Displayed in glass cases in a jeweler's shop, diamond jewelry glitters and glows, catching the eye of shoppers with its tantalizing dazzle. But weeks or months after purchase, that same ring or necklace can have considerably less sparkle, thanks to a diamond's tendency to collect grease and oils. To keep your diamond jewelry looking it's best and to protect it from damage, it's important to know the basics of proper diamond care.
Philip Press began his jewelry career at the age of 15 as an apprentice to a master European craftsman and platinumsmith. Now 37, Press is Chief Designer of Los Angeles' Renaissance Platinum, a preferred retailer of discerning jewelry aficionados and celebrities. Here he explains the basics of caring for your diamonds:
- Clean with ammonia:
Press recommends cleaning diamond jewelry regularly. Diamond cleaning solutions available at jewelry stores works well, but another fine option, he says, is soaking your diamond jewelry in plain ammonia for one hour or several hours.
- Scrub with a toothbrush:
You can then clean the sides and bottom of the diamond with an old toothbrush and rinse it very well under hot water. According to Press, there's virtually nothing that you can soak them in that will harm them, and you should not be afraid of over-cleaning your diamond.
- Store diamonds individually:
It's very important to store your diamond jewelry in individual pouches or compartments so that the diamonds don't touch each other. While resistant to scratching from almost everything else, diamonds can scratch each other.
- Isolate other gemstones:
When it comes to storage, you should also consider your non-diamond jewelry. A gem like a ruby or an emerald will not scratch a diamond, but the diamond can leave scratches on the other gem, so make sure nothing comes in contact with jewelry containing diamonds.
For more information about diamonds, check out the following organizations or websites:
Renaissance Platinum
www.platinumrings.com
American Museum of Natural History: The Nature of Diamonds
www.amnh.org/exhibitions/diamonds/
Diamonds.net
www.diamonds.net/
Diamond Review.com
www.diamondreview.com/
Diamond Cutters International: Diamond Education
www.diamondcuttersintl.com
Diamond Engagement Rings Guide
www.thediamondbuyingguide.com
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