Diamonds are forever, but that doesn't mean they can't get dirty or appear dull. In fact, diamond jewelry will often need cleaning, particularly if you wear it frequently.
The good news is cleaning is easy and will quickly restore the brilliance and fire of a diamond. Below is how you can properly clean diamond jewelry.
The list of equipment and supplies needed for cleaning diamond jewelry is fairly short, but it is important to obtain the right items and avoid using cleaning supplies that can damage your jewelry. Here is what you will need:
- Cleaning container. Use a glass or ceramic container made from a dark color material in order to more easily see your jewelry at the bottom. Avoid plastics that may leach chemicals into the cleaning solution and cause your jewelry to dull.
- Cleaning brush. Choose a simple medium or stiff bristle brush for cleaning your diamond jewelry. A new toothbrush will be ideal, but avoid using old brushes that may contain remnants of abrasive toothpaste.
- Grease-cutting liquid dish soap. Since oils are one of the major dulling agents when it comes to diamonds, a grease-cutting liquid dish soap is a powerful cleaning solution. However, don't use dish soaps that contain bleach or other harsh chemicals; these can damage the metallic settings or bands.
- Microfiber towel. Microfiber is lint-free and is a great choice for drying or wiping diamond jewelry.
Some people use ultrasonic cleaners, but be careful if you decide to use one to clean your diamond jewelry. The high-frequency vibrations can literally shake your diamond jewelry apart, especially if any of the settings are already loose.
Once you have gathered your materials, you are ready to begin cleaning your diamond jewelry. Below are simple step-by-step instructions to cleaning.
1. Prepare a Cleaning Solution
Take a clean container, preferably a glass or ceramic bowl, and add 2 tablespoons of grease-cutting dish soap. Next, carefully add 2 cups of hot tap water to the soap and gently stir to mix the solution while avoiding the generation of unnecessary bubbles.
2. Inspect Your Jewelry Before Cleaning
After the solution is mixed and ready, but before adding the jewelry, take a few seconds to inspect your jewelry for loose settings or other damage. Compromised jewelry may fall apart when added to the water due to heat-induced expansion of the metal.
If you spot any loose diamonds or other components that don't appear to be solidly connected, take your jewelry to a
qualified jeweler for repair before attempting any cleaning.
3. Soak and Scrub the Jewelry
Once you have inspected your jewelry and are confident it is intact, place the pieces into the container of hot, soapy water. Allow them to soak for several minutes, then remove the pieces from the bowl for a quick inspection. You want to ensure nothing has loosened or come free from the jewelry.
Next, dip the clean brush into the hot water to wet the bristles, and then begin lightly scrubbing the diamonds and spaces around the setting. Frequently dip the piece back into the water to keep it wet, and continue to scrub lightly until all debris has been removed.
4. Rinse the Jewelry
Once you have thoroughly soaked and scrubbed the jewelry, the next step is to rinse it clean in running water. However, when rinsing diamond jewelry, be sure to seal up all drains or place a big bowl beneath the stream of water. You certainly don't want to have a diamond "pop" from a loose setting and lose it down the drain.
Rinse the jewelry until all soap residue is gone, then lay the jewelry on a clean microfiber towel to dry. Inspect the jewelry a third time to be sure nothing has come loose in the process and that the diamonds are completely clean. If necessary, repeat the cleaning process as often as needed to get your diamonds sparkling once again.
If you would like for your jewelry to be professionally cleaned or you find it needs attention, visit
Marla's Gem Creations for assistance. Marla's Gem Creations can
clean and restore diamond jewelry as well as make custom pieces that meet your specifications.
