A diamond's sparkle depends on light entering and leaving the stone. Everyday lotions, soap and skin oils form a film that dulls it surprisingly quickly. The good news is that keeping your jewellery brilliant is easy.
Clean it at home
- Soak the piece in warm water with a few drops of mild washing-up liquid for 20 to 30 minutes
- Gently brush behind the stone with a soft toothbrush, where dirt collects
- Rinse in clean warm water (with the sink plug in)
- Dry with a lint-free cloth
Everyday habits
Take it off for hard work. Diamond is extremely hard but it can still chip if struck at the wrong angle, and metal settings can bend.
Avoid harsh chemicals. Chlorine and household cleaners can damage gold alloys and settings.
Store pieces separately. Diamonds can scratch other jewellery, and each other.
Professional check-ups
Have your jewellery inspected once or twice a year. A jeweller will check that prongs are secure, tighten anything loose and give the piece a professional clean and polish. It is the simplest way to make sure your diamond stays exactly where it belongs.
