When a diamond is on your hand the thought of taking it off, even to restore it to its sparkling glory, can seem devastating. With its exceptional value in both material worth and sentiment, we want our diamonds to glitter as new for an eternity.

Natural oils, hand creams and the elements can all have an effect on the aesthetic of a diamond. While a diamond is durable, it is not indestructible. Stones can chip over time and, though rare, scratching can occur. The most important thing to remember is that a diamond is intended to be worn. It is to be worn, loved and cherished

If sending your precious piece away to a jewelers is more than the heart can stand, basic maintenance can be done at home. With simple steps, it is amazing how quickly a loved diamond can be back sparkling again.

1. Dish Soap and water

A simple tip to clean your diamond jewelry is by soaking it in a gentle degreasing solution, like water combined with a couple drops of mild dish soap, once or twice every week.

After removing the diamond from the cleaning solution, use a clean, soft toothbrush to get rid of any leftover dirt. Keep in mind that the brush should be new and reserved especially for cleaning your diamond jewelry. Use the brush to clean hard-to-reach places such as the diamond’s back, which tends to gather the most dirt and oil.

2. Use Vinegar

Cleaning your diamond and gold jewelry could not be any easier than with white vinegar. Place the jewelry into a vinegar jar and allow it to sit for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Take out and scrub the stone with a soft-bristled toothbrush, if necessary.

3. Vodka

Vodka (or gin, if it is your preferred nightcap) can bring back luster to hard stones. Pour vodka on a clean cloth and wipe over your jewelry. Another way is to swish the accessories in a bowl of vodka and clean then dry. You may need to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to really clean the hard-to-reach areas.

4. Windex

Windex is one of the many household products that can be used to clean your diamonds. Spray a soft-bristled toothbrush with Windex, then brush the diamonds slowly. Make sure to rinse the jewelry with water and wipe them dry with a soft cloth.

Caution! If you are going to be using cleaners to clean your diamond, make sure they are non-abrasive and chemical-free. Knowledge is power and research is key. If there are any harsh chemicals present in the solution, your diamond can permanently become discolored or lose its value. Avoid using chlorine, bleach or abrasives like toothpaste or household cleaners.

Caring for your diamond at home – things to avoid:

1. Avoid applying thick creams or lotions when wearing your diamond jewelry as they can cause residue build-up. This can make your jewelry look and feel dull and discolored.
2. Diamond jewelry can be fragile, and thus should be handled with extra care. For instance, if you hit your ring onto something hard enough, be sure to check over the stone and any settings under a jeweler’s loupe. If you know that you are going to do something that requires manual labor or will expose your jewelry to chemicals then it is best to take them off and store them in a safe place.
3. If you have a warranty, it is crucial to stay updated on your maintenance appointments. Let an expert look over your jewelry. An appointment may reveal a worn-down claw or lose setting. It is better to live a month without your ring than have lost your diamond for a lifetime.
4. Enjoy your jewelry. Regular care of your diamond will ensure it lasts, but your perfect ring should fit in with your daily life. It will become a part of you, and by following these steps your cherished stone will stay with you for eternity.