The jewelry world is gradually moving away from natural stones towards lab-made gemstones. One of the most popular of these stones is moissanite. Moissanite watches are an alternative to diamonds.
This is because they look as good as diamonds, are almost as hard, and behave similarly under light. These watches are stylish, elegant, and they look luxurious, which makes them a great option for collectors, everyday users, and resellers alike.
In this guide, we’ll look at whether moissanite can get wet, how to clean a moissanite watch, the best cleaning products, and a bit of comparison between cleaning a diamond watch and cleaning a moissanite watch. Our goal is that at the end of this piece, you'd have learnt how best to clean your moissanite jewelry.
Introduction to Moissanite Watches
First discovered in 1893 by a French chemist, Henri Moissan, he found the first of this gemstone in a meteorite. However, from the early 90s, most of the moissanite used in the world is lab-grown.
This gives a sustainable, ethical, and affordable alternative to diamond watches. Watches embellished with diamonds look good. They are durable and also elegant, which is what makes them attractive to wholesalers and collectors alike, who want something that sparkles but want it to be pocket-friendly.
What Makes Moissanite Watches Special
Here are some facts that make Moissanite watches special and that have led to their wide acceptance in the US.
Its brilliance and fire
Moissanite possesses more fire than diamond, which means it has a more intense sparkle; its rainbow flashes of light are more captivating than diamond, and this is all because it has a higher refractive index than diamond.
Scratch Resistant
Moissanite is next to diamond on the Mohs scale, rating 9.25 for hardness. They are scratch-resistant and suitable for use in everyday jewellery.
Affordability and Luxury
It's not every time that we see affordability and luxury in the same sentence; however, with Mossanite, that has become possible. This gemstone is created in the lab, making it cheaper than mined diamonds.
It also offers diamond-like beauty with the diamond price tag. There's also much to gain from wholesale as bulk purchases can reduce the price per unit.
Ethical and Sustainable
Diamonds are mired in ethical issues, both environmental and the violence that is sometimes meted out to the host communities. So, for environmentally conscious buyers and those who care about the source of the diamonds, this offers a great alternative.
Wholesale Moissanite Watches Buying Guide
There are some advantages to buying wholesale moissanite watches, but before we dive in, let's see some reasons you might want to consider buying in bulk.
Reasons to Buy Wholesale
- Bulk customization options
- Strong resale demand
- Lower cost per unit
- Access to a variety of designs
- Priority treatment from the supplier or manufacturer
Factors to Consider Before Purchasing These Gemstones
- Quality of stone - these gemstones come in different cuts, sizes, colors, and clarity. Take note of this
- Types of design - These timepieces could come in male, female, or unisex variants. They could be iced-out or have partial embellishments.
- Type of casing - The casings could come in different kinds of metal. Gold or silver-plated titanium, or stainless steel of several qualities.
It's important you look at these factors as you purchase, look at the pros and cons of each, and also take a look at the market and demand for the type of moissanite watch you want to purchase.
How To Purchase Moissanite Watches Safely
- Check for warranties and guarantees, also confirm return policies.
- Check for customer reviews and testimonials on independent review platforms.
- Check for the seller's certifications, and ensure they have the necessary papers and certificates.
- Build up a relationship with your suppliers for new info and priority access to new designs, faster delivery, and better pricing.
Can Moissanite Get Wet?
When we conducted a poll, we discovered a unique question that we will attempt to answer in this section. Can moissanite get wet?.
No, because moissanite is neither porous nor water-soluble. However, for the watches, it's entirely a different matter. They do get wet. Especially if it doesn't have water-resistant capabilities, water could damage it. Let's break it down.
Gemstones - The stone will neither lose sparkle nor be damaged by water.
Watch casing and components - If possible, avoid exposing the watch to salt water, chlorinated water from pools, and humidity.
This is because these fluids could weaken the straps and adhesive over time. Also, if the watch isn't water resistant, you should take it off in wet environments.
Best practices
Dry your watch thoroughly if it gets wet, and also avoid prolonged exposure to wet environments.
How to Clean Moissanite Watches
Cleaning your moissanite is paramount because it helps preserve the elegance of your watch while ensuring it does not fade quickly.
Step 1 - An Appropriate Cleaning Solution
Prepare a solution containing a mild dish soap and warm water.
Step 2 - Clean Gently
With a soft toothbrush, preferably a baby’s brush, clean around the surface of the watch, taking care to remove the dirt around the stones and casing.
Step 3 - Rinse and Dry
Rinse under running water and then clean with a soft microfibre cloth.
Deep Cleaning
To even get better cleaning results, you could use an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner. This will give you a showroom finish. However, this should be used once in a blue moon, as frequent use may loosen the stones.
Harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, and cleaning methods should be avoided.
Comparing Cleaning Diamond Watches vs Cleaning Moissanite Watches
Are there similarities between cleaning for moissanite and cleaning for diamond watches? They have similar physical properties.
They both require a mild soapy/lukewarm washing solution, soft brushes, and, of course, gentle drying.
There are some differences, though. For example, moissanite is a little bit less heat-resistant than diamond; any cleaning method that involves intense heat, such as boiling, should be avoided.
Diamond, which is harder, can, to some extent, withstand harsher cleaning methods, but moissanite should always be treated mildly.
As long as you are softer on your moissanite than on diamond, and you avoid using harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaning methods, you'll be fine.
Best Moissanite Cleaning Products
The type and suitability of your cleaning products could make all the difference.
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Special Jewellery Cleaners
These cleaners are specially formulated for cleaning delicate jewelry. They are mild and non-abrasive.
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Ultrasonic Cleaners
This method is very effective, but it shouldn't be used regularly.
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DIY Cleaners
This is usually a combination of mild soap, lukewarm water, and it is safe for moissanite watches.
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Cleaning Kits
Brushes, soft micro fibre cloth, gentle sprays, all these are important for keeping your moissanite watch clean every day.
Long-term Care and Maintenance
Maintenance of moissanite watches goes beyond cleaning. Other things that should be done include;
1. Avoid Harsh Environments
Sea water, chlorinated water, extreme heat, these are like the environment you should limit your moissanite wrist watches to.
2. Treat delicately
Remove when you are going to take part in any physically intense activity or manual labor
3. Proper storage
Store it in a watch box with a soft interior.
4. Routine Inspection
Loose stones, strap wear, and more are things to look out for when you inspect your watch. If you find a loose stone, stop wearing the watch until you find a jeweler to fix it. Don't attempt to fix the watch yourself.
Conclusion
For wholesale buyers, choosing the right partner is very important. The right one would ensure a constant supply, feed you info on new designs, and keep your customers happy.
Beyond finding the right buyer, proper care for your watch is of extreme importance. It can impact how long your wrist watch lasts and how long it looks good.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How often should a moissanite watch be cleaned
A: The regular cleaning with mild soap water can be done every two weeks; however, deep cleaning by professionals can be done every 6-12months.
Q: What's the difference between cleaning moissanite watches and diamond watches
A: They both require gentle cleaning. Also, make sure that your moissanite watch is not exposed to extreme heat or harsh chemicals.
Q: Can moissanite get wet regularly
A: Water does not affect the moissanite stones; however, repeated exposure of the moissanite watch to moisture could harm the watch.
Q: Is it safe to use ultrasonic cleaners?
A: You can only use it once in a while; otherwise, you could ruin the watch, as some of the stones might loosen.
Q: What are the best cleaners for moissanite watches
A: Mild dish soap, soft brushes, soft cloth, and jewelry safe cleaners are the best for cleaning moissanite watches.
