Jewelry Care
Diamonds are one of the hardest substances on earth and are uniquely resistant to damage. That said, diamonds are not indestructible.
Diamonds can chip and break and are especially vulnerable at the girdle. Having diamonds set in a relatively protective setting, can help keep them safe.
When wearing your diamond, you should be conscious of it on your finger, removing it when doing any type of activity that might expose it to a rough substance or a hard blow. This might include gardening, doing the dishes, intense exercise, etc.
Storing your Diamond Jewelry
Because of their hardness, diamonds can scratch other diamonds, gemstones and jewelry metals. This is one of the most common ways jewelry is damaged. For this reason, store all jewelry, especially diamond jewelry, in individual soft cloth pouches when not being worn.
Cleaning & Servicing Your Diamond
During the course of ordinary wear, a diamond is exposed to dirt, dust, perspiration, makeup, and natural skin oils, as well as household chemicals, like chlorine and hairspray. Over time, these materials build up on a diamond, dulling its natural beauty.
Luckily, cleaning a diamond is easy and requires very little time. Soak your diamond in a solution of one part ammonia and six parts water. Dip a very soft brush, such as a soft-bristle toothbrush, into the solution and pull it gently across the diamond to loosen dirt. Be careful when applying the brush to the metal of your setting, as harsh or rough cleaning can scratch. Finally, rinse well to renew brilliance.
Alternately, you may clean a diamond by following the directions on a non-abrasive jewelry cleaner. These are available at most department or drugstores. Make sure that the jewelry cleaner specifies that it is safe to use on diamonds and the metal of your setting. After application of the jewelry cleaner, use a soft cloth to remove any remaining dirt or other residue.
We recommend having your diamond professionally cleaned and inspected once every six months or if it undergoes some form of trauma, such as being dropped or hit against a hard surface. These inspections help prevent the loss of your diamond solitaire in the event your ring has been inadvertently damaged. Joe’s Jewelry provides this service free of charge to our customers.
