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Caring For Diamond
By Ken Charnly
Ways to Clean your Diamond:
There are a few different ways that you can provide diamond care for your precious jewelry, in particular, there are different cleaning processes you can use to keep it looking as brilliant and sparkling as the day you brought it home from the jeweler!
While there are many cleaning procedures that can be done from your own home, don't forget that you can almost always return to the jeweler where you purchased your diamond and ask for a professional cleaning. Sometimes cleanings are included in a warranty agreement, so check your paperwork to see if this form of diamond care is provided in your agreement.
Detergent Bath:
The most commonly used method of diamond care is cleaning your diamond in a mild, warm water detergent bath. Fill a bowl with warm water, and add in a mild detergent that you have in the house. Some people use a dish detergent, while others will use a gentle bathroom cleaner. Using a toothbrush or eyebrow brush, gently brush your diamond with the sudsy water to loosen any dirt and oil that have found their way to your diamond. Afterwards, rinse your diamond by placing it into a strainer (careful to select a strainer with holes smaller than your diamond!) and running it under warm water to remove all soap. Never use chlorine bleach to clean your jewelry, the cleanser is much too harsh.
Quick-Dip:
There are many cleaners on the market for diamond care. Select one and follow it's instructions carefully for dipping your diamond into the cleanser. Once you've dipped your jewelry into the cleanser, you don't want to touch the diamonds, because oils from your fingers can be easily transferred to your diamond. Allow it to dry completely and then wear or return to storage.
Cold Water Soak:
Diamond care also includes a process called a “cold water soak”. Fill a bowl with a solution of half cold water and half household ammonia. Place your diamond into the cleanser and allow it to soak for at least 30 minutes.
When you
take it out, tap the jewelry around the mounting brackets and then
swish it around in your cold water solution again as a final rinsing.
You can set it out to dry on a piece of tissue paper.
Ultrasonic
Cleansing:
You can provide diamond care by purchasing an ultrasonic
cleansing machine. These machines have a little cup that you fill with
water and cleanser, and a place to insert your jewelry. Once you turn
on the ultrasonic cleansing unit, it uses high speed motion to clean
dirt and oils off your piece of jewelry.
Storing Diamonds:
Another
important consideration of diamond care is how to store your Diamonds");
when you are not wearing them. diamonds");
are gemstones that can scratch other Diamonds");
or other jewelry, so it is recommended that you never place them into
a jewelry box or case with other pieces of jewelry unless you individual wrap
the diamonds");
with tissue paper. The best way to properly provide diamond care and
store your diamond however, is to place the jewelry piece into a fabric lined
jewelry box, or a larger case that has individual dividers that are each lined
with fabric to protect each piece of jewelry.
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