How to Care for Your Diamond Jewellery and Keep It Sparkling for Life
A diamond may be the hardest natural substance on Earth, but that does not mean your jewellery is indestructible. With a little regular care, your pieces can look as stunning decades from now as they did the day you first wore them. Here is what you need to know to keep your diamond jewellery in exceptional condition.
Why Diamonds Lose Their Sparkle
Diamonds do not dull over time the way some materials do — but they do attract oils and residue. Lotions, soaps, perfumes, and even the natural oils from your skin build up on the surface of a stone and underneath the setting, forming a thin film that blocks light from entering and exiting properly. The result is a stone that looks hazy or flat. The fix is simple: regular cleaning.
Cleaning at Home: The Right Way
The most effective home cleaning method is also the simplest. Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm (not hot) water. Soak your jewellery for 20 to 30 minutes, then gently scrub with a soft toothbrush — paying particular attention to the underside of the stone and the inside of the prongs where residue collects most. Rinse thoroughly under lukewarm running water and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.
Avoid harsh chemicals such as bleach, chlorine, or acetone. These can damage metal settings and, in some cases, affect the finish of the metal. Ultrasonic cleaners can be effective, but they are not suitable for all pieces — particularly those with fracture-filled diamonds, certain coloured gemstones, or delicate vintage settings. When in doubt, hand-clean or bring the piece to us.
When to Take Your Jewellery Off
Diamonds are hard, but they can chip if struck at the right angle against another hard surface. For everyday safety, remove your jewellery before activities like gardening, heavy lifting, cooking with abrasive materials, or working out. Swimming in a chlorinated pool or hot tub is another time to leave your pieces at home — chlorine weakens gold alloys over time and can cause prongs to become brittle.
Storage: Keep Pieces Separate
Because diamonds are so hard, they can scratch other gemstones and even other pieces of jewellery if stored together. Store each piece individually in a soft pouch or a compartmentalized jewellery box. If you travel with your jewellery, a small travel case with individual slots is worth the investment. Keeping pieces wrapped in a soft cloth is a simple alternative if you do not have a case nearby.
Professional Servicing: Once a Year Goes a Long Way
We recommend bringing your fine jewellery in for a professional clean and inspection at least once a year. A trained jeweller can spot worn prongs, loose stones, or hairline cracks in a setting before they become a problem — potentially saving you from losing a stone entirely. Professional polishing can also restore the lustre of your metal to a like-new condition. At Luster & Co., this service is something we genuinely enjoy offering, because a well-maintained piece is a lasting piece.
Discover Luster & Co. — Luxury Diamond Jewellery, Vancouver BC
Luster & Co. is a luxury diamond jewellery boutique based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. We specialize in custom engagement rings, ethically sourced and lab-grown diamonds, and fine jewellery crafted to last a lifetime. Visit us at lusterandcompany.com to explore our collections and book a private consultation.