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You’ve invested a significant amount in a piece of diamond jewellery, so taking proper care of it is essential. This guide from McGuire Diamonds will explain how to maintain your diamond rings, earrings, and necklaces, including those with solitaire laboratory grown diamonds.
When you buy diamond jewellery, maintenance might not be the first thing on your mind. Many people believe that diamond pieces will remain shiny and new forever, but like any valuable item, they require regular care to maintain their brilliance. Proper care not only preserves the appearance of your jewellery but also safeguards your investment.
To ensure your diamond jewellery remains in pristine condition, have it checked regularly by a professional for any signs of damage or wear. If you have concerns about its condition, visit your local jeweller. They are experts in keeping your jewellery looking as good as new.
To clean your engagement ring at home follow these simple steps:
1. Add water to a bowl.
2. Add dish soap.
3. Soak your jewellery for 20-30 mins.
4. Scrub your jewellery with a toothbrush, especially the back of the diamond, and rinse.
5. Dry off your jewellery with a paper towel or soft cloth.
Daily habits can also impact the longevity of your pieces. Remove your jewellery during activities that could scratch, knock, or damage it. Always take your jewellery off before going to bed to avoid accidental damage. Keep your jewellery away from chemicals, especially chlorine. If it comes into contact with chemicals, rinse it immediately with water. Bathe and apply lotions or perfumes before putting on your jewellery, as organic gemstones like pearls and opals are especially vulnerable to acids, including perspiration.
Proper storage is crucial in maintaining your jewellery's condition. Store your jewellery separately in a soft-lined box or case to prevent pieces from tangling, rubbing, or scratching each other. Pearls should be stored separately as they can be easily scratched by harder gemstones. Ensure chains and necklaces are fastened when storing to avoid tangling. Additionally, remove jewellery while cooking, cleaning, and washing up. Store jewellery away from sunlight, excessive heat, or damp conditions.
Different materials in jewellery require specific cleaning methods. Understanding the appropriate techniques for each type will help you effectively clean and maintain your pieces. Always research and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning specific jewellery pieces. This ensures you use safe and effective techniques tailored to your jewellery.
Ultrasonic cleaners can be useful for certain jewellery types, but not all jewellery is suitable for ultrasonic cleaning. Check the manufacturer’s instructions or consult a professional jeweller before using this method. A gentle cleaning solution made from warm water and mild dish soap works well for most jewellery types. Avoid abrasive materials and harsh chemicals that can scratch or tarnish your pieces. For intricate pieces, use a soft-bristle toothbrush to gently scrub away dirt and residue without harming delicate components.
Diamonds, including laboratory-grown ones, are delicate and require careful handling. Harsh chemicals such as acetone, chlorine, bleach, and abrasive substances like baking powder and toothpaste can irreparably damage your diamond.
It can be distressing when something happens to the ring that symbolises your love and commitment. Often, you may not know where to turn for help. Hold the ring close to your ear and tap it with your finger. If you hear a rattling noise, something is loose and should be repaired. For those interested in upgrading or adding to their collection, explore our diamond engagement rings for a range of stunning options.
Constant exposure to saltwater can harm your diamond. The salt can erode and blemish your diamond, weakening it and potentially causing it to break after prolonged exposure.
Chlorine exposure causes gold jewellery, which is not pure 24K gold, to turn black due to a chemical reaction between the chlorine and the alloys mixed with the gold. Brief exposure to harsh chemicals like chlorine bleach can blacken areas containing solder, such as where a ring has been repaired or sized, and in aged areas showing metal stress. Due to the harsh chemical reaction between chlorine and gold alloys, do not wear your gold carat jewellery while swimming. Although pool chlorine is less concentrated than bleach, frequent exposure can make ring prongs brittle, leading to stone loss. If you accidentally expose your gold jewellery to chlorine, rinse it thoroughly with warm tap water immediately—remember to close the sink trap first!
Most platinum jewellery is 90–95% pure, making it less likely to react with chlorine. However, it’s still wise to avoid exposing platinum jewellery to chlorine. Lower-quality platinum jewellery can contain as little as 50% pure platinum, and jewellers sometimes use white gold solder for repairs, making the non-pure platinum areas susceptible to chlorine-induced blackening.
To keep your gold jewellery clean and looking new, you can use a gold polishing cloth to restore its lustre. These cloths are specially designed to remove surface dirt and restore sparkle. Alternatively, a simple lint- free cloth will also help re-shine the gold. If you don’t have a specialised cleaner, make a home solution by mixing a mild detergent like washing liquid or liquid hand soap with lukewarm water. Immerse the jewellery in the solution and use a soft brush to gently clean it. Rinse under fresh water and pat dry with a lint-free cloth. Gold jewellery, especially rings, can become scratched from daily wear. To restore your rings’ original lustre, have them buffed and polished by our goldsmiths.
All cleaning tips for gold can be applied to white gold. However, white gold rings need additional care due to the rhodium plating that gives the metal its white sparkle. White gold rings should be re-rhodium plated every 6-12 months to maintain their beauty. Visit our store or our website at mcguirediamonds.ie to arrange for re-rhodium plating, buffing, and polishing. You’ll be amazed at how fabulous your rings look after a little TLC.
The surface of your platinum ring may look dull or dirty from everyday wear. Use a lint-free cloth to remove the dirt and restore the platinum lustre to your ring. Platinum jewellery will eventually become scratched due to regular wear. To restore its original lustre, have it buffed and polished by our goldsmiths. Visit our store and our team will be happy to assist.
The surface of your palladium jewellery may look dull or dirty from everyday wear. Use a lint-free cloth to remove the dirt and restore the lustre to your palladium jewellery. Palladium jewellery will eventually become scratched from regular wear. To restore its original lustre, have it buffed and polished with us.
By following these maintenance tips from McGuire Diamonds, you can ensure your diamond jewellery, whether natural or laboratory-grown, remains beautiful and brilliant. Proper care not only preserves the appearance of your jewellery but also safeguards your investment.