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Diamonds are often thought to be unshatterable. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Here are some useful handling and care tips.
- Diamonds are brittle : If you hit a diamond hard, they WILL crack or chip if mishandled. Don't wear your diamond when doing rough work.
- Storage : Store diamonds separately. When stored with other jewelry, diamonds may scratch other jewelry (or each other).
- Cleaning : The best method for cleaning is a jeweler's polishing cloth. Most jewelers will clean your diamond ring for free if you are making another purchase in the store.
A diamond is forever if you take care of it
Don't wear it when you're doing rough work. Even though a diamond is durable, it can be chipped by a hard blow.
Don't let your diamond come in contact with a chlorine bleach when you're doing household chores. It can damage and discolor the mounting.
See your jeweler at least once a year and have him check your ring and other precious pieces for loose prongs and wear of mountings.
When you're not wearing diamonds and precious jewelry, they still require attention. Keep your precious pieces in a fabric-lined jewel case, or a box with compartments or dividers.
Don't jumble your diamond pieces in a drawer or jewelry case, because diamonds can scratch other jewelry-and can even scratch each other.
Don't leave your ring on the rim of a sink when you remove it to wash your hands. It can easily slip down the drain.
Cleaning Your Diamonds
Diamonds get smudged and soiled and dusty. Lotions, powders, soaps, even the natural skin oils, put a film on diamonds and cut down their brilliance. Chemicals in the air can discolor the mounting of precious jewelry. Clean diamonds "glow" because the maximum amount of light can then enter and return in a fiery brilliance. It takes just a little care to keep them that way. Here are four ways to clean diamonds. One of them is pretty sure to fit the time, place, and the job.
Detergent Bath
Prepare a small bowl of warm suds with any of the mild liquid detergents used in the home. Brush the pieces with an eyebrow brush while they are in the suds. Then transfer them to a wire tea strainer and rinse them under running water. Pat dry with a soft lintless cloth.
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