How To Clean Lab Grown Diamonds

Daily Care for Lab Grown Diamonds

Lab grown diamonds are just as durable as natural diamonds, scoring a perfect 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. However, they can still accumulate oils, dirt, and debris that diminish their sparkle over time.

For daily care, it’s best to remove your diamond jewelry during activities that might expose them to chemicals, excessive dirt, or potential impact. This includes household chores, gardening, exercising, and applying beauty products.

Always put on your diamond jewelry after applying lotions, perfumes, and hairsprays. These products can create a film on your diamonds that dulls their brilliance and might be difficult to remove over time.

When you’re not wearing your lab grown diamond pieces, store them in a jewelry box with separate compartments or pouches to prevent scratching other pieces. While lab grown diamonds won’t scratch easily, they can scratch other gemstones and metals.

A quick rinse under warm water after wearing your jewelry can help remove body oils and everyday grime. Pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth before storing to prevent water spots and potential damage to the setting.

Remember that proper daily care reduces the need for deep cleaning and helps maintain the original brilliance of your lab grown diamond jewelry for years to come.

How to Clean Lab Grown Diamonds at Home

Cleaning your lab grown diamonds at home is simple and can be done with supplies you likely already have. Here’s a step-by-step process for a thorough at-home cleaning:

1. Prepare a cleaning solution: Mix warm (not hot) water with a few drops of mild dish soap. Avoid using anything with moisturizers or harsh chemicals.
2. Soak the jewelry: Place your lab grown diamond jewelry in the solution and let it soak for 20-30 minutes to loosen dirt and oils.
3. Gentle brushing: Using a soft-bristled brush (a clean, soft toothbrush works perfectly), gently brush all surfaces of the diamond and setting, paying special attention to the underside where dirt often accumulates.
4. Rinse thoroughly: Rinse your jewelry under warm running water to remove all soap residue. Use a strainer or plug the sink to avoid losing your precious pieces down the drain.
5. Dry properly: Pat dry with a lint-free cloth, or let air dry on a clean towel. Avoid paper towels as they can leave lint on your jewelry.

For rings with intricate settings or numerous small stones, consider using a clean makeup brush to reach tight spaces where dirt might accumulate. An old, clean electric toothbrush on a low setting can also provide gentle vibrations that help dislodge stubborn dirt.

This cleaning method is safe for most lab grown diamond jewelry settings, including those set in platinum, gold, and silver. If your piece has other gemstones alongside diamonds, verify that this cleaning method is safe for all components.

Professional Deep Cleaning

While regular at-home cleaning keeps your lab grown diamonds looking their best, professional deep cleaning is recommended at least once or twice a year. At Emerson Fine Jewelry, we offer comprehensive cleaning services specifically designed for lab grown diamond jewelry.

Professional jewelers use specialized equipment like ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners that can reach areas you simply can’t clean at home. Ultrasonic cleaners use high-frequency sound waves to create bubbles that dislodge dirt and grime from the most inaccessible parts of your jewelry.

A professional cleaning appointment also provides an opportunity for jewelers to check the security of your settings. They can identify loose stones, worn prongs, or other potential issues before they lead to stone loss or damage.

Many jewelry stores, including Emerson Fine Jewelry, offer complimentary cleaning services for pieces purchased from them. Taking advantage of these services not only keeps your jewelry looking its best but also helps maintain its long-term value.

During a professional cleaning, jewelers can also re-polish your metal settings to remove minor scratches and refresh the appearance of your entire piece, not just the diamonds.

If your lab grown diamond jewelry has intricate settings or includes other gemstones alongside diamonds, professional cleaning is particularly important as these designs often have crevices where dirt can accumulate and be difficult to remove at home.

Best Cleaning Solutions for Lab Grown Diamonds

While the mild dish soap solution mentioned earlier works well for routine cleaning, there are several other effective options for cleaning lab grown diamonds:

Commercial jewelry cleaners: Many commercial jewelry cleaners are formulated specifically for diamonds. Look for products labeled safe for diamonds and the metal in your setting. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

Ammonia solution: A solution of one part ammonia to six parts water can be effective for removing stubborn grime from lab grown diamonds. Soak for no more than 10-15 minutes, and never use this solution on jewelry containing other gemstones like pearls, opals, or emeralds, as it can damage them.

