Your lab-grown diamond is beautiful and special. To keep it looking its best, you need to take good care of it. This guide will show you how to clean and protect your diamond, whether you wear it every day or just for special events. We'll cover simple cleaning methods, storage tips, and ways to avoid damaging your diamond. With these easy steps, you can keep your lab-grown diamond sparkling for a long time.
What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds are meticulously crafted in state-of-the-art laboratories. They're real diamonds, just like the ones found in nature, exhibiting the same brilliance, durability and beauty.
How They Are Made
There are two main ways to create lab diamonds:
- Using high pressure and high heat: This imitates how diamonds form naturally underground.
- Using special gases: This builds up the diamond slowly, layer by layer.
Both methods start with a tiny piece of diamond and make it grow bigger.
Lab vs. Mined Diamonds
Lab diamonds look just like their mined counterparts. They shine the same way and are just as hard. Experts grade them using the same way too, assessing their cut, color, clarity, and carat weight to ensure they meet the highest standards of quality.
Why Taking Care of Your Diamonds Matter
Even though lab diamonds are made differently, they require the same care as natural diamonds. Regular cleaning preserves their brilliance and careful handling with your diamond helps to protect the metal in which they are set. Taking good care of your diamond also helps it keep its value over time.
Daily Care for Your Lab-Grown Diamond
Your lab-grown diamond needs regular care to maintain its beauty. Simple daily habits can protect your diamond from damage and keep it sparkling.
Protecting Your Diamond During Activities
When engaging in active pursuits, it's advisable to remove your diamond jewelry. This includes playing sports, gardening, cleaning the house, or lifting heavy objects. These activities may scratch your diamond or loosen it from its setting. By taking off your jewelry first, you effectively protect if from potential damage.
Keeping Your Diamond Away from Chemicals
Some everyday products can harm your diamond or make it look dull. Cleaning supplies, perfume, lotion, and hair spray are common culprits. Take off your jewelry before using these products. If you forget, clean your diamond as soon as you can afterwards.
Storing Your Diamond Safely
When you're not wearing your diamond, store it carefully. Use a soft cloth or padded jewelry box to protect it. Keep it separate from other jewelry to avoid scratches. For necklaces, hang them up to prevent tangles. Choose a storage spot that's cool, dry, and away from direct sunlight.
Cleaning Methods for Your Lab-Grown Diamond
Regular cleaning keeps your lab-grown diamond sparkling. Here are several ways to clean your diamond, both at home and professionally.
Cleaning with Soap and Water
Mix warm water with a small amount of mild dish soap. Soak your jewelry for 20-30 minutes. Gently brush it with a soft toothbrush, focusing on the back of the diamond where dirt often collects. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a lint-free cloth.
Cleaning with Commercial Jewelry Cleaners
Follow the instructions on the package carefully. Soak your jewelry in the cleaner for the recommended time. Use the brush provided or a soft toothbrush to remove any remaining dirt. Rinse well and dry with a clean cloth.
Cleaning with Ultrasonic Devices
Fill the ultrasonic cleaner with the recommended solution.Place your jewelry in the basket of the ultrasonic devices and run for the suggested time, usually 2-3 minutes. After cleaning, rinse your jewelry with clean water and dry it thoroughly.
Cleaning by Professional Services
Take your lab-grown diamond to a jeweler for professional cleaning once or twice a year. They use specialized equipment for deep cleaning. Many jewelers also check the settings and can do minor repairs if needed.
Choose the method that works best for you and clean your diamond regularly to keep it looking its best.
How to Protect the Setting of Your Lab-Grown Diamond
The setting holds your diamond securely in place. Proper care of the setting is just as important as cleaning the diamond itself.
Checking Prongs Regularly
Examine the prongs holding your diamond every few weeks. Look for any signs of wear, bending, or breakage. Gently tap the side of the ring on a hard surface. If you hear a rattling sound, the stone might be loose. If you notice any issues, take your jewelry to a professional for repair.
Identifying Loose Stones
Be attentive to how your diamond behaves in its setting. A secure stone should not wiggle or spin. If you can see gaps between the diamond and the metal, or if the stone sits unevenly, it may be loose. Avoid wearing the jewelry until you've had it checked by a jeweler.
