If you’re considering a piece of VVS moissanite jewelry—whether it’s a custom grillz, a 14mm Cuban link chain, or an engagement ring—there is one question that almost every buyer asks: "Will it fade or turn cloudy over time?"
The short answer is no. But to understand why your VVS moissanite will maintain its "fire" forever, we need to look at the science behind the stone and how it compares to other alternatives.
1. Why Moissanite Doesn't Fade
Unlike cheaper alternatives like Cubic Zirconia (CZ), moissanite is not a porous material. It is made of Silicon Carbide (SiC), one of the most stable and hardest substances on Earth.
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Hardness: Moissanite scores 9.25 on the Mohs scale. Only a diamond (at 10) is harder. This means it’s incredibly resistant to scratches, which is the primary reason some stones look "faded" or dull over time.
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Chemical Stability: It is highly resistant to heat and chemicals. Whether you’re wearing it in the shower, at the gym, or near heat, the internal structure of the stone remains unchanged.
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VVS Clarity Advantage: VVS (Very, Very Slightly Included) refers to the clarity of the stone. Since these stones are lab-grown under precise conditions, they don't have large internal flaws that could "leak" light or look milky as the stone ages.
2. The "Cloudy" Myth: Why It Might Look Different
If moissanite doesn't fade, why do some people claim their jewelry lost its shine? The culprit is almost always surface buildup, not the stone itself.
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The "Oil Slick": Because moissanite has a high refractive index (it sparkles more than a diamond!), any film on the surface is very noticeable. Lotions, skin oils, soap scum, and hard water can create a thin layer on the stone.
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The Solution: A simple cleaning restores it instantly. Since moissanite is non-porous, these oils never soak into the stone; they just sit on top.
3. Moissanite vs. Cubic Zirconia (CZ)
This is where the confusion often starts. CZ is known to turn yellow or cloudy after a year or two because it absorbs oils and develops micro-scratches.
Moissanite is a "Forever Stone." It is an investment that provides the same lifetime durability as a diamond but with more "fire" (rainbow light dispersion).
4. How to Keep Your VVS Moissanite Sparkling
To ensure your jewelry looks as crisp as the day you bought it, follow these simple maintenance tips:
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The Dish Soap Soak: Soak your piece in warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap for 10 minutes.
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Soft Brush Scrub: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean the underside of the setting where oils tend to collect.
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Rinse and Dry: Use a lint-free cloth to pat it dry and prevent water spots.
Final Verdict
Will VVS Moissanite fade? Absolutely not. Its brilliance, fire, and clarity are permanent physical properties of the crystal. Whether you are wearing it daily in a heavy Cuban chain or as a statement piece, your VVS moissanite will shine just as bright 20 years from now as it does today.
Pro Tip: When shopping for moissanite, always look for stones that come with a GRA Certification. This ensures you are getting true VVS quality and not a lower-grade imitation.
