subject: Caring for Fine Diamond Jewelry [print this page] Caring for Fine Diamond Jewelry Caring for Fine Diamond Jewelry
Oftentimes, we spend more time searching for and purchasing finediamond jewelry than we spend caring for it. While diamonds may bethe hardest material known to man, the metals and other gemstonesassociated with them are not so fortunate. Each gemstone and metal
has its own strengths and weaknesses. This article will explore howto wear, clean and store diamonds, silver and gold, andsemi-precious stones.
When not to wear fine diamond jewelry or gemstones
Don't wear fine diamond jewelry while getting dressed, doing dishes,doing housecleaning, soaking in a spa or hot tub, or while taking ashower. Spas and hot tubs Many personal care products such as hairspray, lotions, perfumes, and disinfectants such as iodine maydiscolor gemstones or loosen settings. Many gemstones areoil-treated and should not come in contact with soap or detergent.When getting dressed, let all lotions, perfumes and hair spray drycompletely before putting on gemstone or diamond jewelry.
How to clean fine diamond jewelry
Use a polishing cloth to clean sterling silver and 14kt goldjewelry. Some soft gemstones such as turquoise, freshwater pearls,and emeralds should never go into commercial jewelry cleaningsolutions. Be sure to carefully check the instructions prior toplacing any jewelry with stones into cleaning solutions.When in doubt, use only a clean, soft, dry cloth to clean your finejewelry, especially pearls, they are extremely delicate and fragile.
Even when cleaning harder gems, don't use abrasive cleansers orcoarse brushes because they may scratch gold or silver.A note of warning: a dirty piece of jewelry should be checked aftercleaning to make sure the diamonds and semi-precious gemstones arestill fastened securely. Oftentimes bent prongs or weakened settingsare hidden by dirt, and a clean piece of jewelry may have loosestones. Also be sure to not clean your jewelry over the sink, incase you dislodge stones while cleaning.
If you're worried about damaging your fine diamond jewelry, take itto a jeweler for cleaning. He or she can ascertain if a stone isloose before cleaning.
How to store fine diamond jewelry
A sturdy jewelry case is the best way to store jewelry. A jewelryarmoire will have hooks that allow necklaces and chains to hang,reducing the chances of them tangling and weakening. The case shouldbe lined with soft material and have compartments allowing your fine
jewelry pieces to be stored separately.
All of your jewelry, but fine diamond jewelry in particular, shouldbe stored in compartments or in plastic Ziploc bags. The bags willslow down the tarnishing of silver and gold. Diamonds, being thehardest stone, will scratch or even chip other gemstones. If yourjewelry box doesn't provide separation, then use soft cloth tocreate layers.
Emeralds are almost always treated to improve clarity, and the wrongcleaning treatment, such as sonic cleaning, can leave them lookingduller than before cleaning.
Considering the money spent on fine diamond jewelry, it's worth thecare you put into it to make it last and become heirloom pieces. Bycaring for your fine diamond jewelry in the right way, you willpreserve its beauty and value for years to come.
