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Diamond jewelry maintenance is a three step process that involves
cleaning, caring and storing your jewelry.
Cleaning
Here are a few popular cleaning methods that you can adopt
regularly for cleaning your diamonds. Also listed are a few do's and don'ts
that you need to keep in mind.
Detergent wash
Using a mild detergent and warm water prepare a soapy
solution. Leave your ring in this solution for a few minutes. Then using a soft
brush clean the diamond, areas like the prongs and other parts of the metal
band where there are chances of dust accumulation. Rinse the diamond jewelry in
warm water. Finally pat it dry with a lint free cloth. A buffing cloth can also
be used to give your diamond jewelry a shine. A wooden toothpick may also be
used to gently push away dirt from hard to reach areas.
Ammonia wash
A 1:1 ratio of household ammonia and water can also be used
to clean diamonds. Mix ammonia and water in equal parts and soak your diamond
jewelry in it for approximately twenty minutes. Use a soft brush to remove dirt
and rinse in the solution again. Air dry the diamond by leaving it on absorbent
tissue paper. However, fracture filled diamonds must not be cleaned using this
method. Also if the piece of jewelry has other precious gemstones in it,
consult an expert before using ammonia wash.
Ultrasonic cleaning
Ultrasonic cleaners available at jewelry stores are also
useful for cleaning diamonds. Here, in the first step, the cleaner uses high
frequency waves which vibrate to create many microscopic cleaning bubbles.
These bubbles loosen out the dirt in the cracks and crevices of the ring,
including prongs. In the second step a high pressure steamer blasts away the
particles. However if your diamond jewelry also includes other precious stones
like emeralds and rubies, it would be best to first take the advice of a
gemologist before ultrasonic cleaning. Also the GIA does not recommend the
usage of ultrasonic or steam cleaners for cleaning diamonds.
Off the counter
cleaners
Many cleaners are also available at stores. Your diamond
dealer may also have given you a cleaner like the Mr. Clean - all purpose
cleaner. Follow the instructions carefully while using such products on your
diamond. Avoid using cleaners that contain acid as this may affect the surface
of the gemstone. Also if you have purchased the solution from a store that does
not deal in diamonds, consult your gemologist before using it. Avoid abrasive
cleaners while cleaning your diamond. Toothpaste should also not be used for
cleaning as it usually has baking soda or other ingredients that can cause
scratches.
Cleaning diamonds on a regular basis ensures that they
sparkle for a long time to come. You can clean them once a month or even once a
week depending upon your usage. Gemisimo recommends that as soon as you note a
film buildup, caused due to soap or oil, clean your ring at home. Professional
cleaning can be opted for once a year, whereby the ring can be repolished and
the jeweler will also check and tighten the prongs of the ring.
Jewelry Care
A little care goes a long way in keeping your diamond
sparkling and shimmering as ever.
- Remove
your ring before going into the pool as the chlorine may discolor it over
a long period of time.
- Avoid
using harsh chemicals when you are wearing the ring.
- Take
your diamond to the jeweler once every year so that it can be checked for
loose prongs or other settings that need to be restored.
- If
you feel that the settings have become loose, wrap the jewelry carefully
in tissue paper and take it to the jeweler immediately. Let the jewelry be
repaired while you watch.
- Do
not wear your diamond ring with other rings on the same finger as it may
chip while in contact with other rings.
- Touch
it at its edges and not on the stone as it may smudge.
Storing You Jewelry
Here are a few tips on how to store your jewelry carefully.
- Store
your diamond in a special case so it does not scratch when it rubs against
other jewelry.
- Use
separate compartments for separate pieces of jewelry.
- A
cloth bag or a jewelry case meant for the purpose may be a good option.
Finally you can also wrap them in separate tissue papers.
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