Wedding jewelry is meant to last. A pearl necklace or moissanite pendant purchased for your wedding should look exactly the same at your tenth anniversary as it did on the day you wore it. Achieving that requires understanding what each material needs — and what to avoid.

This guide covers complete care for both pearl and moissanite jewelry so you can maintain the condition of every piece in your collection.

Caring for Moissanite Jewelry

Why Moissanite Is Easy to Care For

Moissanite's hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale means it resists surface scratching from virtually all everyday materials. It is chemically stable — not affected by soap, water, lotions, or perfume the way pearls are. It does not cloud, tarnish, or fade.

The main care requirement for moissanite is cleaning the stone and maintaining the metal setting. The stone itself requires almost no special handling.

Cleaning Moissanite at Home

Moissanite should be cleaned whenever you notice reduced brilliance — usually caused by a film of skin oils, soap residue, or lotion accumulating on the surface.

Standard cleaning method:

1. Mix a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water in a bowl
2. Place the jewelry in the solution for 2–3 minutes
3. Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the stone surface and the underside of the setting where buildup accumulates
4. Rinse thoroughly under warm running water
5. Pat dry with a soft lint-free cloth and allow to air dry completely before storing

This method is safe for moissanite in sterling silver, white gold, and rose gold settings. Perform as needed — typically once every two to four weeks for daily-wear pieces.

What to Avoid with Moissanite

• Ultrasonic cleaners: Safe for the stone itself, but the vibration can loosen prong settings over time. If using an ultrasonic cleaner, have the setting checked by a jeweler afterward.
• Chlorine bleach: Can damage sterling silver and gold settings. Avoid wearing moissanite rings in swimming pools or when using cleaning products containing bleach.
• Abrasive cloths: The stone is scratch-resistant, but abrasive materials can damage metal settings. Use only soft cloths for cleaning and drying.
• Steam cleaning: Safe for the stone but can loosen certain glue-set components if present in the setting.

Storing Moissanite

Store moissanite pieces separately from other jewelry. Even though moissanite itself is very hard, the metal settings can be scratched by contact with other pieces. A fabric-lined jewelry box with individual compartments, or individual soft pouches, prevents contact damage.

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Caring for Pearl Jewelry

Why Pearl Requires More Care

Pearl sits at approximately 2.5–4.5 on the Mohs scale — significantly softer than moissanite, diamond, or most other gemstones used in fine jewelry. Pearl nacre (the surface layer that creates luster) can be scratched by materials as soft as fingernails and damaged by common chemicals.

Understanding what affects pearl is the foundation of caring for it properly.

The Last On, First Off Rule

Pearl jewelry should always be the last thing you put on when getting dressed and the first thing you take off. This means:

• Apply perfume, hairspray, and makeup before putting on pearl jewelry
• Allow all products to dry completely before the pearls touch your skin or clothing
• Remove pearls before exercise, swimming, showering, or any activity that causes sweating

Perfume and hairspray contain alcohol and acids that strip nacre over time. Sweat is mildly acidic and has the same effect with repeated exposure. This is the single most important habit for maintaining pearl luster long-term.

Cleaning Pearl Jewelry

Pearl should never be submerged in water or cleaning solutions. The thread on pearl necklaces and bracelets absorbs water and weakens over time. Many setting adhesives are also water-soluble.

Correct cleaning method:

1. Dampen a soft cloth (not wet — just barely damp) with plain water
2. Wipe each pearl gently to remove skin oils and surface deposits
3. Use a second dry soft cloth to remove any remaining moisture
4. Allow the piece to air dry completely in a horizontal position before storing
5. Never use steam, ultrasonic cleaners, or any chemical cleaning solution on pearls

Clean pearl jewelry after each wearing, or at minimum after any wearing where the piece came into contact with skin and perspiration.

What Damages Pearl

Storing Pearls Correctly

Pearls need to breathe — they should not be stored in airtight containers or plastic bags for extended periods. The lack of humidity in completely sealed environments can cause nacre to dry out and crack over time.

Store pearls in a soft fabric pouch or a fabric-lined compartment in a jewelry box. Keep them away from other gemstones that could scratch the surface. Do not hang pearl necklaces for long-term storage — the thread stretches over time. Store flat or loosely coiled in a pouch.

When to Restring Pearl Necklaces

Pearl necklaces and bracelets should be restrung periodically. The silk thread used to string pearls weakens and stretches with wear and exposure to moisture. A stretched or weakened thread is at risk of breaking.

Signs your pearl necklace needs restringing:

• Visible gaps or spaces between pearls
• Thread looks grey, frayed, or discolored
• The knots between pearls have loosened
• The necklace feels limp or moves differently than when new

For pearl jewelry worn regularly, restringing every two to three years is standard. For occasional-wear pieces, inspect annually and restring when signs of wear appear.

You may also like to read: Why More People Are Choosing Moissanite Over Diamond in 2026

Care Comparison at a Glance

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear moissanite jewelry in the shower?

Yes. Moissanite is water-resistant and unaffected by soap or shampoo. However, avoid wearing moissanite in chlorinated pools or hot tubs — chlorine can damage sterling silver and gold settings over time even if the stone itself is unaffected.

How do I restore the luster to dull pearls?

If pearls have lost luster due to product buildup, gentle cleaning with a barely-damp cloth often restores shine. If the dulling is caused by nacre damage from chemical exposure, restoration is not possible at home — the surface layer has been permanently affected. Prevention is more effective than restoration for pearls.

Can moissanite and pearl jewelry be stored together?

No. Moissanite's hardness (9.25) means it will scratch pearl nacre (2.5–4.5 hardness) on contact. Always store them in separate pouches or compartments.

How often should I have my wedding ring checked by a jeweler?

For rings worn daily, an annual check is recommended. A jeweler can confirm the prongs or setting are secure and the stone has not shifted. This is inexpensive insurance against losing a stone.

Is it safe to sleep in pearl jewelry?

Not recommended. Contact with pillow fabric and movement during sleep can cause surface abrasion on pearls and stress on the thread of necklaces. Remove pearl jewelry before sleeping. Moissanite rings and studs are generally safe to sleep in, though it is better practice to remove all jewelry before bed.

All jewelry from Luvymia  ships with a care card specific to the material. Browse our pearl and moissanite collections — pieces designed for daily wear with long-term quality in mind.