Introduction

Diamonds are extremely hard but not immune to dirt, oils, impact damage or settings wearing over time. Proper care keeps your piece brilliant and reduces the risk of stone loss.
Follow simple at-home routines and schedule periodic professional inspections and cleanings to preserve beauty and value.
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Quick Do’s & Don’ts

Do: Clean diamonds regularly with warm water and a mild dish soap + soft brush.
Do: Have your jewellery professionally inspected at least once every 6–12 months.
Don’t: Use harsh household chemicals (bleach, acetone) on diamond settings or delicate gemstones.
Don’t: Sleep, shower, or do heavy manual work while wearing rings — remove them to avoid knocks and exposure.
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Daily & routine care (what to do every day / week)

Wipe with a soft lint-free cloth after wearing to remove body oils and lotions.
Avoid wearing diamond rings while applying cosmetics, perfume, hairspray, sunscreen, or lotions — residues build up and dull brilliance.
Remove rings for heavy lifting, gardening, gym sessions, or contact sports to reduce chipping and prong damage.
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Safe at-home cleaning methods

Basic weekly clean (recommended for everyday wear)

1. Fill a bowl with warm (not hot) water and a drop or two of mild dish detergent.
2. Soak the jewellery 10–20 minutes to loosen oils.
3. Use a clean, soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush the pavilion and under the setting where dirt collects. Rinse thoroughly and air-dry on a soft cloth.

Occasional deeper clean (use sparingly)

A one-part household ammonia to six-parts water soak (briefly) is cited in traditional guidance for diamonds, but avoid ammonia if your piece contains treated stones, porous gems, or fragile settings — and always rinse thoroughly. GIA notes common cleaners and household detergents are generally safe for diamonds.

Notes & cautions:

Ultrasonic cleaners are effective for many diamonds but can dislodge loose stones, damage brittle treatments, or affect certain gemstones. Don’t use them unless you are confident the setting & any side-stones are secure. When in doubt, ask a professional jeweller.
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Professional inspection & servicing — Recommended schedule

Frequency: Have a professional jeweller inspect prongs, settings, and mounts every 2-3 Years. Inspections detect loose stones, worn prongs, and metal fatigue early.
Services to request: Prong tightening, Polishing, Rhodium Re-Plating (for white gold), cleaning, and full security checks.
Diarissa offers complimentary services — consider those programs when buying.
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Common repairs & what they mean

Prong tightening: Prevents stones from falling out, do this promptly if you notice catchiness or movement.
Rhodium plating (white gold): Restores bright white finish; typically needed periodically for white-gold jewellery.
Re-polishing/resizing: Expected with wear; resizing should be done by an experienced bench jeweller to protect the setting.
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Special cases & gemstone compatibility

If a piece contains porous or softer stones (pearls, opals, emeralds, turquoise), avoid aggressive cleaning methods used for diamonds — pearls and opals need gentle, chemical-free care and should not be soaked. Always treat multi-stone pieces according to the most delicate stone’s needs.
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Storage & travel

Store pieces separately in soft pouches or compartments to avoid scratches (diamonds can scratch other gems and metals).
When travelling, use a dedicated jewellery roll or hard case with compartments; never leave valuable pieces loose in luggage. Consider insuring high-value items for transit.
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What to avoid

Chlorinated water (pools, hot tubs) — chemicals can weaken settings and damage certain gemstones.
Harsh household cleaners (bleach, acids) and abrasive cleaners — they damage metal finishes and some stone treatments.
DIY soldering or amateur repairs — always use a professional bench jeweller for metalwork.
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Insurance & Valuation

Obtain a professional valuation for high-value pieces (keep digital copies of certificates and photographs). Update valuations after major repairs or if market conditions change. Insure with a policy that covers loss, theft, and accidental damage.
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A short, consumer-friendly maintenance checklist

Clean at home: warm soapy water + soft brush — weekly (if worn often).
Inspect visually: monthly (look for loose stones or bent prongs).
Professional service: every 6–12 months (inspection, clean, tighten, rhodium if needed).
Store separately; remove for strenuous tasks; avoid chemicals.