Caring for Your Moissanite and Morganite Center Stones: What You Need to Know
When looking for the perfect center stone for your jewelry, moissanite, and morganite are unique and captivating gemstones with their own individual charm and beauty. Moissanite is a popular substitute for diamonds due to its dazzling sparkle, while morganite attracts those who want a more delicate and feminine touch with its soft, romantic hues of peach and pink.
Regardless of which stone you choose, knowing how to care for these center stones is essential to preserving their beauty. In this guide, we’ll review the properties of both gemstones and offer expert tips on cleaning, maintaining, and storing your moissanite and morganite jewelry so it can remain stunning and last for years to come.
All About Moissanite
Moissanite is a beautiful gemstone that continues to gain popularity as a diamond alternative. French scientist Henri Moissan discovered it in a meteor crater in Arizona in 1893. Since natural moissanite is incredibly rare, nearly all moissanite used today in jewelry is created in a lab.
Moissanite is appealing for several different factors: its durability, affordability, and unique sparkle with a brilliance that competes with diamonds. It is known for its intense fire and rainbow flashes, and it reflects light differently than diamonds, which gives it a more distinct and eye-catching shimmer. It has a lower price point than diamonds, making it a budget-friendly option without compromising on beauty.
Properties of Moissanite
Due to its unique qualities, moissanite stands out from other gemstones. It is composed of silicon carbide and ranks 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it incredibly durable and resistant to scratches. This makes moissanite ideal for everyday wear, especially in wedding or engagement rings or everyday stud earrings.
Moissanite is also sought for its high refractive index, creating its signature sparkle. Because of this refractive quality, it tends to exhibit more brilliance and fire than diamonds do, giving rainbow flashes when shown under direct light.
Unlike natural diamonds, moissanite is also created in a controlled lab environment, which ensures that each stone is ethically sourced and free of imperfections. Lab-grown diamonds are also a beautiful alternative to natural diamonds, but moissanite and lab-grown diamonds differ in durability, brilliance, color, and price.
Explore Morganite
Morganite is a semi-precious gemstone that was initially found in Madagascar in 1911. It was discovered by gemologist George Fredrick Kunz who named it after his patron, the banker J.P. Morgan, who provided significant gemstone contributions to museums all over the world.
Its characteristic pink to peachy-pink hue comes from manganese impurities found in the beryl crystal structure. The color can vary in intensity, with some having a more intense, vivid coloring and others having a more delicate, soft hue.
Properties of Morganite
Morganite’s physical properties play an important role in understanding its suitability for different types of wear. On the Mohs hardness scale, morganite stands between 7.5 and 8, making it a sturdy choice for engagement and wedding rings, earrings, and pendants.
While it is fairly sturdy, it is still softer than diamonds and requires careful handling to prevent scratches and chips over time. Morganite is known for its stunning range of pink hues, varying from soft, pastel pinks to vibrant salmon-orange shades. Untreated stones usually show more of that salmon tone, while rare varieties give the deep, rich pinks that are high in demand due to their intensity and minimal inclusions.
Caring for Morganite and Moissanite Jewelry
You’ll need to regularly care for both of these gemstones to keep them looking beautiful and radiant. Following the guidelines below will help keep your morganite and moissanite jewelry in pristine condition and maintain their brilliance for the future.
Morganite
Morganite has a shiny surface that tends to collect dirt which can lead to a permanently cloudy appearance if not treated right away. You should regularly clean your morganite jewelry gently with warm water and non abrasive soap and avoid scratching the stone.
Try to remember to always remove your ring before doing household tasks and avoid household cleaners, chlorine, and abrasive substances. These harsh chemicals can damage the gemstone and its setting.
Moissanite
Similarly, moissanite should be carefully handled to preserve its radiance. While it is highly durable, it should be removed when doing intense physical activities like sports or strenuous work, as any forceful impact can chip the stone.
Prolonged exposure to heat and light also may affect the color of most gemstones, including moissanite. Be sure to limit exposure to direct heat or light.
How to Clean Morganite and Moissanite Jewelry at Home
Regularly cleaning your morganite and moissanite jewelry will help keep it looking its best. Follow the tips below for routine at-home cleaning of your jewelry.
- Combine lukewarm water and soap (avoid hot water)
- Submerge the jewelry in the soapy water and let it soak
- Gently brush the gemstone with a soft toothbrush
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue
- Pat dry with a paper towel
- Polish with a polishing cloth for maximum sparkle
Storing Your Morganite and Moissanite Jewelry
To keep these gemstones in top condition, keep them in a cool, clean, and safe place away from direct sunlight or heat. Morganite should be cleaned annually by a professional to restore its brilliance.
Although moissanite is durable, it is not entirely scratch-resistant. To minimize the risk of damage, store moissanite jewelry in a fabric-lined case away from other stones and materials. This will help protect the moissanite and also avoid damaging any softer gemstones.
Made-to-Order Moissanite and Morganite Jewelry From Anye Designs
When looking for moissanite and morganite jewelry, you’ll want to find a reputable jeweler who understands the properties and care of these gemstones. Both stones offer stunning beauty and durability, making them excellent choices for all types of jewelry. By prioritizing proper cleaning and storage, you can make sure your gems remain a dazzling part of your collection for a long time.
Anye Designs gives you a truly unique experience when choosing the perfect piece of jewelry for any occasion. Our made-to-order designs are crafted from raw materials, showcasing our close attention to detail and quality craftsmanship. Whether you are looking for a stunning necklace, elegant earrings, or diamond ring, we are here to help you find the perfect piece to add to your collection.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment or plan a visit to our showroom in Los Angeles to explore our selection in person.