Price of Diamonds Home
Price of Diamonds
Diamond Listings
Diamond Buying Checklist
Diamond Glossary
Other Gemstones
Diamond Prices Lists and Charts
GIA and IGI Diamond Prices
Diamond Price List
Diamond Charts
Weight Categories
Carat Weight & Size Charts
Calibration Charts
Proportions of Diamonds
Appraising Diamonds
American Gem Society
European Gemological Laboratory
Gemological Institute of America
Diamond Certification Laboratory of Australia
Diamond Appraisal
Diamond Appraisers
ATGA Codes
Laboratory List
Diamond Testing
Diamond Broker
Appraisal abbreviations
Diamond Basic Information
Diamond Facts
Diamond Ring Tension Setting
DeBeers Diamonds
Diamond Formation
The 4 C's of Diamonds
Buy Diamonds
Diamond Clarity
Diamond Color
Diamond Cut
Diamond Weight
Diamond Flaws
Harmonized System Codes
Additional Information
How to Buy Loose Diamonds
Diamond Selling
Diamonds in Canada
Diamonds - How to Clean
Da Vinci Diamond Cut
Diamond Fakes
Diamond Archives
How to Sell Your Diamond
Famous Diamonds
Diamond Formation
Diamond Properties
Diamond Cutting
Diamond Substitutes
As diamonds are the hardest substance known to man you might consider they do not require cleaning. Nothing could be further from the truth however. Diamonds can get just as dirty and grubby as any other substance.
Some important points to remember when cleaning diamonds are:
Do not be too aggressive, the diamond may be able to take it but the precious metal of gold or silver in which the diamond is set may be easily damaged.
This applies using pastes or powders and obviously metal scourers are right out of the question.
Here are two ways to clean diamonds in their setting.
Soapy water
Mix a small amount of dishwashing detergent with warm water until you have some soapy suds. Immerse the diamond jewelry into the solution and gently brush with an old toothbrush set aside for this purpose only. Ensure you get into any crevases and cracks.
thoroughly rinse in warm running water.
You can then pat dry or leave on a dry cloth surface to dry for a while.
The other method is by using An Ammonia Solution but one has to be careful that this will not affect the metal the gems are set in.
Ammonia Solution
In a small bowl mix one part ammonia to 6 parts water (Distilled water is best).
Immerse the item to be cleaned into the solution.
Using a soft toothbrush, gently brush the item.
Ensure you brush the entire object including the back of the stone and the parts where the setting meets the stone. These areas tend to collect body oils which can deteriorate the setting.
Again thoroughly rinse in warm running water.
You can then pat dry or leave on a dry cloth surface to dry for a while.
Extra Tips:
It has been suggested that distilled water be used. Some tap waters contain impurities that may affect the setting and even dull the stone with impurities on the surface.
If using ammonia, ensure you do your cleansing in a well ventilated area and do not crouch down over the dish when cleaning. Also be sure to avoid inhaling the ammonia solution directly.
Using the above your diamonds should come up sparkling clean and your settings will remain clean, intact and unscratched.