Diamonds, while hard and enduring, can lose their shine over time. Since they’re also expensive and usually sentimental as well, you probably have a lot invested in keeping them sparkling as long as possible. If you have a diamond that you want to preserve, diamond jewelers in NYC should be able to give you some help in this area, but there are a couple things you can do yourself to keep it clean and shining.
Handle It Carefully
You are actually one of the biggest threats to your own diamond. Diamonds attract grease, and human skin is coated with oil. This is why museums don’t let you touch their artifacts, and this is why you should touch your diamond as little as possible. Similarly, when you wear it, don’t get your lotions and creams on it, since these leave a residue. Also, be gentle when you touch it. Diamond settings are fragile, especially in antique jewelry, so be careful where you put pressure. Don’t be too rough with it, even when cleaning it.
Clean It Regularly
Speaking of cleaning, one effective method is to soak the diamond in a solution of water mixed with a few drops of dish soap. Do this twice a week and then brush off any remaining dirt with a toothbrush (one that is only used for your diamonds). When you’re done, rinse off your jewelry (while keeping the drain closed), and dry it with a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners since they can scratch the metal settings. Some people use ultrasonic cleaners to take off extra dirt, but these can damage some jewelry. If you aren’t sure if yours is up for the vibration, check with diamond jewelers in NYC to see if your jewelry can handle the stress. Otherwise, you could end up shaking your stones out of their mountings or chipping the girdles.
