A Guide to Storing and Caring for Your Diamond Jewelry

You spend time and money searching for your diamond jewelry, and some pieces are meaningful gifts. You want to protect your jewelry by storing it safely and caring for it so it'll last a lifetime. While diamonds are extremely hard and durable, you can help keep your beautiful stones safe with care and maintenance.

Proper Storage Techniques

Storing your diamond jewelry safely can help protect all the jewelry you own. Remember that diamonds are hard enough to scratch other pieces of jewelry. For that reason, it's important to store pieces individually. This protects from any scratches and keeps necklaces from getting tangled. You can store jewelry in a lined, compartmentalized jewelry box where each item is stored separately. You can also get soft pouches and store pieces separately that way.

Cleaning Methods

Periodically cleaning your jewelry also helps remove dirt and build up and can make your diamonds sparkle like they were new. Lotion, oil, dirt, and dust cling to diamonds and get embedded within jewelry settings. You can soak your jewelry in mild dish soap in warm water, and then use a soft bristled brush to gently scrub the jewelry. While most jewelry cleaners are safe, avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could scratch the metal or damage the settings. Professional cleaning by reputed jewelers can help you clean your jewelry and check for any loose stones or worn down prongs.

Handling Guidelines

Protect your diamonds by avoiding touching them with your fingers. This can keep oils and dirt off of your stones. Avoid wearing your jewelry if you're exercising, cleaning, or working with your hands. This protects your pieces from damage – it would be devastating to chip a diamond, damage the setting, or lose a stone.

Avoiding Exposure to Harmful Substances

Some everyday products have harmful ingredients that can damage jewelry. Household cleaners, hairspray, lotion, and perfume can dull a diamond's brilliance by putting a film over the stones. It's also a good idea to leave your jewelry at home if you're going swimming. The chemicals in chlorinated pools or hot tubs can also damage your jewelry.

Regular Inspections

Jewelry gets plenty of wear! Some pieces are worn daily, so it's essential to have them periodically inspected by jewelers to ensure the prongs aren't worn down or broken. They can check the settings to make sure all the diamonds and gemstones are sturdy and safe. Jewelers can spot any potential issues so you can get repairs done before there are any issues.

Safe Travel Tips

If you're traveling with jewelry, use a padded jewelry box with individual compartments for each. Store your jewelry in a safe or other secure location when you're not wearing jewelry. If you'd like to not mess with bringing your fine jewelry on your trip, leave it at home or in a safe deposit box while you're traveling. You can always wear an alternate wedding band or engagement ring while you're traveling.

Insurance Considerations

Insuring your jewelry provides peace of mind and protects your valuables. It protects against loss, theft, or damage. Have your jewelry appraised so that you can insure it for the right amount. It's also recommended that you regularly review your insurance policy to make sure your coverage is adequate. Review what the policy covers and any coverage limits. Value can fluctuate, and you don't want to underinsure your pieces. Keep all of your jewelry receipts and take close up pictures of your jewelry from all angles. This helps document your purchase in case you need the information later.

Certification and Documentation

You can get certified natural and lab diamonds, accompanied by third party reports detailing every aspect of the diamond's quality. The reports support the authenticity of the diamond. Keep the documentation in a safe place – especially if it's a high end piece of jewelry. Determine where you can store the certification information. Some choose to store the documents in a home safe or a safe deposit box at a local bank.

Conclusion

Caring for and maintaining your diamond jewelry can help ensure it lasts a lifetime like it's supposed to. Jewelry can be passed down from generation to generation if stored properly. Store your pieces individually in a lined storage box or soft pouches to prevent jewelry from getting scratched or scratching other pieces. Carefully store your pieces when you're traveling, too – store jewelry in a safe or leave your high end valuables at home.

Harsh chemicals and products can also damage the settings and can leave film on the stones. Periodically cleaning your jewelry at home can remove any film or dirt on the diamonds to get them sparkling like new. It's also good to have your diamond jewelry cleaned and inspected by a professional jeweler once a year. They can carefully examine the setting and stones to be proactive about any repairs or loose stones. It's helpful to keep all documentation about your jewelry, including pictures, receipts, certification reports, and any repair records. Store your documentation in a safe place. Insuring your fine jewelry from loss, damage, or theft is also a good idea. Careful care and maintenance can keep your fine jewelry last a lifetime.