Did you know that your diamond jewelry can lose its value if you do not take care of its shine? It is essential to know how to clean diamond jewelry because it is often a financial and emotional investment symbol.
You will have a lot of sentiments
attached to the diamonds you own. However, to keep it shining for eternity, you
need to maintain its appearance.
This is because debris, cosmetic
residue, and oil deposited from your hands can cause dirt to accumulate. This
can negatively impact the brilliance of your precious gemstone.
Here is everything you need to know
about cleaning diamond jewelry so that it never loses its sparkle.
How
to Clean Diamond Jewelry?
The best diamond jewelry cleaner is
a typical dishwashing soap. Some other supplies you will need can also be found
at home or your nearest convenience store.
You need a bowl, a soft-bristle
toothbrush, a soft cotton cloth, warm water, and some motivation. It is always
best to stay away from sanitizers or harsh cleaning chemicals.
You do not want to damage your
diamond during the cleaning process. With these simple household cleaning
products, you can restore your ring or bracelet’s optimal shine without too
much effort.
If your ring looks dirty because of
everyday cosmetics like lotion, perfume, makeup, or hairspray, you do not need
to use anything other than some dishwashing soap mixed with warm water.
The water should be almost hot but
not too much. Always ensure that you use water at a safe temperature to avoid
burning yourself. You need to soak your diamond jewelry in warm water for up to
40 minutes.
After the soaking process, gently
remove your ring and place it carefully to the side. Then you need to grab that
soft-bristled brush. Gently brush the stone with the toothbrush.
Do not apply too much pressure
because you want to brush off the debris instead of creating scratch marks on
the gemstone. After brushing and removing all the dirt from the stone, rinse
your diamond jewelry under warm running water.
Remember that this may not be a
one-time job. Depending on how much dirt your gemstone is covered in, you will
need to repeat these steps a couple more times until you get all the debris
off.
Substitutes
If you do not have dish soap or do
not want to use it, you can substitute it for body wash or shampoo. These are
safe soaps to clean diamond jewelry. However, you should always avoid anything
moisturizing.
This is because moisturizers or
products that moisturize leave a film on the jewelry. You need to avoid this
because you want to maintain your diamond’s shine and brilliance to ensure that
it does not lose value.
You should also avoid using paper
towels because these can scratch the gemstone. Always pick up a soft cloth or
anything that is made from cotton. Do not dry aggressively with anything.
Diamond should be air-dried to get all the moisture off.
How
Many Times?
You deserve to have your precious
ring or bracelet looking at its best. Therefore, it is essential to clean your
diamond jewelry at least once a week. This should keep away any buildup or
everyday oil and debris at bay.
Besides doing the weekly cleaning
yourself, you should also take your diamond jewelry to a professional. This
needs to be done a couple of times a year or more frequently if your jewelry
has been exposed to excess debris.
If you are an active person in the
kitchen or outdoors, you will need to work harder to get off the compacted
layer of dirt or oil. Going to a professional jeweler will restore the
brilliance of your stone safely.
Then you can also get away with
cleaning it less at home because they will do the hard part for you. Otherwise,
you will have to get into a habit of always taking off your ring during
activities to avoid dirtying or damaging it.
Chemicals
to Avoid
The only thing worse than a diamond
ring that has lost its shine is one with permanent stains due to improper care.
Therefore, you should never use household cleaning products that contain
acetone, chlorine, or bleach.
These are harsh chemicals that will
break down the base metals in your ring. You should also avoid abrasive
products like baking soda, powdered cleaners, and toothpaste.
These can scratch metal very easily,
so you do not want them anywhere near your jewelry. It is also important to
have your ring insured if any damages occur. You may come across home jewelry
cleaners like ultrasonic machines.
This is dangerous for diamond
jewelry because the machine works by sending vibrations through the water to
help clean anything in minutes. However, all that hectic movement can loosen
your stones and cause them to fall out and get lost in the machine.
Therefore, you should only work with
a professional jeweler. They have the best skills to test stones and ensure
that everything is intact. If you are looking for the perfect custom-designed
diamond jewelry with a lifetime warranty, check out Finer Jewelry.
Further
Tips
If you do not have much time and
want to lift your jewelry’s shine a little, always focus on the back of your
diamond. This is the spot that attracts the most grime and oil.
Natural diamond needs to be handled
gently, so you should avoid cleaning them near the sink unless you cover the
drain.
Otherwise, your jewelry can slip
through your fingers and end up in the bottom of your drain. You should also
use a rubber sink mat to help prevent your natural diamonds from chipping or
breaking if you drop them accidentally.
Successfully
Clean Diamond Jewelry
Now that you know the best tips on
how to clean diamond jewelry, it is time to put on those gloves and grab your
cleaning products. Always remember to proceed cautiously and turn to a
professional for a thorough treatment.
Otherwise, you need to be careful
about stones becoming loose if you use a cleaning machine at home. Stay away
from abrasives like toothpaste because they have corrosive agents that can
erode the metals holding your diamond jewelry together.
If you enjoyed reading this diamond
jewelry guide, check out some of our other posts for more information.