How to Take Care of Diamond Jewelry

Co-authored by Cory Schifter

Last Updated: January 11, 2023 References

While a diamond is very hard, it can still be scratched by other objects or damaged by chemicals. Take care of your diamonds in your everyday life, and then take steps to protect your jewelry for the long-term. No matter what you do, your diamonds will need cleaning from time to time, which you can do at home with a few simple steps.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Keeping Your Diamonds in Good Condition

1
Try not to touch the diamond. If you love how your diamond sparkles, try to keep your fingers off it. As you touch it, you pass oil from your fingers to the diamond, which can make it look dull.^{[1]
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Trustworthy Source
Gemological Institute of America
Nonprofit institute responsible for gemological research and education and setting gemstone buying and selling standards
Go to source}
2
Remove your ring when working with chemicals. Chemicals may make your bathtub sparkling clean, but they aren't doing your diamond ring any favors. When you're cleaning, take your ring off, or put rubber gloves on to protect your hands and ring.^{[2]
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3
Take your jewelry off before doing hard work. When you're doing things like making home repairs, your jewelry can be scratched. You could also knock the diamond out of the setting. You should remove it when you're gardening, moving furniture, or performing heavy lifting.^{[3]
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- You should also take it off before playing contact sports.
4
Take off diamonds before swimming. The chlorine isn't particularly good for diamonds. In addition, it's easy to lose a diamond in a pool, as your skin shrinks. Your ring may slip off, or an earring could pop out of your ear. It's best to take the jewelry out before you take the plunge.^{[4]
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5
Wait to put your jewelry on. When getting ready in the morning, put your jewelry on last. Using makeup, fragrances, hairspray, and lotions around your jewelry can damage it. Plus, you should wait to put it on until after you shower, as the soap can make a dull layer on your diamonds.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Maintaining and Protecting Your Diamonds

1
Take your diamond jewelry to a professional jeweler twice a year. Diamond jewelry needs to be checked by a professional jeweler regularly. They will look at the prongs and mountings to make sure they're in good shape. If something is damaged, the jeweler can repair it before something breaks and you lose a diamond.^{[5]
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- Don't try to do any deep cleaning or jewelry repairs on your own. It will be much safer and more effective to take it to your jeweler.^{[6]
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  Expert Source
  
  Cory Schifter
  Jeweler & Certified Jewelry Appraiser
  Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.}
2
Get insurance for your diamonds. Jewelry is likely one of the most expensive things you own, so it makes sense to get insurance. It can be included in your homeowner's or renter's insurance (as a rider). However, you can get your jewelry its own policy if you prefer.^{[7]
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- Have your jewelry reappraised every 5 years or so, as the value will likely increase, and you want your insurance to cover that increase.^{[8]
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3
Keep your jewelry in a padded box. Diamonds can be scratched by rough containers, as well as by other diamonds. Keep each piece separated in its own padded box to help protect it over time.^{[9]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Cleaning Diamond Jewelry

1
Make a cleaning solution. Though you can use a pre-made jewelry solution, you can make one from items in your home. Try mixing a few drops of dishwashing liquid in a cup of warm water, which will help remove grease.^{[10]
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Expert Warning: Do not use toothpaste to clean your jewelry. It could destroy the gold and leave a film over the diamond.^{[11]
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Expert Source

Cory Schifter
Jeweler & Certified Jewelry Appraiser
Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.}
2
Soak the diamond jewelry. To help break up the dirt and grime of daily life, it helps to let the jewelry sit in the cleaning solution. Leave it for about 5 minutes before moving on to the next step. You may need to leave it in longer if the jewelry is particularly dirty.^{[12]
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3
Scrub the jewelry with a soft toothbrush. Buy a new toothbrush just for this purpose. Pull the jewelry out of the cleaning solution, and gently scrub all around the diamond. Don't forget to get the sides and the back of the diamond.^{[13]
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Trustworthy Source
Gemological Institute of America
Nonprofit institute responsible for gemological research and education and setting gemstone buying and selling standards
Go to source}
- Don't scrub too hard, particularly if the jewelry is delicate or antique.
4
Rinse and dry. Wash the jewelry off in clean, running water to remove any remaining dirt and soap. Use a soft cloth (lint-free) to dry off the diamond and the rest of the jewelry.^{[14]
X
Trustworthy Source
Gemological Institute of America
Nonprofit institute responsible for gemological research and education and setting gemstone buying and selling standards
Go to source}
- If you're worried about dropping the jewelry in the sink, place it in a strainer to rinse it.
5
Soak the jewelry in an ammonia solution. Another option for jewelry cleaning is mixing cold water with ammonia (equal parts). Simply soak your jewelry in the solution for half an hour and then rinse. You shouldn't need to scrub it at all.^{[15]
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Expert Q&A

Question

How can I make my diamond ring sparkle?

Cory Schifter
Jeweler & Certified Jewelry Appraiser
Cory Schifter is a Jeweler, Certified Jewelry Appraiser, and the Owner of Casale Jewelers in Dongan Hills, Staten Island, New York. Casale Jewelers is known for its selection of fine jewelry, designer brands, engagement rings, certified diamonds, custom-made jewelry, and watches. Cory has over 10 years in the jewelry industry and is a certified jewelry appraiser. Cory was featured on NY1 News “Got it Made in New York” for Casale Jewelers’ custom design business and Casale Jewelers was recognized by American Express and Facebook in 2012 as one of the top five small businesses in the nation.

Cory Schifter

Jeweler & Certified Jewelry Appraiser

Expert Answer

You can use equal parts window cleaner and water to gently clean your diamond jewelry.
Question

What are some mistakes to avoid when I'm taking care of diamond jewelry?

Cory Schifter
Jeweler & Certified Jewelry Appraiser
Cory Schifter is a Jeweler, Certified Jewelry Appraiser, and the Owner of Casale Jewelers in Dongan Hills, Staten Island, New York. Casale Jewelers is known for its selection of fine jewelry, designer brands, engagement rings, certified diamonds, custom-made jewelry, and watches. Cory has over 10 years in the jewelry industry and is a certified jewelry appraiser. Cory was featured on NY1 News “Got it Made in New York” for Casale Jewelers’ custom design business and Casale Jewelers was recognized by American Express and Facebook in 2012 as one of the top five small businesses in the nation.

Cory Schifter

Jeweler & Certified Jewelry Appraiser

Expert Answer

Take your jewelry to a reputable, professional jeweler in your area for any cleaning or repairs. Also, avoid using toothpaste on your ring, as it will destroy the gold and leave a film on the diamond.

Warnings

If there are any pearls or emeralds in the jewelry do not use any harsh chemicals in the cleaning process.

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Sometimes, cleaning is best left to the professionals. Take your jewelry to a professional for cleaning if you notice it is damaged.

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