Diamond Cleaning: By this point, the 4 ‘C’s of diamond selection – Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat – should be deeply ingrained in the minds of consumers as the key considerations when buying a diamond. However, choosing the ideal gem is just part of the journey. To come full circle, you need to understand how to maintain your investment.
You’ve finally made the leap and purchased that fancy color diamond that seemed to call your name – what’s next? The hue of a fancy color diamond is everlasting; however, if not properly cared for over time, it can lose its sparkle and shine. After all, the standout feature of a fancy color diamond is its color. If dust, dirt, or grime infiltrates the setting or settles on the gem itself, it can detract from the diamond’s brilliance.
Diamond jewelry worn on the body will inevitably attract dirt from the surroundings and from your skin. A diamond ring or bracelet, worn on the hand, has the highest chance of getting knocked around and accumulating debris. A diamond pendant, on the other hand, faces less risk of damage.
Diamonds are designed to be adorned, and there’s no need to alter your lifestyle because you’re sporting a diamond. After all, diamonds are among the most resilient minerals on the planet and are virtually impervious to scratches.
To maintain a diamond’s sparkle, it’s advised to have it professionally cleaned by a jeweller once or twice annually. Jewellers may employ steam or ultrasonic methods to clean diamond jewelry. However, you can achieve superb results at home with readily available tools – a jewelry cloth, a jewelry brush, and a cleaning solution.
Diamond Cleaning The Essentials
Employ a jewelry cloth to gently cleanse the diamond prior to and following the cleaning process. A piece of flannel or cotton can serve as an alternative to a jewelry cloth.
The jewelry brush is utilized to meticulously remove any debris from the diamond and its setting. A soft-bristled toothbrush can be used in place of a jewelry brush.
The Cleaning Process
Before initiating the cleaning, ensure your diamond jewelry is firmly secured in its setting. You don’t need to be a connoisseur to sense if a gem is loose. If a gem is unsteady, safely store the jewelry in its pouch or box and promptly take it to a trusted jeweller for repair. If all diamonds are stable, eliminate any hair or dust and briefly rinse the jewelry under a tap.
At this juncture, diamond jewelry and loose diamonds are treated with distinct solutions. Cleanse diamond jewelry in hot water with a soap free of detergents, like dishwashing liquid. Loose diamonds should be bathed in warm water with a solution comprising 3 parts water to one part ammonia. A window cleaning solution, having a similar composition, can be equally effective. It’s advisable to prevent ammonia from contacting metals as it can tarnish their hue.
Immerse your jewelry and loose diamonds in the solution for a span of 3-5 minutes, then gently scrub with the brush. Repeat this regimen 2-3 times, followed by drying with the jewelry cloth.
Lastly, ensure your diamonds or jewelry are stored appropriately. Diamonds are best preserved in a plush cloth jewelry pouch or their original presentation box.
