Diamonds and women fall in love with each other at first sight. The fiery beauty of a diamond compels the woman to wear it close on a day-to-day basis, while the woman’s soft touch is the only caress a diamond will want to know.

But it is a lovely story that might encounter a not-so-happy ending. Although they are the hardest substance known, diamonds are not immune to the grime of every day life. If hardly taken off, the jewel will eventually accumulate everything it comes into contact with: lotions, soap, gels, soil, dirt, perfume. While some of these products help the woman look her best, they make the diamond appear dull and lifeless. In love, one does not want the unhappiness of the other. As the diamond enhances the woman, so must the woman preserve the exquisiteness of the diamond.

Cleaning

The solution is as simple as using a soft brush and a mild cleaning solution. Many sources claim that just about any mild cleaning solution can be used. While mild soaps and grease detergents will suffice for some, The Gemological Institute of America, a leading expert on diamonds, recommends ammonia-based household cleaners. But definitely not can abrasives like chlorine and toothpaste be used, as they can erode, loosen or even dissolve the metal.

To clean the diamond, it should be soaked in warm water mixed with the mild cleaning solution of choice for a few minutes or even overnight. (Don’t forget to plug the sink). Then, soft and gentle brushing is applied, especially around the delicate crevices of the metal setting and around the back of the diamond where dirt most likely collects. Extra care should be observed with fragile settings and estate (antique) jewelry, since vigorous brushing can ruin the metal or dislodge the stones. Rinsing is done with warm water, after which, the jewelry is tenderly dried with polishing or any soft, lint-free cloth. Then, the diamond ought to be back in its resplendent self at this point.

While professional cleaning is always best for your diamond jewelry, in between cleanings you may want to employ the use of a low power ultrasonic cleaner. A smaller and less powerful device than what professional jewelry cleaners use, this device employs vibration through low-frequency waves, which are effective in removing stubborn dirt that may be lodged in the small crevasses between the diamond and the setting. In addition to having your jewelry professionally cleaned, it’s also suggested that a gem professional be consulted at least once a year to inspect the diamond and setting to ensure the security of the jewelry piece.

Maintenance

Now that her pet is once more in gleaming condition, it is now a good time to evaluate where the diamond jewelry is housed so as not to loose it’s sparkle. Thus, proper storage must be implemented. While at the end of a long day it’s easy to take off jewelry and simply place it on top of a night stand, this can lead to misplacement or unwarranted wear and tear. This is especially so in households with small children or pets. The safest place for all diamond jewelry is in a secure, padded place such as the box or pouch provided by the store or a lined jewelry box. Careful consideration should also be used when traveling with jewelry. Travel jewelry cases or folds are available (with many separated compartments) to ensure safe storage of your jewelry during your stays when you are away from home.

But to really preserve the brilliance of the stone, the wearer should prevent dirt from accumulating on the stone and setting as much as possible. Diamonds are highly attracted to the skin’s natural oils and grease. Grease and natural oils, sadly, have a dulling effect that will dim the diamond’s radiance. Likewise, all manners of household chores positively contribute to this effect. Handling food, gardening, and washing dishes mean encountering grease and tiny particles that will surely collect in and on the chinks of the jewelry. Likewise, grooming products contribute to the build-up of gunk. It would be best, then, if the diamond is taken off during such activities.

Following these simple steps can help to ensure the longevity of the diamond jewelry and keep it looking the way it did when it was first given.