How To Care For Your Vintage Moonstone Ring

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by Suzanne Sachs • 5 min read

THE BASICS ---

Vintage moonstone rings reflect an era of true artistry, with graceful filigree, distinctive settings, and exquisite craftsmanship. Each ring tells its own story—often passed down as a cherished heirloom filled with meaning. Their soft, iridescent glow gives them timeless appeal, but these delicate pieces need gentle care to stay luminous. This is especially important for an engagement ring that will be worn nearly every day, but fortunately it’s easy to keep your vintage moonstone ring looking beautiful for years to come.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW---

In this guide, we will explain the following:

• The Importance of Inspections
• Vintage Moonstone Ring Care
• Cleaning Options
• Gentle Brushing
• Professional Cleaning
• What Not to Do to Your Moonstone Ring
• Avoid Wearing During Physical Activities
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals
• Remove When Cooking
• Try Not to Touch the Center Stone
• Store in Safe Place
• Do Not Polish Antique Jewelry
• Consider Insurance
• Caring For Your Vintage Moonstone Ring

The Importance of Inspections

Before cleaning or making any adjustments to a vintage moonstone ring, it’s important to have it professionally inspected. A jeweler familiar with antique jewelry can spot signs of wear or looseness in the setting that could cause the stone to shift or fall out. An inspection also helps confirm the type of metal, any accent stones, and previous restorations so the jeweler can recommend the safest cleaning methods without risking scratches or cloudiness. Even after your first inspection, having your vintage moonstone ring checked once a year helps ensure it stays secure, radiant, and full of value.

Vintage Moonstone Ring Care

1. Cleaning Options

Over time, oil and dust can dull the gentle glow of a moonstone, and vintage settings are particularly delicate because intricate details can easily trap debris. Moonstones also have a softer surface than many other gemstones, making them more prone to scratches or damage if not cleaned carefully.

2. Gentle Brushing

Before using any cleaning method, start by gently brushing your vintage moonstone ring with a soft, dry brush—such as a clean artist’s paintbrush—to remove loose particles. This helps prevent larger bits of debris from causing scratches during cleaning and keeps your ring’s luminous sheen intact.

3. Professional Cleaning

If deeper cleaning is needed, always consult a professional jeweler who specializes in antique jewelry before trying any home methods. A jeweler experienced with vintage moonstone rings can safely clean and inspect the piece without risking damage to the stone or setting. Because moonstone is sensitive to heat, chemicals, and vibration, ultrasonic or steam cleaners should never be used. With professional care and gentle handling, your vintage moonstone ring will retain its ethereal beauty for generations.

What Not to Do to Your Moonstone Ring

Caring for a vintage moonstone ring goes beyond gentle cleaning—it’s just as important to know what to avoid. Certain habits and conditions can cause unnecessary wear or damage to the stone and setting, so keeping these precautions in mind will help preserve your ring's timeless beauty.

1. Avoid Wearing During Physical Activities

It’s best not to wear your vintage moonstone ring while exercising, gardening, cleaning, playing sports, or doing any type of heavy work. These activities can expose the ring to hard surfaces or repeated impact, which may cause chips, scratches, or dents to the stone or its delicate setting.

2. Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Keep your vintage moonstone ring away from harsh chemicals such as chlorine, silver polish, hairspray, or household cleaners. These substances can dull the moonstone's soft sheen or discolor the metal, and over time may weaken the setting. Always remove your ring before cleaning, swimming, or applying beauty products to preserve its natural luster.

3. Remove When Cooking

Avoid wearing your vintage moonstone ring while cooking or baking, especially when working with flour, oils, or other greasy ingredients. These substances can easily build up on the stone and setting or become trapped in the ring’s intricate details, dulling its natural glow and making cleaning more difficult.

4. Try Not to Touch the Center Stone

Try not to touch the moonstone or setting when picking up, putting on, or removing your ring. Handle it only by the band to prevent transferring natural skin oils or fingerprints onto the surface. Over time, this buildup can dull the moonstone’s luminous sheen and reduce its signature glow.

5. Store In Safe Place 

Always store your vintage moonstone ring separately to prevent it from rubbing against other jewelry. Harder gemstones and metals can easily scratch the moonstone’s delicate surface. Use a soft-lined ring box, a fabric pouch, or the original case to keep your ring protected whenever it’s not being worn.

6. Do Not Polish Antique Jewelry

While gentle cleaning will help maintain your ring’s natural glow, one method should always be avoided with vintage moonstone rings—or any antique jewelry. Never have your ring deeply polished, as this can remove the delicate antique patina that has developed over time. That soft, aged finish is part of what gives vintage jewelry its unique warmth and character, and it should be preserved and celebrated rather than erased. If you're deciding whether a moonstone is the right choice for your engagement ring, take a look at our pros and cons of buying a moonstone engagement ring guide for a closer look at this gem’s beauty and care considerations.

7. Consider Insurance

Your vintage moonstone ring is more than a piece of jewelry—it’s a meaningful investment that carries history, beauty, and personal significance. Because vintage pieces can be difficult or even impossible to replace, insuring your ring is a wise way to protect it against loss, theft, or damage. Many homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies can be extended to cover fine jewelry, or you can choose a specialized policy that applies only to your ring or collection. Depending on the plan, insurance may even help cover repairs, such as resetting a loose stone or restoring worn prongs. To ensure accurate coverage, it’s best to have your ring professionally appraised and to keep a copy of your purchase documentation on file.

Caring For Your Vintage Moonstone Ring

Vintage moonstone rings are enchanting symbols that capture the mystery and romance of true love. The soft, iridescent glow of moonstone is said to represent intuition, harmony, and emotional balance—qualities that beautifully reflect a lasting relationship. With proper care, your vintage moonstone ring will remain a timeless testament to your love and devotion for many years to come.

Suzanne Sachs

Suzanne has always believed vintage rings can change lives. She's been in the jewelry industry for over 35 years, working with vintage jewelers, diamond dealers, diamond cutters, and gemologists. Suzanne started Artdecodiamonds in 2000 and understood the demand for vintage rings throughout the world. She ultimately started VintageDiamondRing.com in 2014, and understands each vintage ring is a reflection of you – your history, your relationships, your style, your elegance and is honored to have the opportunity to help you showcase your flair in a unique and exquisite way.