Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Quick and Easy Steps to Cleaning Diamonds to Renew Shine and Brilliance

Rings of any size and shape are susceptible to collect grime, dirt and other debris that we encounter in our daily lives. For diamonds to stay in magnificent condition there must be routine maintenance to ensure that the luster is never sheltered by a dull veil. Do clean with discretion as some jewelry may have certain finishes that can be difficult to clean if not handled carefully.

When handling your jewelry to be cleaned be careful to safeguard your cleaning area from losing any stones or fittings as these get loose with age and wear. For delicate jewelry you will use a damp and soft cloth made from non-abrasive material. For a more thorough cleaning you can use mild soap and warm water while gently brushing into the grooves and crevices with a soft bristled took brush or cosmetic brush.

If you find your jewelry to be very dirty you can use ammonia and a soft bristled brush. This method is often a safer approach for diamonds and all faceted colored stones except those such as emerald that might be filled with oil. Do not attempt to use ammonia for organic gems such as pearls or any jewelry that may have foil-back stones or stones that may be glued into the mountings. If you are unsure we recommend going to a professional.

For more advice on cleaning please check out:

http://www.appraisers.org/Consumer/ConsumerLibrary/JewelryCleaning.aspx