Diamond Care
The song may tell us that diamonds are forever, but no diamond is completely indestructible. Without proper care and attention diamond can be susceptible to damage.
Diamonds can chip or break and are particularly vulnerable around the girdle [link to glossary], meaning that the stone's setting is very important. As well as being aesthetically pleasing, the setting must also protect the diamond. Fortunately, any good jeweller will be able to provide advice about settings.
It is a sensible idea to remove diamond jewellery (particularly rings) when you are doing any activity that might expose it to abrasive or rough substances or actual physical blows. Gardening, strenuous exercise like rock climbing and even washing the dishes can all damage the jewellery if not the diamond itself.
DIAMOND HOME CARE
Everyday exposure to dust, make-up, chemicals and house-care products will accumulate on and dull a diamond's fire and brilliance. For this reason, you should clean your diamond jewellery every month. There are a number of jewellery cleaning kits available from jewellery stores, or you can simply use warm soapy water and a toothbrush.
DIAMOND PROFESSIONAL CARE
It is a good idea to have your diamond jewellery inspected by a professional every six months to a year – more regularly if the stone has any sort of accident (being hit against a hard surface, for instance). Your jeweller will not only clean the stone but also check the diamond's setting for any damage or wear and tear, which may put you at risk of losing the stone.
DIAMOND STORAGE
When it comes to storing diamonds, remember that their hardness can be harmful to other softer gemstones as well as to other diamonds. Because they're so hard, diamonds can scratch other stones and jewellery. For this reason, always store diamond jewellery in individual soft cloth pouches or in a lined, compartmentalised jewellery box. This way, the diamonds cannot scratch or damage other jewellery pieces.
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