Cleaning and Care
Proper care of your diamond jewelry is important. In the course of life, diamonds collect dirt and grease and as a result appear less brilliant. To keep your diamond jewelry looking its best, you should clean it regularly.
Basic Cleaning Information
Cleaning your diamond jewelry at home is easy to do. For a quick clean that will get your diamonds looking like new, follow these steps:
- Soak your jewelry for 5-10 minutes in a mix of lukewarm water and a small amount of dishwashing soap – you can also use a commercially available cleaning solution
- Gently brush the diamond jewelry with a toothbrush to remove the buildup of dirt and grime
- Rinse the jewelry under warm water
- Wipe dry with a soft cloth taking care not to touch the diamonds with your fingers
- For a deeper clean, add household-strength ammonia to the mix (ratio of one third ammonia to two thirds water)
Storing Your Jewelry
Your jewelry should be stored in a clean, dry place. Each piece should be kept in an individual jewelry case, cloth pouch or box to avoid any scratching or chipping. Remember, diamonds are the hardest substance in the world and they can scratch metal and chip other diamonds.
Other Cleaning and Care Tips
- Have your jewelry checked by a professional jeweler at least once per year – professionals can check for loose stones and other signs of wear and can give your jewelry a deeper clean
- Jewelry with stones other than diamonds may need other care – consult your local jeweler for more information
- Exposure to hairspray and perfume can cause diamonds and jewelry to appear dull – get ready first and then put on your jewelry
- Avoid wearing diamond jewelry when doing rough or strenuous activity – diamonds can be chipped or damaged by a sudden blow
- Don’t use toothpaste, chlorine, saltwater or bleach to clean your jewelry – it can damage or discolor the metal
- Take off jewelry before swimming in a chlorinated pool
- Cleaning in or around a sink is not recommended – jewelry or stones can slip down the drain if you’re not careful!
- Do not put your jewelry into water that is already boiling – sudden extreme changes in temperature could cause stones to crack
- “Ultrasonic” machines are commercially available to help you keep your jewelry clean. While these can be effective for diamond jewelry, they can damage other types of jewelry – consult your local jeweler to be sure that your jewels will be safe
