Nano crystals - What are they and how do you best care for them?

Nano crystals are popular in modern jewelry because they create a clean “gemstone look” with beautiful shine, consistent color, and good durability for everyday wear. They’re often chosen as a sleek alternative to natural stones—especially if you want an elegant look at a more accessible price.

What are nano crystals?

Nano crystals are man-made crystals typically produced under controlled conditions to achieve a clear, uniform, and highly polished result. In jewelry, “nano crystal” is often used as a term for a crystal/stone designed for:

  • high clarity (few/no visible imperfections)

  • strong light reflection (shine and “sparkle”)

  • stable color and finish

  • solid durability for daily wear

Important: “Nano crystal” can be a marketing term, and the exact composition may vary between brands. It’s best to treat nano crystals as a category of lab-made crystals, not one single fixed mineral type.

Nano crystals vs. diamond, cubic zirconia, and glass

It’s easy to get confused because several materials can look very similar.

Nano crystal vs. diamond (natural or lab-grown)

  • Diamonds (including lab-grown) are a specific material: crystallized carbon with extremely high hardness.

  • Nano crystals are not diamonds, but they can still give a very refined, premium look in jewelry.

Nano crystal vs. cubic zirconia (CZ)

  • CZ is a widely used man-made stone (zirconium dioxide), often chosen for a diamond-like appearance.

  • Nano crystal can resemble CZ, but “nano crystal” often covers a broader range and may have a different structure/finish depending on the manufacturer.

Nano crystal vs. crystal glass

  • Some “crystals” in jewelry are essentially high-clarity specialty glass with precise cutting and polish.

  • In some cases, nano crystal can sit close to this category—again depending on how a brand defines and produces the material.

Why do people choose nano crystals?

Nano crystals are often chosen for the blend of looks and practicality:

  • consistent appearance: color and clarity are stable from stone to stone

  • beautiful shine: designed to reflect light well (especially in faceted cuts)

  • budget-friendly “luxury look”: an elegant effect without diamond pricing

  • great for statement pieces: larger stones can look extra “clean” when made under controlled conditions

How to care for nano crystals

Nano crystals are generally durable, but like all jewelry stones they can scratch or lose shine if exposed to harsh treatment or chemicals.

Everyday care

  • remove jewelry for: workouts, cleaning, gardening, showering, and swimming

  • avoid direct contact with: perfume, hairspray, hand sanitizer, lotions, and cleaning products

  • store pieces separately (pouch/box) so stones don’t rub against other jewelry

Cleaning (to keep the shine)

  • use a soft cloth (microfiber) to wipe after wearing

  • when needed: lukewarm water + mild soap, and a very soft toothbrush

  • rinse gently and dry completely

What to avoid

  • ultrasonic cleaners and steam (can be too harsh—especially if a stone is glued in place or has a special coating)

  • strong chemicals (can dull the surface over time)

  • hard knocks against countertops/metal (can chip edges or facets)

How to keep nano crystals looking “new” for longer

If you want the best long-term look (especially if you wear your jewelry often), use simple routines:

  1. last on – first off: put jewelry on last, take it off first when you get home

  2. wipe every time: 10 seconds with a cloth makes a noticeable difference

  3. store correctly: separate storage = fewer scratches = more shine