Keeping Your Rings, Necklaces and Earrings Clean and Shiny
By Ashley Bailey, Tuesday, September 21, 2010 6:33 AM
| No matter how beautiful your ring or necklace was on the day you opened the box, continual wear will allow sediment to build up in the tiny cracks of the setting and dust to settle on the stone, dimming its brilliance. Although some diamond jewelry, especially those made of white gold, will need occasional professional maintenance, regular everyday cleaning of diamond jewelry is simple enough to do at home. Here are some simple tips that will keep your diamond jewelry pieces in perfect condition: |
| 1. Keep diamond jewelry in a box that is lined with soft cloth, consider giving each piece of jewelry its own compartment so it doesn’t knock against another piece and get scratched. If you don’t have a proper jewelry box or are traveling, wrap each piece of diamond jewelry in a soft cloth or tissue before storing it. |
Tennis Diamond Bracelet
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| 2. Never use harsh household cleaners or soaps while wearing your ring. Chlorine can actually cause gold jewelry to crack, while prolonged exposure to any harsh cleansers will wear your jewelry down. Always remove jewelry, including rings, before showering or washing your hands. |
Solitaire Diamond Ring
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| 3. Never sleep with diamond jewelry on. Besides the accidental pressure you may put on the jewelry while sleeping, earrings and rings can slip off and get lost while you sleep. The delicate chain of a diamond necklace can get torn or tangled. |
Circle of Life Pendant
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| 4. If you do wear diamond jewelry on a hot day or when working out, rinse it afterwards with lukewarm water. Rub gently with a soft-bristled brush to remove sweat and dust particles. |
Diamond Earring Studs
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| 5. When your diamond ring or necklace is looking dirty, you can use a dash of dishwashing liquid and warm water and a soft-bristled brush (like a soft toothbrush) to loosen the dirt from the settings and cracks. Allow the ring to sit in the warm water for 20-30 minutes. Although some people recommend household cleaners like vinegar or baking soda, these harsh agents can damage your diamond jewelry over time. As a last resort, use a splash of rubbing alcohol diluted in lukewarm water to clean your diamonds. |
Diamond jewelry is an investment—a good diamond ringor diamond bracelet should last forever if taken care of properly. In order to be able to someday pass this piece of jewelry on as a family heirloom, begin now by caring for your diamond jewelry items with the respect and attention they deserve. |
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