Diamond jewelry is a timeless symbol of elegance, luxury, and love. With the proper care and maintenance, your diamond jewelry can maintain its appeal and sparkle for years. Here are some maintenance tips from your diamond store to keep your jewelry in good condition:
1. Handle Your Jewelry With Care
While diamonds are relatively strong and resistant to damage, you should wear and handle your jewelry pieces carefully to help maintain their sparkle. When wearing your jewelry, hold it by the metal setting, not the diamond. This can the prevent oils on on your skin from transferring to the stone. Oils are harmful as they can minimize the stone’s fire and brilliance. Avoid participating in activities that can cause you to scratch your diamond inadvertently. These activities include working out, moving heavy items, and gardening. Consider wearing gloves or removing your jewelry until you’re finished with these types of activities.
2. Regularly Clean Your Jewelry
All jewelry is susceptible to the buildup of dirt and grime from everyday activities. Clean your diamond jewelry several times a month to maintain its brilliance. To start, prepare a cleaning solution containing mild soap and warm water. Soak your jewelry in the solution for a few minutes and scrub it with a soft-bristled brush. Be gentle with the brush to keep your stone firmly attached to its setting. After scrubbing, rinse the jewelry with water and pat it dry with a soft cloth. For a more thorough cleaning, take the jewelry to your diamond store. Avoid using ultrasonic cleaners for your diamond jewelry. While these cleaners can remove stubborn stains, they aren’t recommended for diamond jewelry as their vibrations can loosen the stones.
3. Understand Your Diamond’s Treatment History
A diamond can achieve brilliance and sparkle from a well-executed cut or treatment. Some jewelers apply diamond treatments like laser drilling or fracture filling to enhance their products’ appearance. Before purchasing your jewelry, ask your jeweler if your diamonds have been treated. If they have, ask how to best care for your jewelry. They may recommendgetting the jewelry re-treated in the future or following specific cleaning instructions to maintain its quality.
4. Store Your Jewelry Properly
Keep your jewelry in a fabric-lined jewelry box. This helps prevent it from getting scratched by your storage box. You can also store the jewelry in a soft pouch made from materials like microfiber or velvet. Store your diamond jewelry away from other pieces. If you keep all your jewelry in one box, place the pieces in individual bags to eliminate contact between the materials. Keep the pieces in a cool and dry place, preferably away from direct sunlight, to maintain the stones’ and settings’ integrity.
5. Limit Exposure to Chemicals
Harsh chemicals, like chlorine, can cause your diamond to discolor over time. Remove your jewelry before entering a swimming pool with chlorine-treated water. Remove the jewelry before applying hand lotions and hairsprays or using household cleaning agents. Some beauty and household products contain chemicals that can damage your stone and setting. If you can’t remove your jewelry, wear protective coverings like gloves when coming into contact with harsh chemicals.
Your Diamond Store Can Help Maintain Your Jewelry
If you have diamond jewelry, take the time to care for it to maintain its sparkle and extend its lifespan. Remove the jewelry before participating in rigorous activities, handle your jewelry with care, and clean it regularly to keep it in good condition. Contact your local diamond store for additional maintenance tips to protect your jewelry.