Caring for your diamonds

Look after it correctly, and a piece of diamond jewellery is yours to treasure for a lifetime. Like all jewellery, your diamond may need cleaning from time to time. Here are some tips on how to keep yours in tip-top condition.

Before you start

First of all, check the setting - especially if the piece is old - and make sure the stone is secure. Dirt and residue can act as a 'cement' and may be helping to keep the stone in place even if the setting has been rendered weak from wear. If this is the case and the residue is removed when cleaning, the loose stone may fall out. So if you're working over or near the sink, make sure the plug is in first.

Cleaning

Step 1:

You'll need a clean bowl full of lukewarm water with some mild washing-up liquid (1 tablespoon per pint) or jewellery cleaning solution (always follow the directions on the bottle); a fine mesh plastic or stainless steel strainer; a clean towel; a soft, clean, dry cloth (any dust or dirt on the cloth could leave marks); a small soft-bristled toothbrush or brush and a toothpick.

Step 2:

Place the item of jewellery in the strainer and then balance the strainer on top of the bowl so the liquid covers the piece completely. Leave to soak for 10 to 20 minutes. This will soften and loosen any residue or dirt.

Step 3:

Remove the strainer and place on a towel, checking the stones are still firmly in place. Thoroughly, but gently, brush the top, sides and bottom of the piece with a soft brush to remove the softened residue. You should be also brush the underside of the stone. Use a toothpick to reach crevices and other hard-to-reach areas.

Step 4

Rinse with clean water and then dry carefully and thoroughly with a soft, clean, dry cloth. If you're going to store the piece immediately after cleaning, it's a good idea to leave it on the towel for a while first to ensure that it's completely dry. If there's still some residue left, repeat steps 2, 3 and 4 as necessary.

Jewellery cleaners

If you're using a commercial jewellery cleaner, always follow the directions for that particular cleaning product. It is also very important to maintain the freshness of the cleaner by storing it in a tightly sealed container. A stale or contaminated cleaner may be ineffective or even damage your jewellery. Always check the expiry date on the container.