How to Care for Diamonds
After spending so much time researching, analyzing, selecting and - of course - saving, the purchase of your diamond jewelry amounts to a big investment. But before you decide it's time to find diamonds now, don't forget about caring for your purchase for the long term. From daily habits to long-term care, be sure to follow these tips to keep your diamonds in excellent condition for years to come.
Storing
Your diamonds are special, so always treat them that way. Store your diamonds in cloth pouches or other jewelry cases. Don't toss your jewelry into a large container - they could chip and become scratched. Select a jewelry box that has divided compartments and soft containers for your valuables.
Cleaning
They might be great for our skin, hair and appearance, but the lotions and fragrances we put on our hair and face can harm your diamonds. Because of this, it's important to occasionally clean your jewelry and remove any of these chemicals from the surface. There are many types of professional diamond cleaner available, and experts recommend these as an excellent way of keeping your jewelry shiny and free of chips and scratches. Several home remedies have been talked about for ages - including using toothpaste - but they should be avoided. Think about the toothpaste you use daily: It probably has baking soda and other abrasive contents that will microscopically scratch your precious diamonds. Invest in a jar of professional diamond cleaner, and feel confident that you're taking care of your investment.
If you can't purchase a jar of cleaner - or if you just need to clean your jewelry immediately, these household remedies are considered acceptable:
- Vodka: Seriously. Soak your diamonds in a glass of vodka for several minutes. This has been found to be an effective way to clean diamonds.
- Ammonia: Create a solution of 50 percent ammonia, 50 percent water. Soak your diamonds for approximately 30 minutes, occasionally swishing around the mixture with your fingers. Remove the jewelry and dry them on a towel.
- Liquid detergent: Use a small amount of liquid detergent in warm water and soak your jewelry. This is acceptable for occasional cleaning - but still purchase professional cleaner for long-term and overall diamond maintenance.
Daily use
If you want to preserve your diamonds and treat them like the investment that they are, you also should apply some common sensibility to their daily use. Don't wear diamonds while you're exercising or doing something that could potentially damage them. If you plan on swimming, remove your jewelry first - you don't want to lose them, and you certainly don't want a chemical like chlorine damaging the stones.
Long-term care
No matter how carefully you care for your diamonds, its best to get professional care of your jewelry every year or, at the longest, every two years. Bring your jewelry to a professional, who can look it over, clean it and repair any defects such as bent prongs. This occasional maintenance can preserve your stones and settings, and prevent a problem down the road.
