Caring for Your Diamond Jewellery: The Complete Cleaning & Maintenance Guide
Diamonds may be forever, but their sparkle isn’t — unless you care for them properly.
Whether it’s your engagement ring, a cherished heirloom, or a diamond-studded necklace worn on special occasions, proper care and maintenance can keep your diamond jewellery looking as radiant as the day you got it. Unfortunately, many people assume diamonds are indestructible and require no upkeep — which is far from the truth.
Why Diamond Jewellery Needs Regular Care
Diamonds are the hardest natural substance on Earth — but that doesn’t mean they’re immune to damage or dullness. While the stone itself resists scratching, your diamond jewellery is more than just the gem. The metal prongs, settings, and mountings are susceptible to wear, looseness, and environmental exposure.
Common Issues with Poorly Maintained Diamond Jewellery:
- Loss of shine due to oil and dirt buildup
- Loose prongs or damaged settings
- Scratched metal (gold, platinum, silver)
- Risk of stone loss
- Diminished brilliance from cloudy residue
Routine care ensures that your jewellery maintains both its aesthetic beauty and structural integrity, allowing it to be worn safely and proudly for years.
1. How to Clean Your Diamond Jewellery at Home
Cleaning your diamond jewellery regularly at home is both simple and effective. You don’t need fancy tools — just consistency and the right technique.
DIY Cleaning Method (Safe for Most Diamonds):
You’ll Need:
- A small bowl
- Warm water (not hot)
- Mild dish soap (non-moisturizing)
- A soft-bristle toothbrush
- A lint-free cloth or microfiber towel
Steps:
- Mix a few drops of dish soap into a bowl of warm water.
- Soak your diamond jewellery for 15–20 minutes.
- Gently brush all sides of the diamond and setting with the toothbrush.
- Rinse under warm running water.
- Pat dry with a soft cloth.
⚠️ Avoid: Harsh chemicals, abrasive scrubs, ultrasonic machines (unless advised), or toothpaste (too abrasive for metals).
This gentle process removes body oils, soap scum, makeup, and dirt that accumulate on and around the diamond.
2. Professional Jewellery Cleaning: How Often & Why It Matters
Even with regular at-home care, your diamond jewellery should still be professionally cleaned and inspected.
Benefits of Professional Cleaning:
- High-grade polishing and ultrasonic/steam cleaning
- Structural inspection for loose prongs, bent settings, or tiny cracks
- Replating (for white gold)
- Secure tightening of stones
- Cleaning hard-to-reach areas
Recommended Frequency:
- Every 6 months for frequently worn pieces (like engagement rings)
- Annually for other items
Most reputable jewellers offer complimentary cleaning services, especially if you bought your piece from them.
3. Daily Habits to Keep Your Diamond Jewellery Clean
Preventive care is often the best care. Here are daily habits that can make a big difference:
✅ Dos:
- Remove diamond rings before applying lotions, perfumes, or hair products
- Wipe with a soft cloth after each wear to remove oils
- Store pieces in separate pouches to prevent scratching
- Inspect your jewellery regularly for movement or damage
❌ Don’ts:
- Don’t wear diamond rings while cleaning, gardening, or doing dishes
- Avoid wearing diamonds in chlorinated pools or hot tubs
- Never use bleach, ammonia, or harsh household cleaners
These everyday actions expose your jewellery to chemicals and physical impact, which can dull the sparkle or weaken the setting.
4. Storing Your Diamond Jewellery Properly
Proper storage protects your diamonds from scratching other pieces, tangling, or damage during transport.
Recommended Storage Tips:
- Use a soft-lined jewellery box with separate compartments
- Store each diamond piece in an individual pouch or box
- For travel, use a padded jewellery roll or case with hard sides
- Never throw your jewellery into a drawer or bag unprotected
💡 Tip: Even diamonds can scratch each other, so don’t let them touch!
5. Inspecting Your Diamond Jewellery for Damage
Caring for diamond jewellery means being proactive. Look out for early warning signs of damage or wear.
What to Inspect:
- Prongs & Settings: Are they bent, loose, or missing?
- Stone Movement: Does the diamond wiggle when touched?
- Metal Wear: Any thinning, cracks, or scratches?
- Clasp Integrity: Does it close securely?
If you notice anything suspicious, don’t wear the piece until it’s been checked by a jeweller.
6. What About Ultrasonic Cleaners? Are They Safe?
Home ultrasonic jewellery cleaners use high-frequency sound waves to shake loose dirt and debris. They’re effective, but not always safe for every piece of jewellery.
Use Ultrasonic Cleaners Only If:
- Your diamond is natural and securely set in a solid metal setting
- There are no treated, fracture-filled, or included stones
- The jeweller has confirmed it's safe
Avoid for:
- Vintage pieces
- Pave-set diamonds
- Clarity-enhanced or treated stones
- Coloured diamonds or gemstones mixed with diamonds
When in doubt, stick to gentle hand-cleaning methods.
7. Steam Cleaning: A Deeper Clean at the Jeweller
Steam cleaning is another common method used by professionals. It involves blasting the jewellery with pressurized steam to remove deep-seated grime.
While highly effective, it’s not DIY-friendly and should only be performed by professionals with proper tools and safety protocols.
8. Caring for Special Types of Diamond Jewellery
💍 Engagement Rings & Wedding Bands
- Clean weekly at home
- Inspect monthly
- Remove during manual tasks or sports
- Get professionally checked every 6 months
📿 Necklaces, Bracelets & Earrings
- Wipe after wear
- Avoid layering with rough metals
- Store separately
🧳 Antique or Heirloom Pieces
- Clean only with a soft brush and lukewarm water
- Never use chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners
- Have them appraised and insured
9. Protecting Your Investment: Insurance & Appraisals
While caring for your diamond’s sparkle is crucial, so is protecting its monetary value.
✔ Get Your Jewellery Appraised:
- For insurance, resale, or estate planning
- Should be updated every 3–5 years
✔ Consider Jewellery Insurance:
- Covers theft, loss, damage, and stone replacement
- Often offered as an add-on to homeowners or renters insurance
You’ve invested time, money, and emotion into your diamond jewellery — protecting it with insurance is a wise next step.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓How often should I clean my diamond jewellery at home?
Ideally once a week for frequently worn pieces, and once a month for occasional pieces.
❓Can diamonds get damaged?
The diamond itself is highly durable, but the metal setting can wear, and the stone can chip under extreme impact.
❓Is it safe to shower with diamond jewellery?
Occasionally — yes. But regular exposure to soaps and conditioners can dull the sparkle and build residue.
❓What’s the white film I see on my diamond?
That’s usually mineral or soap residue. A deep clean with warm water and dish soap should remove it.
Your Diamonds Deserve Attention
Diamonds may be among the toughest substances on Earth, but your diamond jewellery is still a piece of delicate craftsmanship. With regular cleaning, proper storage, and timely professional care, your pieces can maintain their brilliance for decades — or even generations.
Whether it's the engagement ring you wear every day, or a treasured necklace passed down from your grandmother, every diamond deserves to be cherished, maintained, and protected.
💬 Your Turn: How Do You Care for Your Diamond Jewellery?
Do you have your own tips or hacks for keeping your diamonds sparkling? Have a jewellery care fail (or success) to share? Drop it in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you!
