This is THE question we're asked before a purchase: "Does moissanite last over time?" Short answer: yes, a lifetime. Detailed answer below.
A hardness of 9.25/10: What does that mean in practice?
The Mohs scale ranks minerals according to their scratch resistance, from 1 (talc) to 10 (diamond). Moissanite scores 9.25 – ahead of sapphire and ruby (9), and far ahead of emerald (7.5-8) and quartz (7).
Simple rule: a material can only be scratched by a material harder than itself. In everyday life, almost nothing is harder than moissanite: not keys, not sand, not glass, not the steel of a countertop. Only a diamond could scratch it.
Does it resist shocks, heat, and products?
- Shocks: Moissanite is less brittle than emerald or opal. Like any gemstone, avoid major direct impacts, but it handles daily life very well.
- Heat: It withstands very high temperatures without clouding – dishwashing, cooking, sun: no risk.
- Household products: They do not damage the stone, but can leave a greasy film that temporarily dulls its brilliance (see maintenance below). However, they can wear down metals: remove your rings when cleaning or swimming (chlorine).
Will it tarnish or "milk up" over time?
No. Unlike cubic zirconia (CZ), which clouds in a few years, moissanite is optically stable: its brilliance after 20 years is the same as on the first day. This is what makes it a true heirloom stone.
Maintenance: 5 minutes a month
- Prepare a bowl of warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap.
- Soak the jewelry for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Gently brush around the stone with a soft toothbrush (the underside of the setting accumulates sebum and creams – this is where brilliance is lost).
- Rinse with clear water, dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Avoid: abrasive cleaners and overly frequent ultrasonic baths if the stone has fine pave settings.
What about the metal of the jewelry?
Our creations are made of 925 sterling silver (rhodium-plated for lasting white brilliance) or 18-karat gold-plated. Store your jewelry in its case away from humidity and put it on after perfume and cosmetics: they will reward you for decades.
Want a stone that stands the test of time? Explore our rings and necklaces in moissanite. And to understand why it shines more than a diamond, read our moissanite vs. diamond comparison.