Diamonds are the hardest natural material — a 10 on the Mohs scale — but they are not indestructible. Proper care keeps your jewelry looking brilliant for a lifetime. Here is what you need to know.

Home Cleaning (Weekly)

The most effective home cleaning method is also the simplest:

1. Fill a small bowl with warm (not hot) water and a few drops of mild dish soap.
2. Soak the jewelry for 20–30 minutes.
3. Gently scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush, paying attention to the underside of the stone where oils and lotions collect.
4. Rinse under warm running water (close the drain or do this over a towel).
5. Pat dry with a lint-free cloth or let air dry.

This removes the everyday buildup of skin oils, lotion, and soap residue that makes diamonds look dull. A clean diamond sparkles dramatically more than a dirty one — most "dull" diamonds just need a cleaning, not a replacement.

What NOT to Use

• Ultrasonic cleaners at home: Effective but can loosen pavé-set stones. Safe for solitaires, risky for multi-stone settings.
• Bleach or harsh chemicals: Can damage gold settings and discolor prongs.
• Toothpaste: Abrasive particles can scratch gold settings (not the diamond, but the metal around it).
• Boiling water: Thermal shock can stress the metal setting. Use warm, not boiling.

Professional Cleaning (Every 6–12 Months)

Take your jewelry to a professional jeweler for inspection and cleaning once or twice a year. They will:

• Check prong integrity — worn prongs are the #1 cause of stone loss
• Inspect for loose stones in pavé or channel settings
• Clean with professional-grade ultrasonic and steam equipment
• Re-plate rhodium on white gold settings if needed (typically every 12–24 months)

Daily Wear Tips

• Remove before heavy work: Gardening, weightlifting, and manual labor can bend prongs or scratch settings.
• Apply cosmetics first: Put on lotion, perfume, and sunscreen before putting on jewelry. These products create a film that dulls brilliance.
• Remove before swimming: Chlorine can damage gold over time. Cold water also makes fingers shrink, increasing the risk of rings slipping off.
• Store separately: Diamonds can scratch other jewelry (and each other). Store each piece in its own soft pouch or compartment.

Can Diamonds Be Damaged?

Diamonds are scratch-proof but not impact-proof. A hard blow along the crystal's cleavage plane can chip or fracture a diamond. This is rare in normal wear but possible if you strike the stone sharply against a hard surface. The most vulnerable areas are thin girdles and pointed ends (princess cuts, pear shapes).

Insurance

Insure jewelry worth more than you would comfortably replace out of pocket. Most homeowner's/renter's insurance policies can add a jewelry rider. Get an independent appraisal (not from the seller) for insurance purposes.

Questions about caring for your StudsDirect jewelry? Our diamond guide covers everything from purchase to lifetime care.