JEWELLERY CARE GUIDE
How to Clean Lab-Grown Diamond JewelLEry: Keep Your Sparkle Alive
Why Clean Lab-Grown Diamonds Regularly?
Lab-grown diamonds possess the same brilliance, clarity, and durability as natural diamonds, but like any precious jewellery, they can collect dirt, oils, and grime over time. Cleaning your lab-grown diamond jewellery is essential to maintaining its radiant shine and maximizing its longevity.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Lab-Grown Diamond Jewellery at Home:
1. Prepare a Gentle Cleaning Solution
Fill a bowl with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or chlorine, as they can damage the metal settings.
2. Soak the Jewellery
Submerge your lab-grown diamond jewellery in the soapy water for 15–20 minutes. This helps loosen any dirt or residue on the stone and in the setting.
3. Gently Brush the Diamond
Using a soft-bristle toothbrush or a jewellery brush, carefully scrub the diamond and its setting. Pay extra attention to any hard-to-reach areas where debris might build up.
4. Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse the jewellery under lukewarm water to remove any remaining soap. Make sure to use a strainer or plug the drain to avoid accidents.
5. Dry and Buff
Pat the jewellery dry with a lint-free cloth, and gently buff the diamond to restore its sparkle.
Professional Cleaning Options
While home cleaning is effective for regular maintenance, consider getting your lab-grown diamond jewellery professionally cleaned once a year. This ensures that any hard-to-reach areas are thoroughly cleaned and inspected for potential damage.
Tips for Long-Lasting Shine:
- Avoid wearing diamond jewellery during activities that expose it to harsh chemicals (e.g., swimming pools or cleaning with bleach).
- Store your jewellery in a soft-lined box or pouch to prevent scratches or damage.
- Regularly inspect the prongs and settings to ensure the diamond remains secure.
Why Choose Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds are an ethical and environmentally friendly choice that offers the same stunning beauty as natural diamonds. With proper care, they will maintain their brilliance for a lifetime, just like a natural diamond.
For more information on diamond care, you can visit the International Gemological Institute (IGI) or the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). They provide expert, unbiased advice on how to care for your diamonds and other precious gemstones.
Preventive care: how to protect your lab-grown diamonds daily
Proper cleaning is essential, but preventive care will help you avoid excessive dirt build-up and potential damage. Here are some tips to protect your diamond jewellery daily:
1. Remove Jewellery During Physical Activities
It’s a good idea to remove your diamond rings, bracelets, or earrings during physical activities like gardening, exercising, or any task involving rough surfaces. This prevents the diamonds from getting scratched or the metal settings from bending.
2. Handle Jewellery with Clean Hands
Oils and lotions from your skin can transfer to the diamond and dull its shine. Always handle your jewellery with clean, dry hands to minimize dirt and oil build-up.
3. Use a Separate Storage Space
To prevent scratches and maintain the integrity of your diamonds, store each piece separately. Soft-lined compartments or pouches are ideal, and using anti-tarnish strips can help protect metal settings like gold and silver.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT PRODUCTS FOR CLEANING LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS
Not all cleaning products are safe for your jewellery. Here’s how to ensure you’re using the right ones:
1. Stick to Mild, Non-Abrasive Cleaners
The best cleaning solutions are gentle dish soaps or those specifically designed for jewellery. Avoid harsh household cleaners like window spray or toothpaste, as they contain chemicals or abrasives that can damage both the diamond and the setting.
2. Skip Steam or Ultrasonic Cleaners at Home
While professional jewellers may use ultrasonic or steam cleaners, these can sometimes loosen the stones in their settings if used improperly. If you’re considering using one at home, ensure it’s safe for diamonds and use it sparingly.
3. Invest in a Jewellery Cleaning Kit
Jewellery cleaning kits are available for purchase and often come with a specialized cleaner, a soft brush, and a cloth. These kits are designed for safe and effective cleaning of both diamonds and their settings.