Diamonds are supposed to sparkle, but as time passes your engagement ring, or other diamond jewelry may not sparkle so much. Diamonds age beautifully, but can look dull, even cloudy as dirt builds up over time. So if it did sparkle once, rest assured your favorite jewelry will again! All it needs is a little care and attention.

Routine maintenance of diamond jewelry can be done easily at home. Just follow a few simple steps.

Step 1

Inspect your ring carefully. If you happen to have a magnifying glass, or similar, use it. Even a child’s toy will do! Use tweezers to gently lift away any snagged fibers that are clinging to the setting. Do not pull them or you may loosen the stone.

Step 2

Prepare two small bowls and half fill each with lukewarm water. Into the first bowl only add a few drop of mild detergent or white vinegar. Leave second with clean water, for rinsing.

DO NOT CLEAN YOUR DIAMONDS OVER THE SINK. It is just too easy for a wet piece of jewelry to slip through your fingers and down the plug hole. Do not risk losing a diamond earring or your engagement ring! Use bowls!

Step 3

Soak each piece of jewelry in the detergent water for a few moments. Use your common sense. If you are cleaning a lot of jewelry, only do a few pieces at a time so that they do not risk damaging each other.

Step 4

Use a soft toothbrush, maybe an old one or a child’s toothbrush, to agitate the surface of the diamond very carefully. Work lightly over the setting so that you remove all the dirt particles without loosening the gemstone. Gently clean every facet of the diamond.

Step 5

Rinse the jewelry by swirling gently in the clean water and then leave to dry on an absorbant soft cloth.

If you have several items of jewelry to clean, change the rinsing water between each piece.

If you prefer, you could use a purchased jewelry cleaner. These solutions are specially tailored for diamond cleaning, but are not essential. They usually come with a miniature brush which is just perfect for making your diamonds grime free! Some of the better bought cleaning solutions include a small vibrating bowl which safely agitates the jewelry sonically.

After your jewelry is dry, polish it gently with a specialized jewelry polishing cloth. Take time to examine the diamonds. They should be held firm by the setting, with no play of movement. If there is even the slightest movement, take the piece to a jeweler to be tightened up, or you may risk losing the diamond!

If all is well, you can return your sparkling diamonds to your jewelry box ready to dazzle at their next outing!

For more information on a wide selection of affordable diamond jewelry, or if you want to build your own engagement ring, please click here.

© 2010 EHJewels

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