Your fine jewelry pieces are both financial and emotional investments and require proper care.

Diamond jewelry is cherished and has tremendous sentimental value worth regularly giving thought to maintaining its luster. Some pieces may be so treasured that keeping the sparkle and beauty is imperative for generations to come or as an heirloom already.

Who doesn’t want their diamond to gleam all the time and not just on special occasions?

Despite being the hardest substance on earth, it doesn’t take much for a diamond’s sparkle to fade. Diamonds may be the hardest substance on earth, but they are not indestructible; they can still fracture, bruise or chip.

Here are a few things you should consider to keep your diamonds mesmerizing with a freshly polished and clean look.

Regularly inspect your diamond jewelry to make sure the prongs and setting are secure. You should also regularly clean your diamond jewelry. 

So how often is regularly? 

About once or twice a week! 

Both processes are very simple to do but imperative for the full brilliance of your diamond to be preserved. 

It is recommended that they are professional checked every six months to a year.

You may have heard that you should handle your diamonds sparingly because the oil from your skin can damage the look of the stone. Diamonds are natural magnets for grease and everyday exposure to creams, skin oils, hairspray, household chemicals and other substances can cause buildup that adheres to the diamond’s surface and will dull it. Diamonds are not easy to keep clean but are easy to clean.

Regardless of the method used to clean your diamond jewelry, the best way to thoroughly clean is to be gentle and patient during the process. Intense brushing or rough bristles can loosen or damage diamonds. This should not be labor intensive; don't scrub too hard, particularly if the jewelry is delicate or antique.

There are dozens of options to try and see which works best for you but the most basic way is plain old mild dish soap (de-greasing agent) and warm water. 

You can let the ring soak for thirty minutes and then get a new toothbrush (baby toothbrushes work best) that is exclusively reserved for cleaning your jewelry. Gently scrub the filth and residue from nooks and crannies. A simple rinse under water (not near the drain!) while continuing to brush the stone will work. You can dry your piece with a soft lint-free cloth to prevent water spots. 

Avoid paper towels to dry as they can scratch metal bands.

You can also create your own solution at home! 

Several experts recommend using a few drops ammonia mixed with warm water to soak overnight, Windex to soak for thirty minutes or vinegar and baking soda just like the volcano projects you used to make in middle school for about two hours. All three can make your diamond sparkle and you can see an immediate difference.

When cleaning your silver or gold band there is some fun tricks to check out too. Windex will shine your silver but so will ketchup! 

And, did you know beer can make your gold band shine? 

Just avoid the diamond and pour some beer on a cloth and rub it over the band to see the luster return. You could also opt for a store bought non-abrasive and chemical-free solution to polish your jewelry but the household versions work just as well.

The last thing you want to do is damage your ring or cause it to age prematurely. 

Chlorine, acetone, bleach and household items like toothpaste should never be used to clean your diamond. Those products are too abrasive and can break down and damage your jewelry. These erode some of the metals often used in diamond settings, and may loosen prongs, or even dissolve the metal completely.

Keep your fingers and the oil on them off the diamond. It’s tempting to want to touch a beautifully cut diamond but the dirt and oil will build up and block the light interaction of the stone dulling the finish. Instead, hold the band and check if something is stuck underneath the stone if it looks cloudy.

Once you have cleaned your precious piece of jewelry it still requires attention. 

If you don’t plan to wear your diamond jewelry right away, be sure to store it properly. Don't store your diamond jewelry haphazardly in a jumbled pile or randomly toss it on a counter or nightstand. Safely store your jewelry in a padded or fabric-lined case or box. Separate compartments are best or use tissue paper or pouches to keep other pieces from potentially causing scratches. The same is true for preventing impactful damage while traveling.

To help protect your diamonds over time, keep ring dishes throughout your home so that when you do need to take it off, you know those exact designated places are where to look. 

Do not leave your ring on the rim of the sink! It could easily slip down the drain is the most frequently overlooked way to lose it.

