DIAMOND CARE

Taking care of diamond jewelry is essential to keep it sparkling and in top condition for years to come. Here’s a detailed guide on how to properly care for your diamond jewelry:

1. Regular Cleaning
   
   Diamonds are tough, but they can still accumulate dirt, oils, and grime that can dull their sparkle. Regular cleaning helps maintain their brilliance.
   
   • DIY Cleaning: Mix a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water. Soak your diamond jewelry for 10-15 minutes. After soaking, use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub around the diamond and its setting, especially the back of the stone where dirt can collect. Rinse with lukewarm water and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
   • Professional Cleaning: It’s a good idea to have your diamond jewelry professionally cleaned and inspected once a year, especially for engagement rings or pieces worn daily.
   
   
2. Handling and Wearing
   
   Diamonds are durable, but improper handling can cause damage to the setting or the diamond itself. Be mindful of the following:
   
   • Take Off During Activities: Remove your diamond jewelry before doing activities like cleaning, exercising, swimming, or using chemicals. Cleaning products, lotions, perfumes, and soaps can build up on your diamond and dull its shine.
   • Avoid Impact: Diamonds are the hardest natural material on Earth, but they can still chip or crack if they are struck hard against a surface. Be careful when engaging in tasks that may put your jewelry at risk of impact, such as gardening or manual labor
   
   
3.  Storing Diamond Jewelry
   
   Proper storage is essential to avoid scratches, tarnishing, and other damage to your diamond jewelry.
   
   •  Use Soft Pouches or Boxes: Store each piece of jewelry separately in a soft cloth pouch or a compartmentalized jewelry box to prevent the diamonds from scratching other pieces.
   •  Avoid Storing in Humid Environments: Excess moisture can cause tarnishing of the metal setting, especially for silver or white gold. Keep your jewelry in a dry, cool place.
   
   
4.  Preventing Tarnish
   
   Though diamonds themselves don’t tarnish, the metal setting (such as white gold or silver) may tarnish over time.
   
   • Clean Your Settings Regularly: Wipe down the metal setting of your diamond jewelry with a soft, damp cloth. For silver settings, use a silver polishing cloth to remove any tarnish.
   • Avoid Chemical Exposure: Chemicals like chlorine, bleach, and other harsh cleaning products can tarnish the metal of your diamond ring, especially with silver and white gold settings. Be sure to remove your jewelry before swimming in pools or using cleaning products.
   
   
5. Check for Loose Stones
   
   Regularly inspect your diamond jewelry to ensure that the stones are secure in their settings. Look for signs of wear or loose prongs, as these can lead to a diamond falling out.
   
   • Have Prongs and Settings Checked: Take your jewelry to a professional jeweler annually to have prongs tightened and settings checked. They can spot any loose stones or potential issues that you might not notice.
   
   
6. Polishing
   
   Over time, your diamond may lose its shine if it’s not cleaned regularly. The metal setting may also accumulate fingerprints and smudges.
   
   • Polish Your Jewelry: After cleaning your diamond jewelry, use a microfiber cloth or jewelry polishing cloth to gently buff the metal and bring back its shine. Avoid using abrasive cloths, as they can scratch the metal.
   • Rhodium Plating: If your diamond ring has a white gold setting, it may benefit from rhodium plating every few years to maintain its bright, shiny finish. Your jeweler can replate your jewelry to restore its look.
   
   
7. Avoiding Exposure to Harsh Elements
   
   Diamonds are tough, but certain environments or elements can affect their appearance:
   
   • Perfume and Lotion: Perfume, hairspray, and lotions can leave a film on the diamond, diminishing its sparkle. Always apply these products before wearing your jewelry, and avoid getting them on the diamonds.
   • Salt and Chlorine: Avoid wearing your diamond jewelry when swimming in the ocean or a chlorinated pool. Both saltwater and chlorine can damage metal settings and cause discoloration or wear over time.
   
   
8. Special Care for Engagement Rings
   
   Engagement rings, especially those worn daily, require additional care since they are often exposed to more wear and tear.
   
   •  Regularly Clean the Band and Setting: Since engagement rings are worn every day, cleaning them frequently will help maintain their sparkle.
   •  Get Insured: Since engagement rings are often valuable, consider insuring them in case of loss, damage, or theft.
   •  Remove Before High-Risk Activities: During tasks like heavy lifting, gardening, or cleaning, it’s best to remove your engagement ring to prevent damage or dirt buildup.
   
   
9.  Resizing and Repairs
   
   If your diamond jewelry feels loose or tight, it may be time for resizing or maintenance:
   
   •  Resizing: If your ring is too tight or too loose, visit a jeweler for resizing. Don’t attempt this yourself, as improper resizing can damage the piece.
   •  Repairs: If the prongs or setting are damaged, take your jewelry to a professional jeweler for repair. Don’t wait too long to fix any loose stones or damage, as it can lead to more serious issues, such as the loss of a diamond.
   
   
   
10. Avoiding Excessive Scratching
    
    While diamonds are hard, other materials, like other diamonds or hard metals, can scratch the metal setting or the surface of the stone.
    
    • Keep Your Jewelry Separate: Store your diamond jewelry separately from other pieces of jewelry to avoid scratching.