(The beautiful Art Deco Vintage Ring above may be purchased by clicking the photo)
Diamonds are strong and durable, but should be cared for as though they were fine breakable china or more fragile gems. If you are not careful, they can chip or scratch. Diamonds can also get quite dirty with oils from your skin, cosmetics, hair sprays or perfumes.
To properly clean your diamonds, there are a few ways. A quick clean can be done using a commercial jewelry cleaner. You can either dip your jewelry in it or soak them in a tub. To dissolve the oil that accumulate on your diamonds, you can use cold water mixed with ammonia.
To clean in between the prongs of the setting, you can use an eyebrow brush or any other soft brush. When brushing the stones, hold the diamonds by the settings and don't touch the stones. Do not clean your diamond jewelry in the bathroom sink, less you drop it and have to go fishing in the plumbing for your diamonds.
You can also use a soft toothbrush and mild toothpaste to clean diamonds. Under cold running water, use the soft toothbrush to brush out any toothpaste particles stuck in the gaps between the stones and the setting. This method is not really recommended as there is always a risk of scratching the stone. If you do choose this method, make sure that the toothpaste is really low-abrasive. The best solution is still a commercial preparation or ammonia mixed with water.
After cleaning your jewelry, rinse them in a tea infuser or under running water and dry it on a lint-free surface or towel. When putting your jewelry away, store it in a soft, velvet-lined box. To protect your diamond rings and their settings, keep them separate from the other jewelries, do not lump them together. When you are traveling with your jewelry, make sure that it is store in a case specially designed for jewelry or in a soft, lined jewelry roll.
Even if you are wearing your engagement or wedding ring all the time, take care of them. Do not wear them if you are doing work that might cause them to knock against furniture or walls or when you are using harsh cleaning chemicals.
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