In honor of engagement season, I wanted to do a post about diamonds! My how so many of us love sparkly trinkets, but sometimes we don’t always know, or remember how best to care for these shiny jewels. I thought I would share a few tidbits about diamonds from my once upon a time working in a jewelry store, and highlight 3 things you may not know about diamond jewelry.
4 C’s – Many people are familiar with the 4 C’s of diamonds: color, clarity, carat, and cut. The newest of these, and one of the most important in my opinion, is the Cut of the diamond. As technology has developed so has the art of diamond cutting. The cut of a diamond is an important factor in determining how light performs, creating a spectacular display of sparkle. A well cut diamond creates brilliance, fire, and scintillation. But even one of the best cut diamonds still won’t sparkle if its dirty. Regular cleaning with jewelry cleaner and soft brush is a good idea. I use Connoisseurs cleaner.
Cleaning is important not only to make the jewelry sparkle, but also to give you a chance to examine it a little closer to prevent losing stones. Which leads me to the 3 things you may not know about diamond jewelry…
Check Prongs
Frequently have prongs checked to keep from losing stones or damaging the precious metal the stone is set in (at least every 6 months). There is nothing worse than the thought of looking down to see an empty setting. Diamonds are very hard stones and will scratch most other materials, even the metal the stone is set in if it’s sliding and rattling around. Red flags to take ring to the jeweler…snagging on clothing or towels, or hearing a rattle if you tap the piece of jewelry with your finger while holding it right next to your ear.
Careful Storage
Store diamonds separately from other jewelry in jewelry box, such as in their own compartment or space in ring slits. Again, diamonds are very hard stones, thus why they are a 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale for gemstones. Diamonds can easily scratch other stones and metal because of their hardness. So throwing diamond jewelry loose in a dish with other softer stones can be detrimental.
Keep Away From Chlorine
Whether from a cleaning solution or a swimming pool, chlorine can pit gold alloys. This pitting can make the gold weaker and more susceptible to damaged prongs and lost stones. And many of todays diamonds are set in white gold, which is an alloy that can be damaged from chlorine. Side note, white gold typically needs re-rhodium every few years or so to keep its bright white color and shine. Although I will admit, I did not re-rhodium my rings for almost 10 years. 🙂
I hope you find these 3 things you may not know about diamond jewelry, and tidbits for caring for your diamonds beneficial!