Diamond jewelry brings the wearer years of enjoyment

Clean Jewelry Regularly

As the jewelry is worn, the diamond can dull and lose its shine. This is because the build-up of dirt, skin cells and chemicals block the light from passing through the stone. This is especially true for a diamond engagement ring since it is in constant contact with the skin and worn almost every day. Clean the jewelry at home by mixing one part ammonia to six parts of water. Let the jewelry soak and use a soft brush to gently rub the entire piece. Before storing, make sure it is completely dry by rubbing it with a soft cloth and letting it air dry. Moisture can tarnish or pit metals.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Always remember to take diamond jewelry off before handling chemicals such as household cleaners. Chlorine bleach may discolor metal and cause damage to the jewelry mountings. For this reason, do not wear jewelry when swimming in pools treated with chlorine. Put on jewelry after applying make-up, hairspray or other beauty products. Avoiding contact with chemicals will help the diamond keep its brilliance.

Keep Jewelry Safe

Take the jewelry off before performing rough labor or playing sports. Do not wear the jewelry when doing any activity that might cause impact. A hard blow could jar diamonds loose from their settings or chip the metal. When taking off or putting on, do so over carpet to lessen the impact if it should drop.

Do Home Inspections

Once a month, inspect the jewelry for any loose stones, cracks or other issues. This is especially important for diamond engagement rings that have several side stones. Bring concerns to a professional jeweler for inspection and have any issues corrected.

Store Properly

Ideally, each piece should be stored individually to avoid dulling and scratching. Wrap each piece of jewelry in a soft cloth or place in its own pouch so that pieces do not tumble together. If it is made of sterling silver, store the jewelry in a baggie that closes tightly. Air can oxidize the metal and cause tarnishing.

Protect the Whole Piece

When cleaning in storing jewelry, keep in mind all the elements of the piece. Protect the metal from damage by chemicals and scratches. If the jewelry has multiple types of gemstones, follow cleaning methods for the weakest stone. For example, opals are more soft and porous than diamonds and cannot be cleaned with ammonia.

Get Yearly Check-Ups

Some jewelry, like a diamond engagement ring, is typically worn on a daily basis. This subjects it to a myriad of assaults, even after precautions have been taken. Bring diamond jewelry to a local professional jeweler once a year to have it cleaned and fully inspected. They can check that all prongs and settings are still in place and the metal or diamond is not cracking. A professional cleaning will get out dirt that can cause damage and buff out scratches in the metal.