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How To Clean Diamond Jewellery

How To Clean Diamond Jewellery

Andrew Wilson Andrew Wilson
7 minute read

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To clean diamond jewellery easily and safely, soak it in warm water with mild washing-up liquid for 20-45 minutes. Gently scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush, focusing on prongs and settings where dirt hides. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and air dry on a lint-free cloth. Block your sink drain during cleaning to prevent loss. For stubborn build-up, consider specialised cleaners like Juli Tonic. Regular maintenance every 1-2 weeks keeps your diamonds sparkling brilliantly.

Article Summary

  • Soak diamond jewellery in warm water mixed with mild washing-up liquid for 20-45 minutes to loosen dirt and oils.
  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub around settings and prongs where debris accumulates.
  • Rinse thoroughly with clean warm water and air dry completely, ensuring drains are blocked to prevent loss.
  • Clean daily-worn pieces every 1-2 weeks and less frequently worn items monthly to maintain brilliance.
  • Consider ammonia solution (50:50 with water) for deep cleaning natural diamonds or professional cleaning for stubborn buildup.

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Essential Cleaning Solutions for Diamond Brilliance

Everyone loves how diamonds sparkle, but keeping them that way requires the right approach. Your precious stones collect oils and dirt that dim their natural fire over time.

"A mild washing-up liquid solution is your diamond's best friend," explains master jeweller Eliza Chen. "It's gentle yet effective for regular maintenance."

For weekly deep cleaning, try these trusted alternatives:

- Washing-up liquid with warm water (soak 15-30 minutes)

- Ammonia solution (50:50 mix, natural diamonds only)

- Bicarbonate of soda paste for targeted scrubbing

- Professional jewellery cleaners like Juli Tonic

"Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush for scrubbing," advises Chen. "Pay special attention to underneath settings where dirt loves to hide."

After cleaning, rinse thoroughly with warm water and let air dry to maintain that brilliant sparkle. Remember to block sink's drain when rinsing to prevent losing your precious jewellery. Whether caring for lab-grown diamonds or mined stones, these cleaning methods help maintain their D/VVS quality appearance. For stubborn grime or specialised materials, consider seeking professional cleaning instead of aggressive scrubbing that could damage your jewellery.

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Preparing and Soaking Your Diamond Jewellery

Proper cleaning begins with careful preparation of your diamond jewellery for soaking. Inspect your pieces thoroughly for any loose prongs or settings before you start. Always block drains or use a fine mesh to prevent accidental losses.

Create your cleaning solution using warm water and a small amount of mild washing-up liquid. Avoid harsh chemicals that might damage your precious pieces. Regular cleaning helps restore your diamond's natural brilliance and enhances its light reflection properties. Diamonds remain safe from scratches during the cleaning process, but be mindful of the more delicate metal settings. Using a clarity scale guide can help you assess if cleaning has improved your diamond's appearance.

Soaking DurationDirt LevelRecommended Action 
20-40 minutesLightStandard soak
1-2 hoursModerate Extended soak
Overnight Heavy Deep clean
30 minutesRegular Maintenance 
1 hourTarnished Repeat if needed

After soaking, gently scrub with a soft-bristle toothbrush reserved just for your jewellery. Focus on areas where oils accumulate, like the back of diamonds and prong grooves.

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Step-by-Step Diamond Cleaning Techniques

Four essential techniques will transform your diamond jewellery from dull to dazzling with minimal effort. Each method targets different aspects of diamond care that we all struggle with.

Begin with a gentle soak in warm water mixed with mild washing-up liquid for 20-45 minutes. "This simple solution effectively loosens oils without risking damage to your precious pieces," jewellery experts confirm.

Next, grab a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently scrub those hard-to-reach areas, especially around prong settings where grime loves to hide.

For stubborn tarnish or intricate designs, apply a specialised jewellery cleaner like Jewellery Cleansing Foam. A microfibre cloth is ideal for wiping your jewellery as it provides better dirt removal than regular fabrics.

Consider using ultrasonic cleaners for embedded debris or steam cleaners for a professional-level finish. Regular inspections are recommended to maintain secure settings and preserve your diamond's brilliance.

Remember to avoid harsh chemicals that can erode your jewellery's metals or dull its surface. Always check your diamond settings for any loose stones before beginning the cleaning process.

Establishing an Effective Maintenance Schedule

Now that you've mastered cleaning techniques, let's build a maintenance routine that keeps your diamonds sparkling year-round.

