To ensure your new diamond jewellery continues to look great and stand the test of time, it’s so important you properly maintain it. Here at Dahab Jewellery Portal, we want you to enjoy your purchase forever more, which is why we’ve created this guide, full of helpful jewellery care instructions to ensure you know how to keep your jewellery looking as good as the day it was received.
Diamond care
They say diamonds are forever, but it’s still a very good idea to give them a regular clean. Over time product build up and dirt can make diamonds lose their sparkle, so here are some quick tips on how to clean a diamond to ensure yours never look lacklustre:
Always remove diamond jewellery before taking a shower
Soap can quickly cause a layer of film and further build up to occur, dulling diamonds over time. It’s also a good opportunity to let your skin breathe, plus you can leave your jewellery to soak in a gentle cleaning solution while you wash!
Use a soft toothbrush to clean your diamond
Cleaning diamonds is an easy task, all you need is a soft bristled toothbrush and some warm water to get in between the prongs holding your diamond in place, as well as gently scrubbing off any dirt or build up on the stone itself.
Remove diamond jewellery when applying creams
Whether it’s your everyday moisturiser or sun cream at the beach, avoid wearing your jewellery while applying cream to ensure it doesn’t get behind the diamond or between the prongs, causing build up and dullness. It’s also a good idea to apply hairspray, make up and perfume before putting jewellery on because over time this can cause tarnish on the prongs, clasps and bands holding the diamond in place.
Be cautious with ultrasonic cleaners
While these devices are excellent at removing dirt and grime build up on diamonds, the vibrating fluid they create can also cause diamonds to move and loosen in their clasps. They could then be lost or require fixing at a later date.
Gold care
If your jewellery is worn every day, it comes into contact with a lot of dirt and takes a fair few knocks and scrapes. This is why it’s a good idea to follow these simple tips to keep it safe and clean, to ensure the gold metal lasts and lasts.
Leave jewellery in a safe place when going swimming or using a hot tub
Chlorine isn’t kind when it comes into contact with gold and can discolour and even damage the metal if it is regularly submerged. If you don’t swim often and forget to remove it just once then don’t panic, but if you’re regularly in the pool or a hot tub it’s a good idea to leave the jewellery in your locker, in its original presentation box or wrapped in a soft cloth in a zip pocket on your bag or coat.
Never use toothpaste to clean gold
Many people recommend this but it can actually damage softer gold in higher carats – such as 18ct gold jewellery. Toothpaste is an abrasive substance, designed to keep your tough teeth enamel clean; on gold it can cause a great deal of damage if used often.
Remove gold jewellery when performing cleaning tasks
If you are not wearing protective gloves while using cleaning products, such as bleach or everyday cleaning spray, then it’s a good idea to remove all jewellery to avoid discolouration or damage. Ensure you wash your hands before putting gold or diamond rings back on after cleaning.
How to clean a ring
A little washing up liquid mixed in with some warm water is all you need to create an effective soaking solution for your gold jewellery. Pop the ring into this mixture and leave to soak for around 15 to 30 minutes before removing and wiping dry with a soft, clean cloth. Use the toothbrush mentioned earlier to clean the prongs and inside of your ring if there is any substantial product build up.
How to clean a necklace
Remove the pendant from the necklace and if the stone or embellishments are attached using glue do not soak this in the solution mentioned above. Instead, take a damp, clean cloth and gently wipe this over the pendant to remove any dirt build up. Unclasp the chain and drop this into the washing up liquid mixture to soak. This should lift any dirt or residue and once removed also wipe this over with a clean cloth – remember to be extra careful if you have a fine chain.
How to clean earrings
For hygiene reasons, we recommend taking an alcohol swab and cleaning the earring hooks that sit within your piercing, between wears. To clean the earrings themselves, if they feature prongs and diamonds, grab that soft toothbrush and warm water and gently remove any dirt or residue. Dry with a soft cloth and your earrings should be sparkling and ready to wear.
Be sure to check out the rest of our education guides for more information on how to care for your diamond jewellery and what to consider when making your next purchase.