Cleaning Your Diamond
A diamond is a precious and valuable gem that has an intense beauty and sparkle. They are harvested from the deep depths of the earth and are likely well over a billion years old. Over time diamonds that are handled frequently begin to become smudged or dirty. There are many other factors that cause a diamond to become dirty. The oil from our skin, soaps, and hand lotions are some things that can stick to your diamond and also attract dirt and grime. It is very important to properly care for your diamond to ensure that it does not loose its beauty or shine.
Before you begin cleaning your diamond, it is very important to thoroughly inspect it and ensure that it is not loose. If the diamond in your ring or earring is loose, it could very easily break free while you are cleaning it. If it is loose, take it to a jeweler as soon as possible. In the mean time, avoid wearing or using the diamond, because you do not want to risk loosing the stone.
Most people use a soft brush to carefully scrub their diamond. It is very important to avoid anything that might scratch the diamonds surface, so you would want to avoid things like scotch bright pads. An eyebrow brush or a soft toothbrush can be used to clean a diamond without scratching the surface.
Make sure that you avoid cleaning your diamond anywhere near a sink or any other type of drain. Instead it is better to use a bowl or Tupperware container, and clean it on the kitchen table or other surface far away from the sink. No one wants to have to call a plumber to rescue their ring from the kitchen sink. Special diamond cleaning kits are available that include a special brush.
The most common method of cleaning a diamond is to allow it to soak in warm soapy water, Make sure that you don’t use anything that has chlorine or any other abrasive chemical. Chlorine can play havoc on a diamond so it should be avoided, and toothpaste can also harm your diamond. A mixture of diluted ammonia can also be used with good results as well. Use one part ammonia to five parts water and allow the diamond to soak for about thirty minutes. Your local jewelry store or department store might have a special soap that is made specifically for cleaning diamonds as well, but in most cases ammonia or soap works just as well.
After the diamond has been soaking for about half an hour, it is time to gently scrub it with your soft brush. You should try to loosen up any debris or dirt that might be on the diamond. Always rinse your diamond thoroughly with warm water, again using a bowl or other container so as to avoid drains. A soft lint free polishing cloth should be used to gently pat the diamond dry.
Properly cleaning and caring for your diamond is very important. Whenever possible avoid touching the diamond itself, because diamonds are great at collecting grease and oil from your hand. If cared for regularly, your diamond will retain its brilliance and shine for many years to come.