A diamond, to many, is a precious symbol of forever. It is a valuable investment, and should be properly taken care of, to ensure it lasts as long as the love it represents. A certified jewelry appraisal by an accredited Gemologist is necessary to insure against loss or damage. Of course, keeping the stone clean and gleaming is important, but more important is making sure there is a stone to be cleaned. Many people don’t realize how significant the condition of the diamond’s setting is until it is too late, and a diamond falls out and is lost. As a result of every day wear and tear or human error in the setting process, prongs can be loose or snap off at the tip. If you notice that the stone seems even just a little loose, or a prong is damaged, the jewelry should not be worn but stowed safely and taken to a trusted jeweler for repair. It is recommended that jewelry items be taken once a year to be examined for problems, even if none are evident, and you update your insurance replacement value with a jewelry appraisal every 3 years.
It may come as a surprise to some, but a blow to a diamond at the right angle can chip the stone relatively easily, so you should avoid wearing diamond jewelry while doing yard or housework. Kitchen sinks have been known to take small chunks out of stones. While not being worn, diamond jewelry should be kept in a fabric lined box, preferably with dividers if there are other jewelry items, to prevent scratching.
Diamonds owe their beauty to their brilliance. Lotions, sprays, and even natural oils from skin can hinder this beautiful quality. One of the easiest and most effective ways to clean diamond jewelry is to use a detergent soak. Simply prepare a small bowl with warm water and a mild household detergent that does not contain chlorine. Use a soft toothbrush to scrub the diamond with the suds. Rinse warm water over the diamond (not anywhere near a drain!) and voila! Use these tips to protect and maintain your diamond, so you can continually admire its beauty and treasure its significance.
