By now the 4 ‘C’s associated with selecting a diamond – Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat – should have become entrenched in the minds of consumers as the factors to consider when purchasing a diamond. However, selecting the perfect stone is only three quarters of the pie. In order to complete the circle, you need to know how to care for your purchase, including diamond cleaning.

You have finally taken the plunge and bought that fancy color diamond that had your name written all over it – what now? The color of a fancy color diamond will never fade; however, over time, if you do not care for your diamond in an appropriate manner, it will detract from its luster and shine. After all, the defining characteristic of a fancy color diamond is its color. Should dirt, grit, or grime enter the setting or rest on the stone itself, it can diminish from the stone’s brilliance.

Diamond jewelry worn on the body will attract dirt from the environment and from your body. A diamond ring or bracelet has the highest probability of being knocked about and attracting debris as it is worn on the hand. A diamond pendant faces less risk of abuse.

Diamonds are made to be worn and there is no need to change your behavior because you are wearing a diamond, as diamonds are one the hardest minerals in the world and are virtually scratchproof.

For diamond cleaning, it is recommended to have it professionally cleaned by a jeweller once or twice a year. Jewellers may clean diamond jewelry with steam or ultrasonically. However, it is possible to obtain excellent results at home with the following easy to find accessories – a jewelry cloth, a jewelry brush, and cleaning solution.

Material

The Materials

Use a jewelry cloth to wipe the diamond clean before and after cleaning. A flannel cloth or piece of cotton can be substituted for a jewelry cloth.

The jewelry brush is used to scrub the diamond and setting of debris. A soft-bristled toothbrush can be substituted for a jewelry brush.

Polishing the Jewelry

Gently cleaning the diamond with a jewelry cloth

The diamond cleaning solution helps to loosen the minerals and dirt from the diamond jewelry. Dishwashing liquid, window cleaning solution and ammonia can be used for making your own cleaning solution.

The Diamond Cleaning Process

Before cleaning, ensure diamond jewelry is secure in its setting. You do not need to be an expert to feel if a stone is loose. If a stone is loose, place the jewelry in its jewelry pouch or box and take it as soon as possible to a jeweller you trust to be repaired. If all diamonds are secure, remove any hair or dust and run the jewelry under a tap for a few seconds.

At this stage, diamond jewelry and loose diamonds are cleaned in different solutions. Clean diamond jewelry in hot water with a detergent free soap, such as dishwashing liquid. Loose diamonds should be cleaned in warm water with a solution of 3 parts water to one part ammonia. Window cleaning solution contains a similar formulation and can be used just as effectively. It is best not to let ammonia come in contact with metals as it can damage their color.

Scrubbing the Jewelry

Let the diamond soak in the cleaning solution for 3-5 minutes to help loosten the dirt

Soak jewelry and loose diamonds for 3-5 minutes and then scrub with the brush. Repeat this process 2-3 times. Then dry with the jewelry cloth.

Finally, store your diamonds or jewelry properly. It is best to store diamonds in a soft cloth jewelry pouch or its presentation box.

Storing the Diamond Jewelry

Store the diamond jewelry in its original packing box

Caring for your diamonds, and in particular cleaning them, should not be a chore. Use the opportunity as a chance to “bond” with and rediscover your diamonds. And although cleanliness does not affect a diamond’s market value, it usually affects the stone’s value in the eye of the beholder.

How to clean diamond jewelry at home?

Cleaning diamond jewelry at home requires gentle care to maintain its sparkle and brilliance. Here are some tips for the best way to clean diamonds.

Tips for cleaning diamond necklace at home

Fill a bowl with warm water and mild dish soap.
Soak the necklace for 20-30 minutes.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub the necklace, paying attention to intricate areas.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water and pat dry with a soft cloth.

Tips for cleaning diamond chain at home

Mix warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap in a bowl.
Soak the diamond chain for 15-20 minutes.
Gently scrub the chain with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.

Tips for cleaning diamond earrings at home

Create a diamond cleaning solution of warm water and mild dish soap.
Soak the earrings for 10-15 minutes.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush for diamond cleaning.
Rinse well with water and dry gently with a soft cloth.

Tips for cleaning diamond rings at home

Prepare a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap.
Soak the diamond ring for 15-20 minutes.
Use a soft toothbrush to clean the diamonds and setting gently.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.

Tips for cleaning diamond watch at home

Dampen a soft cloth with warm water and mild soap.
Gently wipe the diamond watch with the cloth, focusing on the diamonds and metal parts.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove dirt and grime.
Rinse with a damp cloth and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.