How to Properly Clean Your Diamond Jewellery – A Jewellers Guide
How to Clean Your Diamond Ring and Diamond Jewellery: Tips from a Hatton Garden, London Jeweller with Over 35 Years of Industry Experience
Diamonds are more than just a girl’s best friend; they are prized possessions that exude luxury and symbolize everlasting love. Whether you’ve recently acquired a stunning diamond engagement ring or own a collection of dazzling diamond jewellery, it’s essential to know how to care for these precious gems properly. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the why, how, and what of cleaning diamond jewellery, emphasizing the importance of maintaining their brilliance and sharing expert tips from a seasoned jeweller in London’s renowned Hatton Garden.
1. Why You Should Clean Your Diamond Jewellery
Diamonds are renowned for their unparalleled beauty and the way they capture and reflect light. However, over time, these exquisite gems can lose their sparkle due to the accumulation of dirt, oils, and grime. Cleaning your diamond jewellery is not merely about maintaining its aesthetic appeal; it’s also about preserving the value and longevity of these investments.
Diamonds are naturally hydrophobic, meaning they repel water. Consequently, they tend to attract oil and grease from your skin, as well as dust particles from the environment. This build-up can diminish the brilliance of your diamonds and make them appear lacklustre. Regular cleaning not only restores their dazzling beauty but also ensures that they remain in excellent condition for generations to come.
2. How to Clean Your Diamond Jewellery
Cleaning your diamond jewellery is a straightforward process that can be done at home with minimal effort. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean your diamond pieces effectively:
a. Gather Your Supplies: Before you begin, make sure you have the necessary supplies on hand. You’ll need a bowl, mild dish soap, a soft toothbrush or a dedicated jewellery brush, a lint-free cloth, and a soft towel.
b. Create a Cleaning Solution: Fill the bowl with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap. Stir the mixture gently to create a soapy solution.
c. Soak Your Diamonds: Place your diamond jewellery in the soapy water and let them soak for about 20-30 minutes. This will help loosen dirt and grime.
d. Brush Gently: After soaking, use a soft toothbrush or jewellery brush to gently scrub the diamonds and the settings. Pay special attention to the areas where dirt and oils tend to accumulate, such as the back of the diamond and the setting’s prongs.
e. Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the jewellery under warm running water to remove any soap residue. Be sure to use a fine-mesh strainer or plug the drain to prevent accidental loss.
f. Dry and Polish: Pat your jewellery dry with a lint-free cloth and then gently polish it with a soft towel to restore its shine and remove any remaining water spots.
3. What Happens If You Do Not Clean Your Diamond Ring
Neglecting the regular cleaning of your diamond ring and jewellery can have adverse effects on both their appearance and durability. Here are some consequences of not cleaning your diamond jewellery:
a. Dullness: Over time, dirt, oils, and grime can create a film on the surface of your diamonds, causing them to lose their sparkle and brilliance.
b. Scratches: Although quite rare, when dirt and debris accumulate on your jewellery, they can act like abrasive materials, potentially scratching the diamond’s surface or the metal setting over a long period of time.
c. Discoloration: Oils and substances like lotion or makeup can lead to discolouration of the metal setting, making it appear less shiny and attractive.
d. Weakened Settings: The accumulation of dirt and oils in the setting’s crevices can weaken the prongs that hold your diamond in place. This increases the risk of the diamond becoming loose or falling out.
4. Diamond Sparkle from the Bottom Upwards: Focus on the Pavilion Facets
When it comes to cleaning your diamond jewellery for maximum sparkle, it’s essential to understand the anatomy of a diamond. Diamonds are cut with several facets, and one of the most critical areas to focus on during cleaning is the pavilion, or the bottom part of the diamond. The pavilion facets act as mirrors, reflecting light back through the top of the diamond and enhancing its brilliance.
To clean the pavilion facets effectively, follow these steps:
a. Soak and Brush: Ensure that you soak your diamond jewellery as previously described. Then, use a soft toothbrush or jewellery brush to gently scrub the pavilion facets from all angles.
b. Pay Attention to Corners: Pay special attention to the corners of the pavilion, as dirt and oils tend to accumulate in these areas. Use a pointed or fine brush to clean them thoroughly.
c. Rinse and Dry: Rinse the diamond under warm water to remove any soap residue and pat it dry with a lint-free cloth. Be careful not to touch the pavilion with your fingers, as oils from your skin can transfer to the diamond.
By focusing on the pavilion facets, you’ll ensure that your diamond jewellery sparkles brilliantly from every angle, captivating anyone who admires it.
5. Getting Your Diamond Professionally Cleaned
While regular at-home cleaning is essential for maintaining the beauty of your diamond jewellery, there may be times when you want to seek professional cleaning services to address more stubborn dirt or to ensure a thorough inspection. Here are some important considerations when opting for professional cleaning:
a. Choose a Reputable Jeweller: When selecting a jeweller for professional cleaning, opt for a well-established and reputable one. Ask for recommendations from friends or family, or check online reviews to ensure you’re entrusting your precious diamonds to a trustworthy expert.
TIP: Whomever you buy your diamond jewellery from should provide you with a lifetime service or at the very least, a free annual service which would include a professional ring/jewellery clean and polish.
b. Check Diamond Identification: Before handing over your diamond jewellery to a jeweller, it’s crucial to check and record your diamond’s identification details. This includes the diamond’s carat weight, colour, clarity, and cut, often referred to as the “Four Cs.” Take clear photographs of your diamond from various angles, as these can serve as proof of its condition before cleaning. You can request a visual of your GIA certificate number on the girdle of the stone through the use of a jeweller loup or magnifying glass.
c. Get a Receipt and Documentation: When you drop off your jewellery for cleaning, make sure to get a receipt or documentation that clearly outlines the items you’ve left with the jeweller, including their identification details and any existing damage or imperfections.
d. Recheck Your Diamond After Cleaning: When you pick up your jewellery after professional cleaning, carefully inspect it to ensure that it has been returned in the same condition as when you left it. Verify that all the diamonds are present and undamaged and that there are no new scratches or issues.
e. Insist on On-Site Cleaning: If possible, choose a jeweller who offers on-site cleaning services rather than sending your jewellery off-site. This reduces the risk of mishandling or potential diamond switching.
f. Keep a Record: Maintain a record of your diamond jewellery, including photographs and any documentation from professional cleanings. This will serve as a valuable reference in case of loss, damage, or insurance claims.
Safety Note: Protecting Your Diamond During Professional Cleaning
It’s unfortunate but true that some unscrupulous individuals may attempt to switch your diamond with a lesser-quality stone during the cleaning process. To safeguard your diamond, follow these safety precautions:
a. Verify Your Diamond ID Beforehand: As mentioned earlier, record your diamond’s identification details and take clear photographs. This information will help you confirm
If you would like to get more information about jewellery cleaning or jewellery in general, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
020 7404 6616 – [email protected]