| |
Cleaning your diamonds |
Diamonds will develop a film build up of oils from lotions, powders, soaps, and natural
skin oils which take away from their brilliance and sparkle. Chemicals in the air can slightly oxidize the mountings of precious jewelry
depending on the karat grade used. Diamonds should be cleaned so that the maximum amount of light can then enter and return in a fiery
brilliance. A little time and effort on your part will keep your jewelry looking new like the day you first wore it. We've listed four
ways to clean your diamonds. |
1. Detergent Bath
Use any mild liquid detergent found on your home (such as dishwashing soap) and prepare a small bowl of warm suds.
Brush the pieces with an eyebrow brush or toothbrush while they are in the bath. Then transfer them to a wire tea strainer and rinse
under warm running water. Pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
|
2. The Cold Water Soak
Make a solution out of 50% cold water and 50% household ammonia in a cup. Soak the pieces for 30 minutes. Lift out
and tap gently around the back and front of the mounting with an eyebrow brush or toothbrush. Swish in the solution once more and let
the jewelry drain on tissue paper.
|
3. The Quick-Dip Method
Buy a brand-name liquid jewelry cleaners found in many stores. Cleaning instructions vary depending on the kit, so
read the label and follow its instructions. Do not touch your clean diamonds with your fingers but hold it by its edges.
|
4. The Ultrasonic Cleaner
This is a small machine that will clean any piece of jewelry that can be dipped in a liquid in a matter of minutes. There are many varieties
of ultrasonic cleaners, but they all consist of a metal cup that you fill with water and detergent. When the machine is turned on, a
high-frequency motion creates the cleaning action. Since each machine is slightly different, read the instructions very carefully before
use.
|
|
Properly storing your diamonds |
| When you are not wearing diamonds and precious jewelry, they still require proper storage.
Keep your precious pieces in a fabric-lined jewel case, or a box with compartments or dividers. If you can not separate
your jewelry in your jewelry box, wrap each piece individually in tissue paper or place in small plastic pouches. Don't jumble your
diamond pieces in a drawer or jewelry case, because diamonds can scratch your other pieces of jewelry, or even scratch each other. |
|
Traveling with your diamonds |
The packing of your diamonds and other precious pieces for travel should be given care.
There are many types of jewelry traveling carryalls on the market. They come in all sizes, shapes and patterns and
most have velvet linings inside to attach pins and earrings, and compartments to place your bracelets and necklaces.
To keep your jewelry looking it's best when you arrive, pack a small plastic bottle of prepared jewelry cleaner. |
|
Watches containing diamonds |
A wrist watch containing diamonds should not be "dipped" in any liquid. The
best method for cleaning diamond watches is to use a jeweler's polishing cloth to clean all metal surfaces of the watch and bracelet.
Clean gently on the diamonds, rough abrasive polishing can loosen them in their settings.
|
|
Caring for your diamond ring |
Even though you wear your diamond engagement ring 24 hours a day, you should still be
concerned about it's care from time to time.
Don't wear it when you are doing rough work. Even though a diamond is the hardest substance on Earth, if hit at the
perfect cleavage angle with enough force, it will chip or crack.
Don't let your jewelry come in contact with chlorine bleach when you are doing household chores.
Periodically see your jeweler at least once a year or so and have them check you ring and other precious pieces to
ensure all prongs and settings are tight and secure. You usually get a professional "shine-up" too. If you have not purchased
your ring yet, consider getting platinum over gold due to their superior strength, they rarely ever need any tightening, even if you
can only afford getting platinum as the setting claw only it is well worth it.
Take care of your diamond jewelry and you and your family will enjoy them for generations to come! |
|
