How Durable Is Moissanite Jewellery for Daily Wear?

Moissanite is one of the hardest gemstones in jewellery. Made of silicon carbide, it combines high hardness with toughness, resisting scratches, chips, and fractures. 

With a Mohs hardness of 9.25, it is second only to diamond and can handle daily wear, including typing, washing hands, and light chores, without losing polish or brilliance. Unlike softer stones like quartz or topaz, it keeps its structure and reflective properties even with frequent use. Durability also relies on the stone’s cut and polish. 

Precision cuts distribute light evenly and prevent weak points, while high-quality polishing removes surface imperfections that could cause scratches or dullness. Combined with a secure setting, moissanite remains intact and sparkles consistently. Its hardness and toughness make it ideal for rings, pendants, and bracelets worn daily.

Key Takeaways

• Mohs hardness of 9.25 makes moissanite highly scratch-resistant
  

• Precision cuts increase structural strength and brilliance
  

• Suitable for rings, earrings, pendants, and bracelets worn daily
  

• Resistant to minor bumps, pressure, and household activities
  

• Properly set stones reduce the risk of chips or loosening
  

Mohs Hardness: Scratch Resistance of Moissanite

The Mohs hardness scale measures a gemstone’s ability to resist scratching. Moissanite scores 9.25, which is higher than sapphire (9) and quartz (7). This makes it ideal for jewellery that will be worn frequently.

Stones below this hardness can show visible scratches after just a few months of wear, but moissanite maintains a smooth, polished surface. Scratch resistance ensures the gemstone keeps its clarity and brilliance over years of use. Hardness also protects the gemstone from minor contact with everyday surfaces.

For example, accidental rubbing against metal objects, countertops, or clothing will not leave marks. The hardness combined with proper cut and polishing ensures long-lasting durability.

This makes moissanite a practical choice for engagement rings, wedding rings, and daily moissanite jewellery that needs to retain a pristine look.

Mohs Hardness Comparison

Impact Resistance: Handling Everyday Knocks

Moissanite is not only hard but also tough, which means it resists breaking or chipping under normal pressure. While diamonds are harder, they are more brittle in certain angles.

Moissanite’s toughness allows it to withstand minor knocks, drops, or collisions without damage. This makes it reliable for rings or bracelets that are worn daily and come into contact with various surfaces. The impact resistance of moissanite depends on how it is cut and set.

Rounded edges and secure prong or bezel settings reduce the risk of stress points that could cause cracks. Stones that are precision-cut distribute force evenly across the gemstone.

Combined with proper metal settings, impact resistance ensures that moissanite jewellery can maintain its structural integrity and visual appeal over many years.

Sterling Silver Settings: Protection and Durability

The choice of metal is critical to overall jewellery durability. Sterling silver, at 925 parts silver, is strong, corrosion-resistant, and hypoallergenic. It provides a secure frame for moissanite, holding the stone firmly in place.

Well-crafted silver settings protect the stone from bending, loosening, or falling out while remaining lightweight and comfortable for daily wear. Sterling silver also allows for precise prong and bezel designs, which reduce the exposure of edges to accidental impacts. Unlike softer metals, high-quality sterling silver does not easily scratch or deform.

This means that the setting maintains both the position and the aesthetic of the stone over time. When combined with a high-quality moissanite, sterling silver ensures the piece remains durable and visually appealing.

Metal Setting Durability

Factors That Can Affect Long-Term Durability

Even strong gemstones can face durability challenges if not properly maintained. Exposure to harsh chemicals such as bleach or chlorine can damage both the stone and its metal setting over time. Heavy impacts, like dropping jewellery onto hard surfaces, can also create stress points that may lead to cracks.

Poorly designed or worn-out settings increase the risk of the stone loosening or falling out. Stone shape and cut influence long-term durability as well. Sharp corners, thin edges, or deep step cuts may be more vulnerable to damage than rounded, well-proportioned cuts.

Regular inspection of the setting and careful handling are essential to maintain the integrity of moissanite jewellery. Jewellery with secure prongs, bezel settings, or protective designs will last longer under normal wear conditions.

Comparing Moissanite Durability to Diamonds and Other Gemstones

Moissanite is nearly as hard as diamond, but it is tougher in terms of resistance to chipping and breakage. It surpasses sapphires, topaz, and quartz in scratch resistance.

Its combination of hardness, toughness, and brilliance makes it ideal for pieces that are worn daily, including engagement rings and pendants. Unlike some softer stones, moissanite keeps its polished surface and reflective qualities even after years of use.

Step cuts, brilliant cuts, and cushion cuts all benefit from the stone’s hardness and toughness, making the gemstone suitable for a wide range of jewellery designs. With proper settings and maintenance, moissanite maintains both visual appeal and structural integrity better than many alternative gemstones.

Why Franc Laurent Moissanite Is Perfect for Daily Wear

Franc Laurent combines high-grade, colourless moissanite stones with precision-cut designs and secure 925 sterling silver settings. Every piece is crafted to maintain brilliance, resist scratches, and handle everyday use.

The silver frame is strong, hypoallergenic, and protects the stone from loosening or damage. Choosing Franc Laurent means selecting jewellery that keeps its sparkle and structure even with daily wear.

Rings, earrings, and pendants retain their shine, and stones remain flawless and eye-clean. The combination of top-quality moissanite and durable sterling silver makes Franc Laurent jewellery a reliable choice for long-term daily wear.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does moissanite handle everyday knocks and bumps?

Moissanite is tough and resists chipping or breaking from normal daily activities. Its hardness and well-distributed cuts allow it to absorb minor impacts. Jewellery with secure prongs or bezel settings reduces stress on the stone, ensuring rings, pendants, and bracelets remain intact even with daily wear.

Can moissanite get scratched easily?

No. Moissanite scores 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it highly scratch-resistant. Only harder stones, like diamonds, can leave marks. Properly polished stones maintain smooth surfaces, and durable metal settings help prevent scratches from minor contact with metal objects, clothing, or surfaces.

Does the metal setting affect moissanite durability?

Yes. Strong metals like 925 sterling silver support the stone and prevent bending or loosening. Weak or thin settings can increase the risk of damage. Secure prongs, bezels, or protective designs ensure the gemstone stays in place and maintains its brilliance for daily use.

Can moissanite survive exposure to heat or sunlight?

Yes. Moissanite is chemically stable and maintains brilliance and colour even under prolonged sunlight or normal heat. Extreme direct flame or industrial heat may cause damage, but everyday temperatures, sunlight, or indoor lighting do not affect its durability or appearance.

Do moissanite stones loosen over time?

They can if settings wear down or prongs bend. Regular inspection of the jewellery is recommended. Well-crafted settings protect the stone and reduce movement. With proper care, high-quality moissanite in secure metal frames remains firmly in place, retaining both its sparkle and structural integrity over the years.