No one denies the fact that “Diamond Are Forever.” Owning diamond jewelry is a big deal for everyone, but handling the diamond with care, so they do not lose their sparkle and shine is a much bigger deal.
Diamonds are the hardest existing substance on our planet. Diamonds are so tough that they can easily cut any metal or material effortlessly. But as you know, iron’s rust is the one that destroys iron, in the same way only a diamond can cut a diamond. Diamonds are so hard that if you want to burn them down, you have to heat them diamonds at temperatures between 1290-1650 degrees Fahrenheit.
Being the toughest material on this planet, our body oils, sweat, environmental dust particles and many other factors are enough to bring down a diamond's shine and sparkle within no time.
What is the Lifespan of a Diamond?
Every one of us is very well aware that diamonds take millions of decades to form as well as decompose. With these statistics, we can conclude that the diamonds or diamond jewelry you own will last for generations.
This is not the case with diamonds’ shine and sparkle. The shine and sparkle your diamond had when you bought it will not stay forever. It will fade away if not cared for appropriately. Many factors can affect the diamond and its sparkle.
What Can Damage a Diamond?
The diamond’s damage resistance is why it is so popular with engagement rings and other luxury jewelry pieces. But with constant use throughout the day, your diamond might get scratched, whether you remove the diamond jewelry or not.
As we discussed earlier that only a diamond could scratch another diamond. Hence, if you have stored your diamond jewelry along with other gemstones or diamond jewelry, your favorite piece is likely to get scratched by other diamonds. It is advisable to store jewelry pieces separately to avoid scratching.
Reasons for Diamonds Losing Their Sparkle
Although diamonds are susceptible to damage, this is less often than when they get dull. Depending on several variables, diamonds may lose their luster over time.
The effects of the environment can ruin a diamond, even if it has a great cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Your hands' oils may tarnish the diamond's surface if you handle it frequently. The diamond appears even more faded due to skin oils, which also draw dirt and other ambient particles.
Also, the settings of your jewelry pieces can have cracks where skincare, makeup, and household chemicals can get caught. As a consequence, the jewelry, including the setting and diamond, looks completely filthy.
Other Factors That Can Damage Your Diamond
Your diamond will likely last your entire lifetime with daily wear, routine cleaning, and even longer. But, due to the gemstone's chemical composition, other situations can harm a diamond.
1. Diamonds can be damaged by heat
Heat threatens diamonds once they are removed from the high-pressure environment where they were born. Your diamond may crack if exposed to intense heat, such as when a miner or jeweler is cutting or shaping it.
Such excessive heat is not a problem if you are wearing diamond jewelry. As we debated earlier, a diamond must reach temperatures of more than 1,290 degrees Fahrenheit to convert to graphite.
2. Chips may result from abrasive cleaners and chemicals
Despite how highly scratch-resistant diamonds are, some cleaning agents can be dangerous.
Using a certain cleaning material could result in chips or other damage to your diamond by disrupting your diamond’s setting on the jewelry and the metals and stones around it.
Particularly ultrasonic cleaners have the potential to produce movement that harms delicate diamond necklaces and other jewels. To avoid fracture or chipping, cleaning your diamond involves precise procedures, solvents, and careful handling.
Tips to Handle Your Diamond Jewelry
1. Give your diamonds regular bathing
We can be very possessive when it comes to our diamonds, and we become very much concerned about their sparkle that whatsoever diamond cleaning hack we come across, we will try it, but this should not be the case as not every diamond piece needs to share the same type of properties; it may differ.
The most simple and reliable plan for diamond jewelry cleaning is the lukewarm soapy (use mild soap) water cleansing. Try removing the dirt gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush. The toothbrush bristles can clean hard-to-reach places easily.
2. Do not be too harsh
It is not necessary to be harsh on the hardest existing substance. While cleaning the diamonds with the toothbrush, you must not scrub the diamond vigorously, be gentle while scrubbing.
After scrubbing the dirt off the diamonds, rinse them with clean water and wipe them off with a microfiber or lint-free cloth.
3. Avoid any harmful cleaning solutions
You cannot use household cleaning solutions like toothpaste, chlorine and bleaching on diamonds. These cleaning solutions are the worst enemies of your precious jewelry pieces.
4. Avoid using ultrasonic cleaners
Diamond jewelry pieces may require an ultrasonic cleaner when the dirt has become embedded in the diamonds. Yet, they can chip the girdles of diamonds placed next to one another or shake loose stones loose from their mountings.
When using ultrasonic on a diamond that has undergone fracture filling treatment, proceed with caution if it has feathers or is included.
Jewelry should never be worn when performing physical labor, such as housework, gardening, or exercising.
Take Care of Your Diamonds
It's simpler than you imagine keeping your diamond beautiful and sparkling for the rest of your life. You can ensure your jewelry collection stays sparkling and reflective, particularly with the proper diamond and metal-safe items.
It's also important to find out if your jewelry has a lifetime warranty so you can be confident it will last for many generations in perfect condition. No matter how long or how many generations your diamonds have been in the family, you can keep them sparkling and stunning with the right maintenance.
If you are looking for a reliable diamond jewelry shop, Facet of Love is the destination you must pay a visit once.
FAQ's
(1) How often should I clean my diamonds to keep them sparkling?
Answer: It's recommended to clean your diamonds at least once every two to three months to maintain their sparkle. However, if you wear them regularly or notice a decrease in their brilliance, more frequent cleaning may be necessary.
(2) What is the best way to clean diamonds at home?
Answer: To clean diamonds at home, you can create a gentle cleaning solution by mixing warm water with a mild dishwashing soap. Soak your diamond jewelry in this solution for about 20-30 minutes. Then, use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the diamonds, paying attention to the areas around the stones where dirt and oil can accumulate. Rinse the jewelry thoroughly with warm water and pat it dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
(3) Can I use ultrasonic cleaners to clean my diamonds?
Answer: Yes, ultrasonic cleaners can be used to clean diamonds, but it's important to exercise caution. Make sure the diamonds are not already damaged or have any loose settings before using an ultrasonic cleaner. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully, as some gemstones and diamond treatments may not be suitable for ultrasonic cleaning.
(4) Are there any substances I should avoid exposing my diamonds to?
Answer: While diamonds are durable, certain substances can potentially damage them. Avoid exposing your diamonds to harsh chemicals such as chlorine bleach, household cleaners, and hairspray. These can dull the sparkle or even discolor the metal settings. It's also advisable to remove diamond jewelry before engaging in activities that may subject them to hard blows or scratches.
(5) How should I store my diamond jewelry when I'm not wearing it?
Answer: When not wearing your diamond jewelry, store it in a separate compartment or jewelry box to prevent scratching or tangling with other pieces. Ideally, each piece should be stored individually in a soft pouch or lined compartment. It's also wise to keep diamonds away from extreme heat or direct sunlight, as these conditions can potentially affect their color or cause damage to the settings.