in.
Put cream, perfume and hairspray on before you put jewellery on, not after. That one habit does more for the shine than any cleaning product.
Storing it between wears
Keep each piece in its own soft pouch or in a lined box, away from harder stones and metals, so nothing rubs. Charles & Colvard suggests anti-tarnish strips or silica gel packets to absorb moisture. Sterling silver can darken slightly over time as any silver does, and dry storage slows that. If you are also wondering about water, our guide to wearing moissanite in the shower, pool and ocean covers it.
What the warranty covers
The Lifetime Moissanite Warranty covers the stone, including changes to its clarity, colour, fire or brilliance. As stated on the Mariqe FAQ, it covers the stone only and does not extend to the metal, or to normal wear and tear. That is typical of stone warranties, which is why the gentle routine above is worth keeping. For a plain comparison of how plating and solid gold age, see sterling silver with plating versus solid gold.
What this means for you
You do not need special products, and soap and a soft brush are no risk to the stone. Wash gently, rinse, dry, and store it dry. Done monthly, that keeps both the sparkle and the plated finish looking their best. If the plating ever does wear, a jeweller can replate it, which is a normal part of owning any plated jewellery.
Eterna Stud Earrings
Six-prong round moissanite studs in 925 sterling silver with platinum or 18k gold plating, from $88 a pair (checked 12 October 2026), backed by the Lifetime Moissanite Warranty.
See sizes and pricesFrequently asked questions
Can I clean moissanite with toothpaste or baking soda?
The stone would not mind, but plated settings would. Toothpaste and baking soda are abrasive, and plating is a very thin layer. Mild dish soap and a soft brush clean just as well.
Is it safe to use an ultrasonic cleaner on moissanite jewellery?
Advice differs for bare stones, but for plated pieces with gemstones the safer choice is to skip it. Warm soapy water and a soft brush do the job without any risk to the setting.
Why does my moissanite look cloudy?
Almost always a film of skin oil, lotion or soap residue on the surface. Moissanite itself does not cloud from wear. A wash with mild soap, a rinse and a lint-free cloth normally restores the shine.
How often should I clean moissanite jewellery?
A wash once a month suits most people, with a quick wipe after wearing. If you wear a piece every day, a weekly rinse is easy to fit in.
Does cleaning void the Lifetime Moissanite Warranty?
Gentle home cleaning with soap and water is ordinary care. The warranty covers the stone only, and excludes the metal, normal wear and tear and neglect, so keeping to a gentle routine is the sensible approach.