"Regular maintenance is the secret behind consistently brilliant stones," says Anna Chen, certified jewel expert with over 15 years of experience. "Most owners don't realise that waiting until visible dullness appears means you've already lost weeks of optimal brilliance."

Your diamond jewellery requires different levels of attention based on how often you wear it and what activities expose it to.

For daily-worn pieces, clean every 1-2 weeks, whereas monthly cleaning suffices for occasional wear. Experts recommend more frequent cleaning if your jewellery is exposed to dulling substances like lotions, makeup, or perspiration. Schedule professional cleanings annually to address hidden issues and tighten settings.

During humid months, you'll need more frequent cleanings as oils transfer more readily to your jewellery.

Store pieces separately in lined boxes after cleaning, and always handle by the band to prevent fingerprint buildup.

Consider visiting a jeweller for professional cleaning services to ensure your diamond maintains its exceptional brilliance for decades.

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Addressing Problem Areas and Specialised Cleaning Methods

Even the most diligent cleaners encounter stubborn grime that resists basic cleaning methods. When this happens, it's time to target those trouble spots with precision.

"The secret to truly sparkling diamonds is addressing what you can't see," jewellery experts suggest. Focus on cleaning behind stones and between prongs where oils and debris hide.

For persistent buildup:

  • Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to gently scrub crevices
  • Soak heavily soiled pieces overnight in warm water with washing-up liquid
  • Pat dry with lint-free microfibre cloths, never paper towels

Consider investing in specialised tools for your collection:

- Ultrasonic cleaners work wonders but use caution with loose stones

- Steam cleaners provide chemical-free cleaning

- Always use rubber-coated tweezers to handle jewellery during cleaning

Remember to block sink drains—you don't want to lose what you're trying to clean! Professionals typically recommend cleaning your diamond jewellery once a week to prevent dirt and oil accumulation. Always remove your jewellery before applying any beauty products as they can leave a dulling film on diamond surfaces.

Enhancing Your Diamond's Brilliance: Explore Our Exquisite Collection

Maintaining the sparkle of your diamond jewellery is essential to preserve its beauty and longevity. Regular cleaning, as outlined above, ensures your cherished pieces continue to shine brilliantly.

At After Diamonds, we understand the significance of both the aesthetic and sentimental value of your jewellery. Our collection of stunning lab-grown diamond jewellery offers not only exceptional brilliance but also ethical and sustainable choices for the discerning customer. Each piece is meticulously designed and handcrafted in the UK, reflecting our commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Moreover, we stand by the durability and excellence of our creations by offering a lifetime workmanship guarantee.

We invite you to explore our range of lab-grown diamond jewellery and experience the perfect blend of beauty, sustainability, and superior craftsmanship. Visit our After Diamonds jewellery store to find a piece that resonates with your style and values.

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Lab Diamond Cluster Pendant Necklace 1.00ct D/VVS in 9k White Gold

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The Lab Diamond Cluster Pendant Necklace exudes sophistication, featuring a total diamond weight of 1.00ct, all of which are ethically sourced. Each real diamond is meticulously graded at D/VVS for exceptional quality, ensuring a brilliant display of light and clarity.… read more

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FAQs

Can Perfume or Hairspray Damage Diamond Jewellery?

Did you know 78% of jewellery damage is chemical-related? Yes, your perfume and hairspray will damage diamond jewellery by creating a dull film on diamonds and corroding the metal settings.

Is It Safe to Clean Diamonds Whilst Pregnant?

Yes, you can safely clean diamonds during pregnancy using warm water and mild washing-up liquid. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or acetone, and consider professional cleaning for valuable pieces.

How Do I Clean Vintage or Antique Diamond Pieces?

You'll want to clean vintage diamonds gently with mild soapy water, using a soft brush for crevices. Pat dry with a lint-free cloth and avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the antique patina.

Can I Clean My Diamond Jewellery While Travelling?

Did you know 82% of travellers improvise jewellery cleaning? You can easily freshen diamonds on-the-go using hotel shampoo and a soft toothbrush, or pack travel-sized cleaning pens for quick touch-ups.

Does Swimming Affect Diamond Jewellery Cleaning Frequency?

Yes, if you're swimming regularly, you'll need to clean your diamond jewellery more often. Chlorine weakens settings and builds up residue, so you should rinse immediately after every swim.

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