What if you do lose your ring or the diamond scratches or a prong breaks? 

For peace of mind, you should protect your financial investment and valuable jewelry with insurance. Especially if this is the biggest jewelry piece you have ever purchased, be sure to insure the piece before leaving the store with it. 

Most insurance companies have departments dedicated exclusively to jewelry and offer comprehensive repair or replacement coverage with worldwide protection against loss, theft, damage, and mysterious disappearance. 

You can have your jewelry professionally appraised and then calculate an insurance quote. Notify your insurance company of any changes to make certain that your coverage continues to reflect its fair market value.

It is recommended that you have your covered jewelry reappraised every five years. 

Notify your insurance company of any changes to make certain that your coverage continues to reflect its fair market value.

Many jewelry stores offer a warranty on diamond purchases and it is definitely worth the cost. Deals can vary but often include: free repair, cleaning, maintenance and sometimes replacement. 

If you have a warranty, it’s important to stay up-to-date on your maintenance appointments. Being proactive and bringing your ring in to be inspected by a jeweler can prevent any stones from falling out and resolve any chip or crack issues.

Advice can vary on how often to bring your diamond jewelry to a professional for inspection and cleaning. Some will tell you to schedule monthly sessions while others advise bi-annual or annual assessments. Many jewelry stores offer free check-up or professional cleaning at scheduled intervals but the bottom line is to get your ring cleaned frequently. 

Look for a jeweler with professional training and a good reputation that can make sure it is in perfect condition. 

Ask friends or relatives for recommendations.

In addition to expert cleaning, a professional jeweler can perform any necessary repair work and check for loose prongs and wear of mountings. Immediately bring your diamond jewelry to a professional if you notice signs of damage!

Always consult a professional if you are unsure if a solution or treatment is safe for cleaning your ring. Jewelers have access to steamers and tools to ensure your jewelry is strong and sparkling.

It is a small machine that sends high frequency sound waves through a detergent solution and the vibrating of the fluid removes accumulated dirt and grime. However, they can also shake loose stones from their mounting, so this method shouldn't be used on fragile settings.

Sometimes an ultrasonic cleaner is necessary to remove encrusted dirt on diamonds but use them with caution. It is highly recommended to let a professional determine if one is needed and allow them to tighten loose stones and check the diamond’s grading report before washing the piece.

Even though a diamond is durable, it is not invincible. 

You should consider taking it off from time to time to avoid a chip from a hard blow if you are doing rough work or going to the gym or playing contact sports. You should take it off when you are cooking, gardening or doing household chores. 

Use rubber gloves or put the ring in a ring dish if you are planning on coming in contact with chlorine (swimming), bleach or chemicals that can damage the coloring or the mounting. Food and other oils can get stuck in your rings as well and cause damage that sometimes cannot be removed.

You do not need to take it off to wash your hands or take a shower but keep in mind that some soap can dull the shine. 

You can wear your diamond rings to sleep. 

But do not remove your ring in public! 

If you need to take if off your diamond ring while you're out, place it on a necklace and wear it that way. 

Lastly, when getting ready in the morning, put your jewelry on last. Using makeup, fragrances, hairspray, and lotions around your jewelry can damage it.

Frequently factors like the climate where you live, weight fluctuation (especially pregnancy) or even frequent finger swelling after exercise can encourage you to want to adjust the size of your ring. 

Experts advise not to jump into such a big commitment in resizing unless you consistently have a loose ring year round. The diamond gets more wear when your ring is loose and can cause the setting to get out of shape. 

Outside of that it is recommended to keep your ring the size it was made.

The reflection of light of your diamond like a mirror is what brings out the brilliance and shine. 

To keep your diamond jewelry gleaming and in perfect condition for any occasion, be sure to regularly clean it and have it professionally inspected. It has such a high value and special place in your possessions and jewelry collection that you want to be sure to take the very best care of it that you can.