Education

Diamond Care

Cleaning your diamond jewelry

Depending on the setting you choose, you can soak your diamond engagement and/or wedding rings for up to 30 minutes in a solution of dishwashing liquid and water. This is best suited to prong and cathedral settings. In pave and basket settings, however, soaking the rings can increase the likelihood of the gems coming loose. Be mindful of this when you decide to soak any jewelry piece use mild dish soap in warm water and soak your jewelry for a few minutes. Using a soft cloth or cotton swab, gently scrub the metal (gold, platinum, silver) and then rinse. Repeat the process if necessary, but always proceed with caution when it comes to soaking jewelry.

For extra shine, you can soak diamonds in window cleaner afterwards. Because glass cleaner contains some harsh chemicals, do not soak for more than a minute at a time, and do not use this process at all with rhodium. To ensure that all of the glass cleaner is rinsed off, use the same mild dish soap solution. Dip your ring into the solution, rinse it with warm water, and then dry it completely.

You can use toothpicks to remove dirt that is lodged in between the prongs and the diamonds, but be extra careful not to scratch the metal or move the positioning of a prong. If fibers from cloth get stuck in the setting, gently use tweezers to remove them. Again, be careful of the metal. Even though diamonds can only be scratched by other diamonds, the precious metals into which they are set can be scratched more easily.

Ionic cleaners can be used on most diamond jewelry. If your engagement ring is set with stones other than diamonds, consider other cleaning methods, as some gemstones are adversely affected by the electrical current in the ionic cleaning process.

When storing your diamond jewelry, be sure to keep it separate from other jewelry. Remember that diamonds can not only scratch any other jewelry you have, but can scratch each other as well. Make sure that two diamond pieces are not being stored in such a way that they touch each other.

Insuring your Diamond Jewelry

Once you have purchased your beautiful diamond jewelry, you will want to make sure that it is properly insured, in the event of theft or loss. Although homeowner's and renter's policies will cover a portion of your jewelry loss, it is often a small amount in comparison to the original cost of a diamond engagement ring or wedding ring. It is advisable to find out how much is covered by the policies you have in place, and then look into additional policies

If you choose to get additional insurance, find out if there is a deductible and how much it is. Most insurance companies will not insure fine jewelry without an appraisal, so make sure you find out which appraisal reports are acceptable to your insurance company. Ask if the policy covers you fully, whether the item is merely damaged, or even if it is lost overseas. Many policies will have riders that do not allow for this level of coverage. Make sure you read the details of the policy carefully before you pay for extra insurance. Also find out if your jewelry is covered at the full replacement cost, and if you can receive a cash settlement in lieu of a replacement item.

Be aware that your insurance company may require updated appraisals on a regular basis. Be prepared to have your jewelry appraised every few years. Ask what the rules are for the particular insurance company you choose. Also find out if there is a discount if you have a home security system, such as an alarm system.

When you invest in diamond jewelry, you want to make sure that your investment is protected. Research insurance companies online or call around for information to make comparisons before you choose.