DIY: How to Care for Your Lab Diamond Studs to Keep Them Sparkling

Mined and lab diamonds share the same glittering brilliance and composition. The difference between the two is that one is created deep within the earth, and the other is created in a controlled environment. Lab and mined diamond studs are made to last forever as long as you take care of them, but there are plenty of DIY ways to maintain your diamond jewelry. We'll cover all you need to know about caring for your stunning lab diamonds at home.

Cleaning Methods

Cleaning your lab diamond studs at home is easy, and you'll get your lab diamonds sparkling again. To keep lab diamonds glittering, a regular home cleaning routine is essential. Begin by mixing mild soap with warm water in a bowl and gently scrubbing the diamonds with a soft toothbrush to remove dirt or deposition. For deeper cleaning, soak the studs in a solution of one-part ammonia to six parts water for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly to remove any remaining gunk. Be careful about rinsing in a sink - either close the drain or rinse in a bowl of clean water. Slippery earrings can easily escape down the drain. Additionally, commercial jewelry cleaners designed specifically for diamonds can be used; just make sure they're safe for the metal settings of your diamond bracelet. Regularly cleaning your lab diamond studs regimen will keep them looking brilliant and radiant, and you'll be able to spot any loose prongs or stones.

Home Cleaning Tools

You also don't need many tools to clean your lab diamond earrings at home. Gather some soft-bristled toothbrushes and some soft, lint-free cloths. Use the toothbrush to gently brush away the caked-on grime around the earring prongs and behind the diamond. The cloth can be used to gently polish the diamonds after cleaning to make them shine.

Another helpful tool for at-home jewelry cleaning is an ultrasonic cleaner. They use high-frequency sound waves to create microscopic bubbles in a cleaning solution, gently removing dirt and grime from jewelry. To use an ultrasonic cleaner at home, place the lab diamond studs in the cleaning basket, fill the tank with the advised cleaning solution, and run the device for the suggested time. It's essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid using the cleaner for extended periods because this can damage delicate settings or stones. It's important to note that certain gemstones and treated diamonds should not be cleaned with ultrasonic cleaners, so verify that your jewelry is safe for this method before proceeding.

Storage Tips

Diamonds are extremely hard, so they can scratch other pieces of jewelry. To prevent scratches and damage, store lab diamond studs in a lined jewelry box or a soft pouch. If you're traveling with jewelry, use a jewelry case with individual compartments for your pieces. Keep valuable items like lab diamond bracelets in your carry-on luggage to ensure they remain safe and secure. Leaving your jewelry at home is always an option.

Handling and Wearing

Our fingers have accumulated oil and dirt, which can easily transfer to your diamonds when you wear them. Get in the habit of handling your diamond studs by the setting and posts rather than the diamonds. This keeps your stones sparkling.

Get in the habit of regularly inspecting your jewelry to be proactive about any damage you spot. Broken prongs and loose stones could mean a lost diamond, which would be devastating. If you're concerned, take it in for repair before it gets worse.

Professional Care

Take your lab diamond studs to a professional jeweler about once a year to keep them safe and secure. They can professionally clean and inspect your diamond earrings, providing peace of mind and ensuring they sparkle like new. If the jeweler spots any repairs, repair your studs immediately to avoid issues with the stone or your settings. Better safe than sorry!

Additional Tips

While lab diamonds are incredibly durable, it's best to avoid using harsh chemicals, like chlorine and bleach, because they can damage the metal settings. A tip that might not cross your mind is to leave your jewelry to last. Get yourself ready by applying makeup, doing your hair, and applying perfume. Put your jewelry on last to avoid exposing it to any of your hair and beauty products. Hairspray and perfume can leave a film on your sparkling diamonds.

Conclusion

Caring for and maintaining your lab diamond stud is easy to do at home. Lab diamonds are extremely durable but should be inspected periodically to ensure the stones and settings are safe. Depending on how dirty your earrings are, you can use mild soap and gently brush them to clean your jewelry or soak them in an ammonia/water solution for a deeper clean. If you have an ultrasonic cleaner, check the manufacturer's instructions to ensure your jewelry is suitable for cleaning. Taking your lab diamond studs to a professional jeweler helps because a fresh pair of eyes can inspect for repairs and damage that you might overlook.

Being proactive about repairs can keep your gorgeous stones safe and secure. Losing a diamond is the worst, so doing what you can to help protect your jewelry pays off. Store your earrings in a lined jewelry box or separate pouches to prevent scratches and damage. The time you take to care for your jewelry prolongs the life of your pieces.