Vodka or gin: In a pinch, these alcoholic beverages can serve as cleaning agents for diamonds. Their alcohol content helps dissolve oils without leaving residue. Simply soak your diamond jewelry briefly, then rinse thoroughly with water.

Baking soda paste: For heavily soiled pieces, make a paste with baking soda and water. Apply gently with a soft toothbrush, focusing on areas with visible buildup, then rinse thoroughly.

Jewelry cleaning wipes: Pre-moistened jewelry cleaning wipes are convenient for quick cleanings and when traveling. They’re especially useful for removing surface oils that accumulate during wear.

Whatever cleaning solution you choose, always ensure it’s compatible with all components of your jewelry. If your lab grown diamond is set with other gemstones or in particular metals like rose gold or silver, research or consult with a jeweler about the safest cleaning methods.

What to Avoid When Cleaning Lab Grown Diamonds

While lab grown diamonds are durable, certain cleaning methods and substances can damage them or their settings. Here’s what to avoid:

Harsh chemicals: Bleach, chlorine, acetone, and other harsh household chemicals can damage the metals in your settings and potentially affect the polish of your diamonds. Remove all jewelry before swimming in chlorinated pools or using household cleaners.

Abrasive materials: Never use abrasive cleaners, toothpaste, baking soda, or rough cloths to clean your diamond jewelry. While the diamond itself is resistant to scratching, the metals in the setting and any protective coatings can be scratched.

Ultrasonic cleaners for certain settings: While jewelers use ultrasonic cleaners professionally, home units can sometimes loosen stones in certain settings, particularly if the piece already has loose prongs. They’re also not suitable for pieces with glued-in stones or fracture-filled diamonds.

Soaking certain settings: Extended soaking can damage certain adhesives used in some jewelry designs or loosen stones if your setting is already compromised. This is particularly true for pieces with pavé settings or multiple small stones.

Hand lotions and sanitizers: These products can build up on diamonds and their settings, creating a film that dulls brilliance. Always remove your jewelry before applying these products or wash your hands thoroughly before putting your jewelry back on.

When in doubt about a cleaning method, consult with a professional jeweler. It’s better to be cautious than to risk damaging your precious lab grown diamond jewelry.

How Often to Clean Your Lab Grown Diamond Jewelry

The frequency with which you should clean your lab grown diamond jewelry depends on how often you wear it and what activities you engage in while wearing it. Here are some general guidelines:

Daily worn pieces like engagement rings or wedding bands should receive a quick rinse and gentle brushing weekly. These pieces come into contact with lotions, soaps, and everyday grime that can quickly diminish their sparkle.

Occasionally worn pieces can benefit from cleaning before and after each wearing. Clean them beforehand to remove any dust accumulated during storage, and afterward to remove oils and products they may have been exposed to during wear.

Deep cleaning at home with the soak-and-brush method should be done monthly for frequently worn pieces and every few months for occasional pieces.

Professional cleaning is recommended every six months to a year, depending on wear. If you wear your diamond jewelry during activities that expose it to more dirt or chemicals, more frequent professional cleanings may be beneficial.

You should also clean your lab grown diamond jewelry immediately after exposure to substances like sunscreen, hair products, or cooking ingredients, which can be particularly difficult to remove if allowed to set.

Remember that regular cleaning not only keeps your lab grown diamonds looking their best but also gives you the opportunity to inspect for loose stones or worn prongs, potentially preventing loss or damage.

At Emerson Fine Jewelry, we’re always happy to clean and inspect your lab grown diamond jewelry to ensure it remains as brilliant and secure as the day you purchased it.

Conclusion

Lab grown diamonds offer the same beauty and durability as natural diamonds, and with proper care, they’ll maintain their brilliance for generations. Regular cleaning, both at home and professionally, is essential to keeping your lab grown diamond jewelry looking its best.

By following the guidelines in this article, you can ensure your diamonds always sparkle with their maximum potential. Remember to be gentle, use appropriate cleaning solutions, and have your pieces professionally inspected periodically.

If you have questions about caring for your specific lab grown diamond pieces, our expert staff at Emerson Fine Jewelry is always available to help. We’re committed to helping you maintain the beauty of your jewelry investments for years to come.