In the world of jewelry, diamonds quickly come to mind when it comes to elegance and class. These beautiful substances are known for being the hardest element on Earth. It can cut through any metal or rock. But a diamond can only be cut by one of its kind.
However, no matter how expensive or huge your diamond is, having it look murky takes away the shine and feel of elegance. Sometimes, going to a professional jeweler is not always convenient and money-saving. So, here are some helpful tips to keep that beautiful sparkle in your diamond.
Close All Drainages
Washing your jewelry in the kitchen or bathroom sink can be pretty risky. It would be best to plug the holes in these sinks to prevent your jewelry from going down the drain.
Diamond studs could be small or big depending on your preference. They can come in various materials like yellow or white gold. To make things more interesting, the diamonds can even be lab-grown. You can lose small earrings and tiny diamond studs if you leave the drains open and you wouldn’t want to lose something so special.
If you have lost the drainage cover of your sink, you can use a clean bowl as an alternative to prevent the loss of your precious pieces.
A medium-size transparent bowl should do. The transparency of the bowl enables you to see if any part is missing while cleaning, and the size helps you control the amount of water needed. Too much water may result in the loss of any small piece of diamond that comes off while cleaning..
Pay Close Attention to the Small Parts
Diamond jewellery comes in different shapes and sizes. You can continue the list from necklaces, rings, studs, danglers, and nose pins. They can be a pave setting, a solitaire setting, or a side setting. The metal has several small diamonds engraved in pave/bead setting styles. Also for many rings, they have side settings with smaller diamonds around the main diamond.
But the tricky part is to take care of the smaller pieces of jewellery. The chance of the smaller ones getting lost during cleaning is more. The easiest way of cleaning them is to sink them in a bowl and clean them with a brush. This usually can be done in a sink. Be extra careful not to drop pieces like diamond studs, nose pins, or rings in the sink.
With all these settings, you need to check if the stones are in place or loose in their positions. If they are, you need to get it repaired before cleaning it. You wouldn’t want to lose those elegant diamond studs. Also, look for any dirt or stain hiding in intricate corners that will need more attention. With this in mind, you can tell if the diamond is pretty clean.
Use Non-abrasive Cleaners
Diamonds are strong and can only be cut by another diamond. However, these beautiful pieces can still be scratched or fogged. Abrasive cleaners such as chlorine bleach can also corrode the metals of real diamond earrings.
To avoid corrosion, you can use a mild degreasing solution. One or two drops of dishwashing liquid should be enough. They are jewelry friendly because they are food-grade and non-toxic.
You can also use shower gel or shampoo. Both are cleansing serums. Otherwise, you can buy non-abrasive jewelry cleaners such as metal cleaning creams or jewelry gels from the store. They’re great cleaners for stud earrings for women.
Avoid using acetone such as nail varnish remover. Like chlorine, acetone can destroy the metals of the jewelry. You can use ammonia if the diamonds are set in gold.
It is not advisable to use toothpaste, baking soda, or powder detergents in cleaning your jewelry. Although these are cleaning agents, they can destroy the metal of your jewelry. However, you can use them if the jewelry consists of platinum or titanium.
Soak in Warm Water
Soak your diamond in a clean bowl with the cleaning agent and warm water. Avoid using hard water as it will not allow the cleansing agent to lather properly. You should soak the gem for 15 minutes to half an hour.
Handle With Care
Avoid using pressure when cleaning those stud earrings to avoid displacing the setting of the stones. Scrub gently with a clean soft-bristled toothbrush. You can also use a leather shoe brush, a doll’s brush, or a child’s hairbrush. This ensures that the jewelry is properly cleaned from any dark spots, dirt, or grease build-up.
Using a brush helps to reach those intricate corners of the detailed design on those diamond earrings, rings, or necklaces.
Rinse Out in Clean Water
Make sure to rinse with clean water. Using water that is colored can stain the metals and leave watermarks on the diamond. This becomes very tough to remove in the long run. You wouldn’t want that on your diamond stud earrings. The water used should be warm or at room temperature. Using too hot or cold water can alter loose stones or chip the edges of the diamonds mounted close to each other.
Clean With a Soft Lint-Free Cloth
A lint-free cloth such as a gem cloth aids the removal of dirt and oil film. This is a specialized type of clothing that does not give up any fluff when used in cleaning. You can find some of these at a local store nearby.
Be sure to look for lint-free options. These materials are not mixed with cotton and are 100% polyester. It keeps those diamond studs for women pretty clean.
Ultrasonic Cleaners
You can use ultrasonic cleaners to remove accumulated grime and heavy dirt. With the aid of a solution, ultrasonic cleaners send sound waves of a particular frequency. This causes the fluid to vibrate and remove the unwanted dirt from the diamonds.
However, it would be best if you used this with caution as it can displace loose stones from their mounting and alter the settings on diamond earrings. Before using these cleaners, it’s best to meet a professional jeweler to prevent damage.
Conclusion
To avoid having to clean your diamonds all the time, here are some things to bear in mind to keep that shine for longer:
- Before cooking, remove your jewelry to minimize contact with food substances and oil that can stain your diamond.
- Avoid wearing your ring when involved in labor-intensive exercises or chores.
- If your jewelry is platinum or white gold, avoid using thick creams and lotions to prevent discoloration.
- Store earring studs and other jewelry in the appropriate boxes and locations, away from harsh chemicals and pressure.
You no longer have to worry about how to clean those diamond stud earrings, necklaces, or rings at home. These simple tips can keep you from going to the jeweler anytime you need to get your diamond cleaned. These methods are cost-efficient, and you can find most of the materials in your home or in a local store nearby.
Nonetheless, clean with care so as not to affect the brilliance of your precious gemstones.
