Cleaning a Diamond Ring
Hand lotions, hair styling products and everyday grime all leave enough of a film on your diamond ring to keep it from looking its best. And if you wait too long between cleanings, those materials can accumulate into a thick layer of gunk on the back of your diamond, blocking light and making the diamond appear dull and lifeless.
Diamonds are the hardest substance known, but that doesn't mean we can bring them back to life with any old cleanser. Coatings and other materials used to enhance diamonds can sometimes be removed by harsh chemicals or vigorous scrubbing, so take care when it's time to make your diamond ring sparkle.
Gentle & Effective Ways to Clean Diamond Rings
1. Soak your diamond ring in a warm solution of mild liquid detergent and water. Ivory dishwashing liquid is a good choice, but any other mild detergent is fine.
2. Use a soft brush if necessary to remove dirt. SOFT is the key -- don't use a brush with bristles that are stiff enough to scratch the ring's metal setting. NEVER USE A TOOTH BRUSH! This will also scratch the fine metal setting!
3. Swish the ring around in the solution, and then rinse it thoroughly in warm water. Close the drain first, or put the ring in a strainer to keep from losing it!
4. Dry the diamond ring with a lint-free cloth. (Such as you would use to clean your glasses or computer monitor with.)
If the diamond and setting needs extra help, use a dental Water Pik to flush away small bits of grime. You can also use a wooden toothpick to very carefully push dirt away from the diamond and setting.
Cleaning "Unfilled Diamonds"
Diamonds that HAVE NOT been "fracture filled" can be cleaned with a solution of ammonia and water. If you are not sure if these are what you have, DO NOT use products with ammonia.
Use the gentler liquid detergent solution for fracture filled diamonds, because ammonia might eventually either cloud or remove the coating that's been placed on the gemstone.
Cleaning Rings with Multiple Types of Gemstones
The method you use to clean jewelry should protect its weakest element. If your ring includes other gems, use a cleaning method that is suitable for the less durable stones.
Protect Diamond Rings from Chlorine
You might already protect your hands from harsh chemicals, but if you don't, think about how chemicals such as chlorine can affect your fine jewelry. Remove your rings or wear gloves to keep chlorine away from your rings.
Overview
For most jewelry, a mild dish detergent (such as Ivory) and some warm water will keep your fine jewelry sparkling and looking lovely for years. The real trick is not allow "build up" of grime and cosmetic type chemicals to "sit" on it and "eat" the finish that first drew you to your treasures.
If you see signs of discoloring or corrosion, loose stones or it begins to irritate your skin; take it immediately to your local jeweler for a detailed expert opinion. Most often the "finish" has worn off and they can offer you options on correcting this. (Especially if you have White Gold or Silver that has been Rhodium Plated. White gold contains nickel and silver will tarnish when this Rhodium wears off)
**What is Cubic Zirconia? CZ’s ???
Cubic Zirconia is well known as a substitute for diamond, due to its high hardness and great fire. But in recent years, it has established itself as a gorgeous gem in its own right. CZ is a beautiful synthetic gemstone that is durable and inexpensive and now even comes in any color of the rainbow, making it even more desirable.
Cubic Zirconia is a cubic form of zirconium oxide that is created in a laboratory, thus it is not a mineral. However, it was found naturally occurring once at one site in the 1930's, but has yet to be discovered since then. The mineral with the same chemical composition as CZ, but in the monoclinic crystal system, is baddeleyite.
To the untrained eye, CZ’s looks identical to a good quality diamond, but CZ has slightly less brilliance or sparkle than a diamond and more fire or flashes of color. The overall effect is so similar that it can even fool a trained gemologist on occasion. CZ is more brittle than diamond and softer. CZ is also flawless, whereas diamond usually contains impurities and inclusions.
Since CZ is transparent, it is often faceted. It can be made in nearly any color and can be faceted into many cuts.
Caring for CZ
Cubic zirconia can be cleaned with any conventional jewelry cleaner or detergent. With such a high hardness and durability, you can use a brush to clean off dirt or oil also. Ultra sonic jewelry cleaners may also be used on CZ and will not damage the stone. However, when using soaps or detergents to clean CZ, one should wipe the jewelry dry thoroughly to avoid residue from the soap leaving a film that will dull the brilliance of the stone. Cubic Zirconia should be cleaned frequently to remove oils from skin that also dull the brilliance of the gem
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