This section contains some basic tips to help keep your diamond looking
its best.
Diamond Care
Diamonds must be kept clean and be stored carefully when they are not
being worn, or are being packed for travel. Because most people wear their
engagement ring 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, it's essential that you're
always mindful of its care. Here are some more guidelines to help keep your
diamond in top condition:
DO's
If you notice a
loose stone setting, stones moving or any other noticeable damage to your
jewelry, do not wear the jewelry until you have taken it to a professional
jeweler. We recommend that you have a jeweler check the setting in your
diamond ring (while you watch) once a year.
When you're not
wearing your diamonds, be sure to store them in a fabric-lined case or in a
box with dividers or separate compartments--diamonds can scratch other
jewelry as well as each other.
DONT's
Avoid wearing your diamonds while doing housework, yard work
or any other kind of rough work. Even though a diamond is extremely durable,
a hard blow could chip it.
When doing household chores, never allow your jewelry to
come into contact with chlorine bleach.
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 Diamond.com suggests you 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 in ultrasonic
cleaners.
NOTE: Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and warnings
before using these machines. The above methods are not appropriate for
pearls, opals, lapis, corals and many other gems. A very quick dip in plain
lukewarm water is suggested for these fragile pieces.
Traveling with
Diamonds
Packing your precious diamond jewelry for traveling should be done with
utmost care. There are many types of jewelry carrying cases that are
specifically designed for jewelry travel, available in all price ranges,
sizes, shapes and patterns. Most have velvet pads inside to attach pins and
earrings, with special compartments for bracelets and necklaces. Don't ever
leave your jewelry on the rim of a sink when you remove it to wash your
hands. It can very easily slip down the drain. When you're away from home,
don't take off your jewelry in a public place--you may accidentally forget
it and lose it forever.
