Caring for Your Diamond Jewellery
Diamond jewellery is made to be worn and enjoyed, but a little care will help keep it looking its best. While diamonds are exceptionally durable, the precious metals and settings that hold them can be affected by everyday wear.
Simple habits around cleaning, storage and how you wear your jewellery can help preserve its appearance and give you confidence that your pieces are being properly cared for.
Cleaning your diamond jewellery
Everyday wear naturally brings your jewellery into contact with hand creams, lotions, perfumes and dust, which can build up around the stone and setting and dull its appearance.
For a simple clean at home, soak your jewellery in warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap. Gently clean around the diamond and setting with a soft-bristled toothbrush, paying particular attention to areas where residue can collect. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and dry carefully with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Clean your jewellery over a secure surface rather than directly over an open sink, and avoid harsh or abrasive cleaning products, including household cleaners and toothpaste, which can damage the metal or finish.
Regular gentle cleaning is usually all that is needed to restore a diamond's sparkle. If a piece has been worn frequently or you have any concerns about its setting, a professional clean and inspection can also give you peace of mind.
Storing your jewellery
How you store your jewellery matters too. Keeping each piece separately helps prevent scratches, tangling and unnecessary contact between different pieces.
Soft, fabric-lined compartments or individual pouches are ideal. For necklaces and chains, fastening the clasp before storing can also help prevent them from becoming tangled.
Keep your jewellery in a cool, dry place and, where possible, away from direct sunlight. If you own pieces containing other gemstones, remember that different materials can have their own care requirements.
When to remove your jewellery
Although diamond jewellery is designed to be worn, there are times when taking it off is the better choice. Removing your jewellery before applying lotions, perfumes or hairspray can help prevent residue from building up on the stone and setting.
It is also sensible to remove rings and other jewellery before swimming, showering or exercising. Jewellery can catch on clothing or equipment during physical activity, while exposure to water, sweat, chlorine and other chemicals can contribute to wear over time. Taking your jewellery off before bed can also help reduce wear on delicate settings and prevent pieces catching on fabric.
Looking after your engagement ring
An engagement ring is often worn every day, making it particularly important to pay attention to how it feels and looks over time. Diamonds are exceptionally hard, but they can still be chipped by a sufficiently hard impact, while the metal setting that holds the stone is more susceptible to wear.
Take a moment to check the setting from time to time and look for anything that appears different, such as a stone that seems to have shifted or a setting that no longer feels secure. If something doesn't look or feel quite right, it is best to have the ring checked by a professional before continuing to wear it.
Caring for earrings, necklaces and bracelets
The same principles apply across your diamond jewellery, although each piece can experience different types of wear.
Earrings can collect product and residue around the stones and settings, while necklaces and bracelets can come into contact with clothing, skin and other jewellery throughout the day. Gentle cleaning and careful storage will help keep them looking their best.
With necklaces in particular, fastening the clasp before putting them away can help prevent chains from becoming tangled.
When to have your jewellery checked
If your jewellery is worn frequently, a professional clean and inspection from time to time can help identify signs of wear before they become more significant. This is particularly useful for pieces with delicate settings or those that are worn every day.
If you notice a loose stone, a change in the setting or anything else that concerns you, have the piece checked by a jeweller before wearing it again.
Looking after your diamond jewellery doesn't need to be complicated. A little regular care, thoughtful storage and attention to how you wear your pieces will help keep them looking beautiful for years to come. If you have any questions about caring for your True Brilliance jewellery, get in touch and we'll be happy to help.