Diamonds, renowned as one of the hardest natural materials on Earth, are remarkably durable. However, this toughness does not eliminate the need for regular maintenance. The very qualities that make diamonds so extraordinary also necessitate attentive care. Although they are incredibly strong, diamonds are not invincible. Join us as we take you through our guide of expert advice on proper diamond care and cleaning to ensure your precious gems maintain their brilliance over time.

Why Regular Cleaning Matters 

Each day of wear exposes your diamond to the elements such as sweat from your skin, pollution, cosmetic products, and more. Over time these can take a toll on the brilliance of your diamond. With dirt and oil settled on the gem, light is unable to pass through easily. A proper cleaning can restore a dirty and dull diamond. Regular cleaning can ensure your diamond is always in satisfactory condition. 

Outside of just visual appearance, a clean diamond is a more valuable diamond, both in terms of its visual appeal and its ability to pass on its brilliance in any lighting condition. By keeping your diamond free from surface contaminants, you maximize its capacity to reflect and refract light, ensuring it remains the centerpiece of your jewelry collection.

How To Clean a Diamond at Home

Regular cleaning does not always need to be a full-throttle professional cleaning. You can create a simple at-home cleaning routine to ensure your gems are looking their best. Here are some tried-and-true methods to clean your diamonds at home: 

Use Gentle Soap and Water

The simplest way to clean your diamond jewelry is with a mixture of warm water and a few droplets of mild dish soap. This gentle combination is tough on dirt and effective at breaking down oils without any harm to the gem. 

To use the solution, allow your ring to soak in a small bowl for 20 to 30 minutes. This will allow time for any stuck debris to loosen. After soaking you can use a small stone brush or toothbrush to gently brush the surface. Pay particular attention to the back of the diamond, this is where most grime builds up. After brushing, rinse with warm water. Dry with a lint-free towel or cloth. Your diamond will shine!

Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals

Be careful to avoid the use of household cleaners, toothpaste, or other abrasive substances. While this may quickly break away the grime and dirt, it can also result in a scratched diamond surface. Some harsh chemicals like chlorine and bleach can even strip protective metal finishes and erode metal pieces used to set the diamond. Keeping it simple is best.

How Often is Often Enough?

If you are wondering how often you should clean your jewelry, here is your answer: jewelry worn daily should undergo a simple cleaning routine once or twice a week to ensure continuous brilliance. However, if you have less frequently worn or more delicate pieces, a monthly cleaning schedule may suffice. Consistency is key, regular cleaning prevents the buildup of substances that could permanently obscure the gem’s natural shine.

Learn how to care for your sterling silver jewelry too: Sterling Silver Secrets: How to Clean, Care, and Buy Like a Pro

Professional Cleanings and Inspections

Home cleanings are a great way to prevent build-up and keep your diamonds looking fresh. However, an annual appointment with a jewelry professional for a thorough inspection and deep cleaning is advised. During a professional cleaning, a jeweler will check for any signs of damage or wear, tighten loose stones, and polish the metal setting to restore its original shine. This proactive approach can help you avoid costly repairs down the line.

These individuals offer capabilities and specialized equipment you are unlikely to have at home. For example, over time, the settings of diamond jewelry can loosen, and even the strongest of diamonds might encounter stress from everyday wear. By scheduling an annual inspection, you ensure that your diamond is not only clean but also securely mounted.

What About Ultrasonic Cleanings?

Ultrasonic cleaners are an efficient method for cleaning diamond jewelry. They use high-frequency sound waves to remove dirt and grime from hard-to-reach spaces around the diamond. This process helps maintain its sparkle by thoroughly breaking down buildup on its surfaces. However, they are not ideal for every piece. 

Delicate vintage settings or jewelry with mixed gemstones should be approached cautiously as the vibrations may cause damage. It’s important to consult with a professional before using an ultrasonic cleaner. For robust, modern diamond settings, this technology offers a reliable, quick solution to keep your jewelry looking its best. Overall, consider it.

 

We are not affiliated with the brand or the YouTuber, just a nice video we found that will explain what an Ultrasonic is.

Handling Your Diamond

Even the most careful cleaning routine won’t prevent damage if your diamond is mishandled. How you handle and store your diamond jewelry plays a significant role in its overall maintenance. Each time you handle your diamond; you risk transferring skin oils and other contaminants that can cloud its brilliance. To minimize this, try to handle your jewelry as little as possible. 

When you do need to adjust your ring, necklace, or bracelet, make sure your hands are clean and dry. Over-handling not only increases the need for frequent cleaning but can also lead to accidental knocks or scratches.

Avoiding Harsh Environments

During harsh conditions and activities, it is typically smart to remove your diamond jewelry. This is especially a piece of advice to follow when handling chemicals during activities such as heavy cleaning, gardening, exercising, and even dishwashing. 

In addition, when engaging in activities that might lead to accidental impact, such as working with power tools or during sports, it’s safer to store your jewelry separately. This precautionary measure ensures that your diamond is not inadvertently exposed to conditions that could compromise its integrity.

Specialized Storage Solutions

It is important to follow proper storage guidelines to ensure your diamond is protected. Do not store your diamond alongside other hard stones or even other metal jewelry pieces. This can lead to scratches and abrasions. Instead, invest in small pouches to separate these pieces from the rest. 

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Our last bit of advice is about a few common pitfalls we see happen often and how you can avoid them. If you follow the tips above and avoid making these mistakes you can ensure your diamond remains as striking as the day you bought it:

Over-Cleaning

It might feel like the more you clean your diamond, the better it will look. But believe it or not, over-cleaning can be counterproductive. Even when you’re using a gentle cleaning solution, constant exposure can gradually wear away both the diamond’s surface and its setting. This unnecessary erosion can dull the natural brilliance of your stone over time. The key here is to strike a balance by establishing a regular cleaning routine without overdoing it. 

Ignoring Professional Advice

Even with a careful home cleaning routine, your diamond might sometimes show signs of losing its sparkle, like a drop in brilliance, slight discoloration, or minor chipping. When you notice these changes, it’s wise not to wait until things get worse. Instead, take a moment to consult a reputable jeweler.

 A professional evaluation can catch small issues before they evolve into major repairs. Professionals have the expertise to provide insights that go beyond what routine home maintenance can achieve, ensuring your diamond receives the thorough care it deserves.

A Summary of Best Practices

• Regular Cleaning: Soak your diamond jewelry in a solution of warm water mixed with a few drops of mild dish soap once or twice a week. Gently scrub using a soft toothbrush, paying special attention to those hard-to-reach areas where oils and dirt tend to accumulate.

• Gentle Handling: Avoid unnecessary handling that transfers oils and dirt from your fingers. Limit exposure to harsh chemicals like those in beauty products and household cleaners that could damage the diamond or its setting.

• Professional Care: Schedule an annual inspection and cleaning with a trusted jeweler. Their expertise ensures that the settings are secure and that any emerging issues are addressed promptly.

• Avoid Abrasives: Refrain from using abrasive cleaners, and toothpaste, especially for delicate or treated settings

• Careful Storage: Store your diamond separately in a dedicated box or pouch lined with soft, lint-free materials. This prevents scratches from other jewelry pieces from rubbing together.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively protect and maintain the cleanliness of your diamonds. If you’re ready to add another piece to your collection or looking for jewelry that understands the value of care and quality, consider exploring Barkev’s. Our thoughtfully crafted pieces are designed to stand the test of time just like your favorite diamond.

Visit Barkev’s today and find that piece that truly speaks to you. Offering both natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds, we can keep the sparkle alive, together.