Diamonds are prized for their exceptional hardness and brilliance. However, they possess a strong lipophilicity—an affinity for oils. Everyday substances like skin oils, cosmetics, and dust easily adhere to their surface, creating a film that inhibits their fire and sparkle.
Scientific care and regular cleaning are essential to maintain a diamond's optical beauty. This guide provides a systematic approach to professional diamond care.
1. The Necessity of Regular Cleaning
A diamond's sparkle depends on light entering the stone and being internally reflected. When the surface is coated in oil, light refraction is inhibited, making the diamond appear dull and lifeless. Routine cleaning is the primary way to remove this film and restore its optical properties.
2. At-Home Cleaning Solutions (DIY)
For light, everyday buildup, use this safe method:
- Gentle Soak: Create a solution of warm water and a few drops of a mild, ammonia-free detergent.
- Soft Brushing: Soak the jewelry for 15-20 minutes. Then, use a very soft-bristled brush (like a new baby toothbrush) to gently clean the diamond's table, pavilion (bottom), and setting crevices.
- Rinse and Dry: Rinse thoroughly under warm running water. Pat dry completely with a soft, lint-free cloth.
3. Professional Cleaning & Maintenance
We recommend taking your diamond jewelry to a professional jeweller at least once a year for deep maintenance. Jewelers use specialized equipment:
- Ultrasonic Cleaning: Uses high-frequency sound waves in a liquid solution to dislodge stubborn dirt from hard-to-reach areas.
- Steam Cleaning: High-pressure steam effectively dissolves and blasts away oils, providing an instant restoration of lustre.
- Setting Inspection: During this service, a professional will also inspect the setting for any loose stones or worn prongs.
4. Protection from Daily Wear and Damage
While diamonds are the hardest known natural substance (10 on the Mohs scale), they still have brittleness.
- Avoid Hard Impact: A diamond can chip or fracture if struck with force at the right angle (along its cleavage plane).
- Wear Appropriately: Always remove diamond jewelry before engaging in strenuous activities, sports, gardening, or heavy lifting.
5. Proper Storage Solutions
A diamond's hardness means it can easily scratch other gemstones and other diamonds.
- Separate Storage: Store pieces individually in a fabric-lined jewelry box with dedicated compartments.
- Soft Pouches: At a minimum, keep each piece in a separate soft cloth pouch to prevent it from scratching or being scratched.
6. Setting and Prong Integrity
The security of the setting is paramount. Prongs and settings can wear down, bend, or become loose over time.
- Regular Self-Check: Gently shake the piece near your ear to listen for any “rattling." Visually inspect prongs to ensure they are secure and not snagging on clothing.
- Professional Tightening: At the first sign of looseness, stop wearing the piece and take it to a jeweler for repair to prevent losing the stone.
7. Avoiding Chemical Exposure
While diamonds themselves are stable, the precious metals in their settings (like gold alloys) are not.
- Avoid Chlorine: Chlorine bleach and swimming pool water can damage and discolor metal settings.
- Harsh Chemicals: Keep jewelry away from harsh household cleaners, acids, and other chemicals.
- Cosmetics First: Apply lotions, hairspray, and perfume before putting on your jewelry. This prevents a buildup of chemicals and oils.
8. Care for Treated Diamonds
If your diamond has undergone a non-permanent enhancement like fracture-filling, it requires special care.
- Crucial Warning: Fracture-filled diamonds must never be cleaned with ultrasonic or steam cleaners, as the heat and vibration can damage or remove the filling.
Always inform your jeweler if your diamond has been treated before any cleaning or repair.
9. Advanced Restoration: Re-polishing and Re-cutting
For diamonds that have significant surface scratches or minor chips from heavy wear, advanced restoration is possible.
- Re-polishing: Can remove minor surface abrasions to restore luster.
- Re-cutting: Can repair more significant damage, but will result in a slight loss of carat weight.
Note: These services are costly and should only be performed by a master diamond cutter after a professional evaluation.
Conclusion
A diamond's brilliance is not self-sustaining. By combining gentle at-home routines with periodic professional maintenance and by practicing mindful wear, your diamond will retain its timeless sparkle and value for generations to come.