Formed solely by carbon, Diamond is the purest of all gemstones. Called “Tears of the Gods,” diamond’s carbon combines in the cubic system, and the way in which the atoms attach to each other make the stone extremely durable -- the hardest substance on earth.
But even a tough diamond needs a little TLC to stay looking its best. And a clean diamond is a happy diamond. Not only does a clean diamond reflect light more effectively, it actually appears bigger than one that's "dulled" by skin oils, soap, and cosmetics. All it takes is a few minutes each month to keep your diamonds shining bright. Gunderson's suggests the following to keep your diamond jewelry lovely longer:
Prepare a small bowl of warm suds using any mild liquid detergent. Immerse your diamonds and swirl them around. Brush pieces gently with a soft toothbrush while they are in the suds. Transfer to a wire strainer, and rinse under warm running water. Dry by patting gently with a lint-free cloth.
Mix equal parts cold water and household ammonia in a cup. Soak the diamonds for 30 minutes. Lift them out and tap gently around the mounting with a small brush. Swish in the solution once more to loosen any leftover grime, and then drain on paper. No final rinse is needed unless you have sensitive skin that might react to any ammonia residue.
Buy a commercial diamond cleaning solution and following instructions on the package.
Diamonds do benefit from an annual "check-up." Your local jeweler can check your pieces for loose setting and other signs of wear, and may offer to give them a professional "shine-up" too.)
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