How to Look After a Diamond Engagement Ring

Diamond is the hardest natural substance known and diamond rings should last a lifetime and beyond. But like everything, it needs to be looked after. In fact, with proper care, diamond rings and other pieces make excellent heirlooms. So just how do you ensure your diamond rings will be around for your descendants to enjoy?

First of all, diamonds are only as secure as their setting. You must check the diamond settings periodically. It only takes a moment and should actually be done every single time you wear your diamonds. Any amount of play in the setting, even the slightest movement of the diamond, means that you need to take it to a professional jewelry to have the setting tightened. Do not delay, or you may lose the diamond.

If you wear diamond jewelry frequently, the oils from your skin can cause a cloudy build up on the stones diminishing their brilliance. This is especially true of diamond rings that you wear daily. You need to clean your rings to restore them to their natural beauty.

This is easy to do and takes only a few minutes.

Gently remove any snagged threads or link which may have become entangled in the diamonds setting. Next choose either a commercial cleaner specifically made for diamonds, or make up your own with a simple mixture of one part white vinegar to two parts warm water. Soak your jewelry briefly, rinse in fresh water then gently pat dry with a lint free cloth. That is all there is to it!

If your diamond has gathered debris and sediment from poor storage, it may need more thorough cleaning. Try an ultrasonic cleaner with appropriate diamond cleaner fluid, or take it to a jeweler to be properly restored. Bear in mind that ultrasonic cleaners use vibrations to remove clinging debris. If the setting of your jewelry is loose, you need to check that it has not worsened following the ultrasonic cleaning.

Heirloom jewelry definitely needs to be checked and reconditioned by a jeweler once in a while. Think of it as a service for your jewelry much as you would service your car! Old weak settings may require reinforcement, or the gemstones may need to be reset altogether. A good jeweler will always try to match the new setting to the metal color and style of the original. If you continuing to wear heirloom diamond jewelry without ever reconditioning it, you risk damaging the setting further and even losing the diamonds altogether!

Finally, even though industrial diamonds cut glass, do not try it with your jewelry diamonds! You will very likely damage the setting and even dislodge the gemstone! Treat your diamond jewelry with respect and it will continue to sparkle for lifetimes to come.