How to Care for Your Diamond Jewelry

Whether you just got engaged or have a pair of diamond earrings that have been in the family for generations, one thing we all have in common is the desire to care for our beautiful diamond designs.  But how do you make sure you are properly caring for or cleaning your items to ensure they keep on sparkling?

At Quick Jewelry Repairs, one thing we hear a lot of from our customers is that they don't know how to best care for their jewelry in between visits to a professional.  So we've put together some tips and tricks for diamond jewelry to keep you from spending a ton of money on unnecessary repairs and services. Check out the top 10 suggestions below:

Polished diamond ring

1.  Diamonds tend to attract grease and oils. Avoid touching your diamonds when not absolutely essential to keep them cleaner for a longer period of time.
2.  Clean your diamond jewelry regularly. We recommend soaking your items weekly in a solution of warm water and a touch of mild dish soap for a few minutes. If the piece is still dirty, take a soft bristled toothbrush and carefully scrub to remove any remaining residue. Dry with a soft cloth.
3.  Keep your diamonds away from harsh chemicals.  If you're planning to work with abrasive cleaners or use hairspray, it's best to remove the jewelry until you are finished.
4.  Regularly inspect your piece to check that the setting is secure.  As soon as you notice a setting is loose, it's best to have the piece repaired immediately, so you don't risk losing the diamond.
5.  Store your diamond jewelry away from other jewelry pieces. Diamonds can scratch your other precious stones.
6.  If fibers from your clothing or the drying cloth get caught in the setting of your jewelry, carefully use tweezers to remove any stray threads.
7.  Remove diamond jewelry before activities,such as swimming and strenuous exercise to avoid damage and dirt.  When removing, make sure you are in a safe location, where jewelry cannot go down the drain or get lost.
8. Avoid using an ultrasonic machine for cleaning.  While diamonds can withstand the chemicals used, the vibrations can enlarge the natural inclusions or flaws, sometimes causing the stone to crack.  Likewise, the movement can also loosen stones in their settings, causing the diamonds to fall out.
9. Yearly professional cleanings and polishing skills are highly recommended for items that are worn frequently.  During a cleaning, the jeweler should inspect the piece for other potential damages,such as loose stones, damaged prongs, or anything else that could be potentially problematic.
10. Have your diamond jewelry appraised and purchase insurance! This is one of the most important steps in caring for your jewelry, as it protects you if it gets lost or stolen. We suggest having the piece appraised every 5 years or so to account for rising precious metal and diamond prices.

Do you have other tips and tricks for caring for your diamond jewelry? Let us know in the comments below!