Performing Preventive Maintenance
Schedule a check-up with your jeweler once a year. They can professionally tighten prongs, check for wear, and clean areas that may be difficult for you to reach at home.
Environmental Factors Affecting Your Lab-Grown Diamond
The environment your diamond is in can affect its physical appearance and the durability of your lab-grown diamond. Understanding some of these factors helps to protect your diamond jewelry.
Heat and Cold: Loosens Settings
Extreme temperature shifts can cause the metal in your setting to expand or contract. This may loosen the stone over time. Avoid wearing your diamond jewelry in very hot places like saunas or hot tubs. Similarly, don't leave it in freezing temperatures. If your jewelry has been exposed to extreme heat or cold, let it return to room temperature slowly before wearing it.
Sunlight: Fades Metal Colors
Sunlight cannot damage your diamond, but over prolonged periods of time, it can cause some coloured gems and metals to fade or discolour. When you're not wearing your jewellery, store it in a cool, dark place. It's a good idea, if you plan to be in the sun for an extended period of time, to remove your diamond jewellery to prevent damage to its setting.
Humidity: Causes Tarnish
High humidity can lead to moisture build up on your jewelry and can have certain metals tarnished. In extremely humid conditions, consider storing your diamond jewelry with silica gel packets to absorb excess moisture. Always remember to clean and dry your jewelry thoroughly afterwards if the surrounding conditions happen to be humid, especially after you have gone for a swim or after heavy sweating.
Chemical Interactions with Your Lab-Grown Diamond
Certain chemicals can harm your diamond jewelry. Understanding which substances to avoid helps maintain your diamond's beauty and the integrity of its setting.
Harsh Cleaners: Damage Settings
Many household cleaners contain abrasives or strong chemicals that can erode metal settings or leave residue on your diamond. Remove your jewelry before using bleach, ammonia, or other harsh cleaning products. If your jewelry accidentally comes into contact with these chemicals, rinse it thoroughly with clean water and dry it immediately.
Cosmetics: Dull Sparkle
Lotions, perfumes, and makeup can leave a film on your diamond, dulling its sparkle. Put on your jewelry after applying these products. If you forget, clean your diamond with a soft, lint-free cloth after wearing. For a deeper clean, use mild soap and water as described in the cleaning section.
Chlorine and Salt: Weaken Metal
Swimming pools, hot tubs, and ocean water expose your jewelry to chlorine and salt, which can weaken gold alloys and cause discoloration. These chemicals may also loosen prongs over time. It's best to remove your diamond jewelry before swimming or bathing in chlorinated or salt water. If exposed, rinse your jewelry with fresh water and dry it thoroughly.
Long-term Care for Your Lab-Grown Diamond
Taking care of your diamond jewelry over time keeps it looking great and holds its value. Here's what you need to do:
Yearly Jeweler Visits: Find Problems Early
One of the most important tips is taking diamond jewelry to a professional jeweler once a year. That way, they will check loose stones and worn parts. Usually, most jewelers perform this service for free if they originally sold you the jewelry. It's a great opportunity for minor repairs before they become large problems.
White Gold Touch-ups: Keep It Bright
If your diamond is set in white gold, it will need replating every couple of years. The bright white coating can wear off, revealing a slightly yellowish hue underneath. Replating puts a new white layer on it, restoring your jewelry to its original brilliance.
Update Insurance: Protect Your Investment
Have your jewelry valued every 2 to 3 years to update your insurance. Values of diamonds change, so you should make sure the insurance coverage is up to date. Store your valuation papers in a safe place, and if you make any changes to your jewelry, remember to have it re-valued.
Keep Your Lab-Grown Diamond Sparkling!
Your lab-created diamond is worthy of good care. With this guide, you will surely allow your diamond to serve for many years in style. Remember that you will also have to clean it regularly, store it well, and protect it from harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures. Embrace the joy of wearing your diamond, and remember, a little love and attention go a long way in preserving its beauty. So, enjoy every moment with your sparkling gem, and let it be a cherished part of your story for years to come!