Diamond Care & Cleaning

Diamonds are the hardest substance on earth. They are uniquely resistant to damage by heat or scratching, and can be cut or polished only by another diamond but an extremely hard blow to the girdle can cause a diamond to chip. By having your diamond set in a relatively protective setting, and remaining conscious of it on your finger, you can keep your diamond intact for a lifetime. Exposure during ordinary wear to perspiration and household chemicals, like chlorine and hairspray, can cause buildup that dulls the surface of a diamond.

Diamonds are durable, but they still require proper maintenance. Diamonds can get smudged, soiled and dusty. Lotions, powders, soaps, even natural skin oils, put a film on diamonds and cut down their brilliance. Diamonds should not be worn 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They should be kept clean and carefully stored when not being worn. Here are some ways to ensure your diamond remains in top condition:

Tips on Diamond Care

• Don't wear your diamond while doing housework, gardening, or any other kind of heavy work. Even though a diamond is extremely durable, it could become chipped if it’s hit hard. Never allow your jewelry to come into contact with chlorine bleach this includes hot tubs and swimming pools.
• Many personal care products including shaving cream, perfume, lotion, make-up, and hairspray can be harmful to your jewelry. These things can form a dull film which is difficult to remove. Remove your jewelry before grooming to prevent this problem.
• If you notice that the stone has become loose or any other damage to the setting, do not wear your jewelry until it has been taken to a professional jeweler for repair. Having your diamond’s setting checked once a year by a professional jeweler is a good idea.
• Store your diamond separately in a fabric-lined case or box with dividers/compartments when not wearing it. This will protect your diamond and your other jewelry diamonds can scratch other jewelry.

Cleaning Your Diamonds

Diamonds, like anything else, get smudged, soiled and dusty. Lotions, powders, soaps even the natural oils from your skin will create a film on diamonds, which will reduce their brilliance. In addition, chemicals in the air will oxidize or discolor the mountings. Keeping your jewelry clean will maximize its brilliance. Here are four ways you can clean your diamonds:

Detergent Bath:

Prepare a small bowl of warm suds using any mild household liquid detergent (be sure not to use any cleaners containing chlorine). Brush the jewelry with a soft brush until you have created a lather around it. With the jewelry on a plastic or metal strainer, rinse off with warm water (be sure not to clean your jewelry over the drain!) Pat your jewelry dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.

Cold Water Soak:
Make a solution of 4 parts cold-water and 1 part very mild dishwashing detergent. Soak the pieces for several minutes. Lift out and tap gently around all sides of the mounting with a soft brush. Rinse the pieces in the solution once more and drain on tissue paper.

Quick-Dip Method:
Buy one of the brand name liquid jewelry cleaners, choosing the one that is best for the kind of stones and metals in your jewelry. Read the label carefully and follow the instructions. Do not touch your clean diamonds with your fingers, as the oils from your hands will leave a film on the stone.

The Ultrasonic Cleaner:
There are many types of these small machines available to the public today. They will clean any piece of jewelry that can be soaked in a liquid within a matter of minutes. These machines often have a metal cup, which is filled with water and detergent. When the machine is turned on, a high-frequency turbulence is created. Avoid putting emeralds and pearls in ultrasonic cleaners.