Diamond Care

How to Care for Your Diamond

Diamonds need care to keep them at their brilliant best. A clean diamond not only reflects light better, but actually looks bigger than one that has been "dulled" by skin oils, soap, cosmetics or cooking grease. Diamonds actually have an affinity for grease, and should be cleaned once every month to keep their fire at its brightest.

The detergent bath

Prepare a small bowl of warm suds with any mild liquid detergent. Brush pieces gently with a toothbrush while they are in the suds. Transfer to a wire strainer and rinse under warm running water. Pat dry with a soft, lintless cloth.

The quick-dip method

Buy one of the brand name liquid jewellery cleaners together with its kit, and follow the instructions.

Points to Remember

• Don't let your diamond come into contact with chlorine bleach when you're doing housework. It won't harm the diamond, but it can pit or discolour the mounting.
• Don't wear your diamond when you're doing rough work. Even though a diamond is durable, it can be chipped by a hard blow along its grain.
• Don't jumble your diamond pieces in a drawer or jewellery case. Diamonds can scratch each other and also scratch other jewellery.
• Take your diamonds to your jeweller for a "check-up" at least once a year. They will check your jewellery for loose setting and signs of wear. They will usually give them a professional polish too.