How to Care for Your Moonstone Silver Pendant

There is almost something magical about the moonstone that has a soft and glowing effect (also known as "adularescence" if you want to sound impressive at a fancy party) that moves with the stone itself. If you own one, then you already know how special it is. But moonstones are also a little bit more delicate compared to other stones, and require some extra care in order to preserve their natural glow. Here is everything you need to know.

Why Moonstone Needs Special Care 

Moonstones are feldspar rocks, and they have a hardness rating of about 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale; these are lower than amethysts and emeralds. Moreover, because of the weak cleavage within the rock, they may break if there is any sudden impact or pressure on the pendant. The combination of this and the fact that the pendant is mounted in a silver setting – that may eventually become tarnished – means that this is a piece that could use some maintenance.

Luckily, all of this is not very difficult to achieve.

Daily Do's and Don'ts 

Always put it on last. Before you start getting dressed, put on your lotion, your perfume, and your hairspray first, and after all of that put on your moonstone silver pendant. Some of those substances have a tendency to build up on the stone and cloud its natural beauty, as well as adding to the tarnish of the silver.

Don't wear it while swimming or doing other things involving water. Before you take a bath, go swimming, or wash the dishes, take the pendant off since moonstone is slightly porous.

Don't wear it during exercise. Since sweat contains some salts and oils that will have an effect on the silver, and later the stone itself, it would be better not to wear it during physical activity.

Don't expose it to the sun for too long. The heat will sometimes have an effect on the moonstone's color and clarity, thus it's better to avoid putting it in a sunny place.

How to Clean Your Moonstone Silver Pendant 

Clean the jewelry easily, but be delicate:

1. Place some lukewarm water along with a little mild dish soap in a bowl.

2. Use a soft towel or even a very soft bristle brush (an old toothbrush will do the job) and gently clean the stone and the silver setting.

3. Rinse it quickly under lukewarm running water without soaking it in water.

4. Dry the stone immediately using a soft lint-free towel, as the silver may develop water stains due to air drying.

Never use an ultrasonic cleaner or a steam cleaner, as both may damage the moonstone by cracking or clouding it. They may also not be good for the delicate silver settings. Avoid using strong chemical jewelry cleaners as well.

Keeping the Silver from Tarnishing 

Silver naturally gets tarnished due to the effects of air and water in time, but there are a few steps that you can take to reduce the process: 

●       Keep your pendant in an air-proof bag or in a lined jewelry case when not in use – as exposure to air causes most tarnishing.

●       Avoid keeping your pendant in contact with rubber bands, wool and certain fabrics, as they accelerate tarnishing.

●       Use your pendant often – surprisingly enough, the oils in your skin can help protect silver against tarnishing.

●       In case of tarnishing, use a specialized silver polishing cloth (not paper towel or any other kind of cloth).

Storing Your Pendant  

It is recommended that you store your moonstone silver pendant in isolation, preferably in a padded pouch or lined box, to prevent any scratches from hard stones and metals. It is also a good idea to lay it flat instead of hanging it or tangling it.