Diamond jewelry is in a league of its own. Stunning, unique, and timeless, it makes wearers feel sophisticated. While every gemstone is beautiful in its own right, diamonds are the epitome of luxury and elegance. Whether you’ve just acquired your first diamond or have been collecting them for years, make sure you know how to take care of these precious gems.
In this blog, we’ll dive deeper into the right way to care for diamond jewelry to ensure it sparkles and shines for a long time, capturing attention and admiration with each glimmer. From cleaning and storage to handling and professional care, we’ll cover the A-Z of diamond jewelry maintenance. These practices will help you preserve the beauty and value of your cherished pieces.
Let’s begin!
1. Clean Your Diamond Jewelry
If you want to maintain your diamond jewelry’s brilliance, make sure you clean it routinely. Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Prepare a Cleaning Solution
Mix warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap. Avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners; they’ll end up damaging both the metal and the diamond.
Step 2: Soak Your Jewelry
Immerse your diamond jewelry into the solution for 20–30 minutes. This will help loosen any dirt or oils that have accumulated on the surface.
Step 3: Gently Scrub
Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, gently scrub the diamond and the setting. Pay special attention to the areas behind the diamond; dirt can quickly and easily accumulate here, reducing the stone’s sparkle.
Step 4: Rinse and Dry
Rinse your jewelry thoroughly with warm water and pat it dry using a soft, lint-free cloth. Make sure the jewelry is completely dry before you store it.
Recommended Read: Investing in Diamonds vs. Gold: Which Choice Is Best?
2. Store Your Diamond Jewelry Properly
In addition to cleaning your jewelry like a seasoned pro, make sure you store it properly. To prevent scratches and damage to your diamond jewelry, always store it separately from other pieces.
Use a fabric-lined jewelry box with individual compartments, or store each item in a soft pouch. This will help protect your diamond jewelry from coming into contact with other pieces.
If you don’t have a fabric-lined jewelry box, store your diamond jewelry in a small ziplock bag. This will provide a barrier between your diamond jewelry and other pieces. However, we still recommend getting your hands on a soft pouch made of velvet, felt, or microfiber.
Additionally, make sure you store your diamond jewelry in a cool and dry place. It should be away from direct sunlight, heating vents, and damp areas. Excessive heat and humidity can cause damage to your jewelry’s metal settings and the diamond itself.
3. Handle with Care
Wear and handle your diamond jewelry with the utmost care. When handling your diamond jewelry, always hold it by the metal setting, not the diamond. The oils from your fingers can create a film on the diamond’s surface, reducing its brilliance.
Additionally, be mindful of activities that could put your jewelry at risk of damage, including gardening, sports, heavy lifting, and so on.
4. Avoid Exposure to Harsh Chemicals
Exposure to harsh chemicals can damage both your diamond and the metal setting. Make sure you promptly remove your jewelry before swimming in chlorinated pools, using household cleaning products, and applying cosmetics, perfumes, or hairspray.
These substances can cause discoloration and damage. They may also loosen the diamond from its setting.
Additionally, be cautious in the kitchen. Cooking can expose your diamond jewelry to various substances, including oils and acidic ingredients, that may damage the metal or reduce the diamond’s sparkle. Remove your jewelry before cooking or baking to keep it clean, protected, and safe.
If you cannot remove your jewelry for specific tasks that involve the use of harsh chemicals, always wear protective gloves.
Recommended Read: How Are Diamonds Made?
5. Regularly Inspect Your Jewelry
Closely and regularly inspect your diamond jewelry for any signs of damage, e.g., loose stones, worn prongs, etc. If you notice any issues, take your jewelry to a professional like Wulf Diamond Jewelers for repair. Regular inspection and maintenance will go a long way in keeping your diamond jewelry in optimal condition.
6. Get Your Diamond Jewelry Professionally Cleaned
While at-home cleaning methods are useful for daily care, they’re not enough. Make it a point to get your diamond jewelry professionally inspected and cleaned once a year.
At Wulf Diamond Jewelers, our experienced staff removes built-up dirt and grime that at-home methods may not eliminate. Additionally, we check for signs of damage to ensure that your diamond is secure in its setting.
7. Re-Evaluate Insurance Coverage
Your diamond jewelry must be adequately insured to cover any potential loss, theft, or damage. Regularly review your insurance policy and update your coverage as needed.
When selecting insurance for your diamond jewelry, choose a policy that specifically covers jewelry and protection against theft, loss, and damage. Some policies may also cover repairsor replacements.
Take some time to read the fine print and ensure you get the best protection for your investment.
8. Know Your Diamond’s Characteristics
Familiarize yourself with your diamond’s unique characteristics, including its cut, carat, weight, color, and clarity. Keep grading reports and certifications in a safe place.
Having this information on hand is critical. Not only will it help you appreciate your diamond’s beauty, but it’ll also play a pivotal role in helping you find your jewelry if it’s ever lost or stolen.
Recommended Read: How to Identify a Black Diamond: Is It Real or Fake?
9. Be Mindful of Temperature Changes
Extreme temperature changes can potentially harm your diamond jewelry. Diamonds, like other gemstones, can experience thermal shock when exposed to rapid temperature fluctuations. This may cause cracks or other damage to the stone.
Be cautious when moving from hot to cold environments and vice versa. Give your jewelry much-needed time to adjust to temperature changes gradually.
10. Avoid Ultrasonic Cleaners
While ultrasonic cleaners are effective for cleaning certain types of jewelry, they’re not the best choice for diamond pieces. The high-frequency vibrations can loosen the stones in their settings and even cause fractures in diamonds with existing inclusions or weaknesses. Instead, stick to gentle cleaning methods.
11. Learn About Your Diamond’s Treatment History
Some diamonds undergo treatments that enhance their appearance, e.g., fracture filling, laser drilling, high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) treatment, and so on. Make sure you know this information.
Certain treatments require special care and cleaning methods. When purchasing diamond jewelry, always inquire into any treatments the diamond may have undergone. This is why you should always partner with trusted, experienced, and reputable jewelerswho boasta stellar track report and maintain complete transparency.
If your diamond has been treated, you may have to get it re-treated over time, especially if the treatment isn’t permanent or makes the diamond susceptible to wear and tear. Keep these caveats in mind and proceed carefully.
Recommended Read: 5-Carat Diamond Ring: Cost and Considerations
12. Get Your Diamond Jewelry Re-Polished and Re-Plated
Over time, the metal setting of your diamond jewelry may show signs of neglect. If you see scratches or tarnishing, it may be time to get your jewelry re-polished and re-plated.
Re-polishing helps restore the metal’s original shine, while re-plating (for example, with rhodium) enhances the appearance of white gold settings. Consult a professional jeweler like Wulf Diamond Jewelers to determine the best course of action for your specific piece.
If you’re looking for a jewelry repair store, Wulf Diamond Jewelers should be your first stop. With over five decades of experience, we have built a reputation as one of the most reputable jewelry stores in Northwest Indiana.
Whether you’re looking for a professional diamond buyer or you want to successfully sell jewelry online, we’re the right people to approach. Explore our services to get started.
