CARING FOR DIAMONDS
Storage and Repair
The myth of a diamond’s indestructibility has caused some to be taken aback when told that their diamond is scratched or otherwise damaged. If you wish for your diamonds to last generations, they must be cared for and lovingly protected. Although diamonds are the hardest substance known to man, this does not mean that they are indestructible. In fact, one of the external characteristics that can be noted on certificates may be the location of scratches. This is most commonly due to improper storing.
Only a diamond has the ability to scratch another diamond, so be sure to store your diamonds individually and never let them be in direct contact with each other. Extreme impacts to a diamond (such as slamming it on a car door) may cause the diamond to shatter. This is especially true for diamonds of inferior clarity that have natural internal “feathers” or breaks located near the surface. Although now demystified, rest assured that diamonds remain the best-suited of all gemstones for everyday wear due to their hardness.
Over time, diamonds will come loose in their settings. This is a fact. The time it takes before a diamond begins to loosen depends on the particular diamond, the skill of the setter, the design of the setting, and the metal used – for example, a diamond will fare best in platinum as this metal is harder than others and will keep the stone secure for longer. Be sure to check for loosening periodically, and bring your diamond to your jeweller for inspection and cleaning once every six to twelve months. At home, you may hold the piece to your ear and give it a light shake. If you hear the stone shift in its setting, stop wearing the piece and bring it to your jeweller for repair. Another interesting fact is that diamonds can melt, albeit only under intense and extreme heat (in an explosion or fire). However, strong heat close to the stone (such as a jeweller’s torch) can sometimes “burn” a diamond causing it to look cloudy or darken, so be sure your jeweller is very experienced with metals, stones, and temperatures before leaving your piece for repair.
Cleaning
In order to keep your diamond as brilliant and beautiful as the day of your purchase, you must clean it often. The most thorough way to clean a diamond is to have it done by a professional jeweller. They will have special equipment, such as ultra-sonic machines and steamers, to eliminate minute particles of dirt and grease that an at-home method will not remove. Cleaning every six months or so is recommended.
At home, the best cleaning method is to use a soft toothbrush and very mildly soapy warm water. Brush the stone in its entirety with the solution, remembering the sides and bottom, then pat dry with a lint-free cloth or tissue paper.
Avoid touching diamonds directly with your fingers as the grease from your hands will dull its brilliance by leaving a thin film over the surface of the stone. Grease attaches itself easily to diamonds, so for those of you who love hand lotion, remember to remove your diamond ring before slathering on the moisturizer.
