Diamonds are not just beautiful; they are also incredibly durable. However, even the hardest gemstone on earth needs some care to maintain its sparkle and brilliance. Whether you’ve just purchased a diamond engagement ring, a pair of sparkling diamond earrings, or a stunning diamond bracelet, it’s essential to properly care for and clean your jewellery. The good news is that cleaning and maintaining your diamond jewellery at home can be simple and effective. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps and tips to help your diamonds shine bright for years to come.

Why Diamond Jewellery Needs Care

While diamonds are known for their toughness, they are not immune to dirt, oil, or scratches. Over time, dust, lotions, oils from your skin, and even cleaning products can build up on your diamond jewellery. This accumulation can dull the brilliance of your diamonds and make them appear lackluster. By regularly cleaning and caring for your diamonds, you ensure they stay as dazzling as the day you bought them.

1. Simple Steps to Clean Your Diamond Jewellery

Cleaning your diamond jewellery at home doesn’t require special equipment or expensive cleaning solutions. Here’s how you can do it with common household items:

Materials You’ll Need

● A small bowl

● Mild dish soap or detergent

● Warm water

● Soft toothbrush (preferably with soft bristles)

● A microfiber cloth or a lint-free cloth

● A soft towel for drying

Cleaning Process

1. Prepare a Cleaning Solution: Fill a small bowl with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap or detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the metal or gemstone.

2. Soak Your Jewellery: Place your diamond jewellery in the bowl and let it soak for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the dirt and oils to soften and loosen from the surface of the diamond and setting.

3. Gently Scrub the Diamond: After soaking, use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the diamond. Focus on the setting, the underside of the diamond, and around the prongs where dirt and debris can accumulate. Be sure to scrub gently to avoid scratching the metal.

4. Rinse and Dry: Once you’ve cleaned all the parts of the jewellery, rinse it thoroughly with warm water to remove any soap residue. Use a soft microfiber cloth or towel to gently dry the jewellery, avoiding any rough handling that could scratch the surface

Additional Tip

For a little extra sparkle, after drying, you can lightly buff the diamond using a clean microfiber cloth to remove any remaining smudges and restore its shine.

2. Cleaning Different Types of Diamond Jewellery

Different types of diamond jewellery require slightly different care. Here’s how to handle specific pieces:

Rings

Rings, especially engagement rings, are exposed to daily wear and tear, so they tend to collect dirt more quickly. Clean them weekly or biweekly, depending on how much you wear them. Focus on the underside of the ring where dirt is most likely to gather.

Necklaces and Pendants

Necklaces and pendants are often worn less frequently than rings, so they might not need cleaning as often. However, because they tend to rest on your skin, they can still collect oils and dirt. Clean your pendant or necklace once a month to maintain its shine.

Earrings

Earrings, especially studs, are often neglected when cleaning jewellery. They are just as prone to dirt and buildup. Clean them regularly, but take care not to use excessive force when cleaning around the prongs holding the diamonds.

Bracelets

Bracelets can be tricky because they tend to be in contact with your skin constantly, leading to the accumulation of oils. Clean them with the same method as rings, and pay special attention to areas around the clasps where dirt can accumulate.

3. How to Avoid Scratches and Damage

Although diamonds are tough, the metal setting in which they are placed can be more susceptible to damage. Here are some tips for keeping both your diamonds and settings safe:

Keep Your Jewellery Away from Hard Surfaces

Avoid placing your diamond jewellery on hard surfaces like marble or granite, as they can cause scratches. When removing your jewellery, place it on a soft cloth or in a jewellery box to prevent it from coming into contact with hard objects

Take Off Jewellery When Doing Chores

To protect your diamonds from harsh chemicals, abrasives, and physical impact, take off your jewellery when cleaning, cooking, or participating in any activities that may cause damage. This includes gardening, washing dishes, or exercising.

Store Your Jewellery Properly

When you’re not wearing your diamond jewellery, store it in a safe, clean place. Use a jewellery box with separate compartments for each piece to avoid scratches. For extra protection, you can wrap each item in a soft cloth or pouch.

4. Professional Cleaning and Inspection

While cleaning your diamonds at home is important, it’s also a good idea to have your jewellery professionally cleaned and inspected by a jeweller every 6 to 12 months. A professional jeweller can clean your diamonds thoroughly and check for any loose settings or damage that could lead to the loss of your precious stone. They will also give your jewellery a polish to restore its original shine.

5. Special Tips for Caring for Different Diamond Settings

The setting of your diamond jewellery plays a crucial role in its overall appearance and safety. Here’s how to care for specific types of diamond settings:

Prong Settings

In prong settings, diamonds are held by metal prongs, which can sometimes loosen over time. Check the prongs regularly to ensure that the diamond is secure. If you notice any loosening, have it tightened by a professional jeweller.

Bezel Settings

Diamonds are resistant to most chemicals, but it’s still important to avoid exposing your diamond jewellery to harsh chemicals or cleaning agents, as they may cause damage over time.

Tension Settings

Tension settings are unique in that they hold the diamond in place with pressure, rather than metal prongs. Since the diamond is exposed on all sides, it’s essential to clean these settings gently to avoid any damage.

Conclusion

Caring for and cleaning your diamond jewellery at home is easy and essential for maintaining its beauty. By following simple steps like regular cleaning, avoiding harsh chemicals, and storing your jewellery properly, you can ensure that your diamonds remain sparkling for years. Remember that while home care is important, it’s also essential to get your diamond jewellery professionally cleaned and inspected occasionally. With the right care, your diamonds will continue to shine and hold their value, keeping them as timeless treasures for generations to come.