Diamond Jewelry Care

Diamonds may top the Mohs scale of relative mineral hardness but they still need basic care and maintenance to continue looking their best. Diamond jewelry that is worn every day, such as an engagement ring or a tennis bracelet, can become smudged or dirty from soap, hand creams and natural skin oils, all of which will dim its brilliance and fire. Even special-occasion pieces like chandelier earrings or riviéra necklaces can become dulled after time if they are not cleaned and cared for. It's important to know that this is not a big under-taking - just the minimum of care will yield maximum results. Here are some tips:

Store your diamond jewelry in a fabric-lined jewel case, a chamois pouch or a sectioned box.

 Try to avoid touching clean diamonds with your fingers. Instead, handle the jewelry by its edges.

Do not let your diamond come into contact with chlorine bleach or other harsh chemicals, as these can discolor the mounting.

Don't wear diamond jewelry in the pool or hot tub.

 To avoid chipping or loosening your stones, leave your diamonds off when engaging in activities in which your jewelry may be compromised, such as playing sports and gardening.

 It is perfectly safe and effective to clean your diamond jewelry using a commercial jewelry cleaner, Windex or other mixture of one part ammonia to six parts water. Simply dip the jewelry into the liquid and use a soft toothbrush to remove any dust or dirt. Rinse and dry the piece completely before putting it away. However, you should also always have your diamond jewelry professionally cleaned and the setting inspected at least once a year.