How Do I Remove Scratches from Lab-Grown Diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds are now the hottest and the most preferred ones in the jewelry market for the consumers who want to get hold of nice, ethical, and cheap gemstones at the same time. However, just like natural diamonds, they are subjected to scratches and chips due to prolonged usage.

If you are one of those who have a lab-grown diamond and have somehow noticed surface damage on it, then you must be asking the age-old question, “Is it possible to bring back the diamond’s former brilliance?”  Well, the answer lies in this article as we offer you a comprehensive guide to scratch removal and keeping your diamond sparkling.

Understanding Diamond Scratches

To start with, it is very important to know the different kinds of scratches we are dealing with. It is a fact that lab-grown and mined diamonds share the same physical characteristics which consequently results in similar properties such as durability and susceptibility to surface scratches. However, all diamonds can withstand wear and tear to a certain extent, and so, they might become scratched by other stones or during a certain activity, leaving behind the marks which are visible through the surface.

Not every blemish on your diamond is to be taken as a permanent scratch. It would be very likely that a scratch was just there due to dirt, oil from your skin, or soap residue. After thoroughly cleaning your diamond, you may want to think about professional help as the last resort.

Simple Cleaning Solutions

The very first thing you should do is to carry out basic cleaning. To begin, mix warm water with a very small amount of mild dish soap and gently scrub your diamond with a soft toothbrush. This simple technique can surprisingly remove very fine marks and enhance the diamond’s attractiveness as well. In case of hard to remove dirt, dip your diamond in the soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes before brushing.

You may also opt for commercial jewelry cleaning solutions that are targeted specifically for diamonds. These are gentle yet effective and sold at most of the jewelry stores. Make sure to always use soft brushes or cloths as abrasive materials can create an additional problem.

Professional Polishing

In case the scratches are not removed by simple cleaning, professional polishing would be the most effective solution. Jewelers are equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to polish away the surface scratches of diamonds. The procedure includes the use of softening compounds of professional quality to gently rub off the surface of the diamond and thus, the scratches are smoothed out and the sparkle of the gem is restored.

The good thing about the jewelry procedure is the fact that it is graced with the understanding of the diamond’s facets, hence the cut and clarity are not compromised. Most jewelers can do this work pretty quickly, taking just a few days.

What About Deep Scratches?

For cases with deeper, more pronounced scratches, polishing may be the only option left. Under such circumstances, a jeweler may suggest recutting and then repolishing the diamond. The process would entail reshaping the diamond which would remove the damage, however, this will also cause a little weight loss of the diamond and might even lessen its value. This is something that is done only in rare cases of serious damage.

Prevention: The Best Approach

While removing scratches is possible, prevention is always better than repair. Here are some practical tips to keep your lab-grown diamond scratch-free:

Store it safely. Keep your diamond jewelry in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box, away from other jewelry that could scratch it. Never store multiple pieces together without protection.

Avoid abrasive activities. Remove your diamond jewelry before doing household chores, exercising, gardening, or any activity where it might come into contact with rough surfaces.

Clean regularly. Frequent gentle cleaning can prevent buildup and help you spot new scratches early before they become more serious.

Have it inspected. Visit a jeweler annually for a professional inspection and cleaning. This helps catch any issues early and keeps your diamond in top condition.

Choose appropriate settings. Select a ring setting that protects the diamond. Bezel settings offer more protection than solitaire or tension settings.

Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Different?

You might be asking, do lab-created diamonds scratch more often than mined ones? The answer is no. The reason for the durability and hardness of lab-grown diamonds is that their physical structure is the same as that of mined diamonds. They both belong to the top category of the Mohs hardness scale, which is 10. Both types equally require the same care and maintenance.

The Bottom Line

The scratches on your lab-grown diamond can be removed permanently. The light surface scratches can usually be removed easily through cleaning or professional polishing, and deeper scratches can be treated with the latter process. Recutting is the most affected and thus diamond weight and value are lost in more extreme cases.

The key is to treat your lab-grown diamond with care and have it professionally maintained when needed. By following good storage and handling practices, you can minimize scratches and keep your diamond looking brilliant for many years to come.

Remember, whether your diamond is lab-grown or mined, it’s an investment worth protecting. When in doubt about how to handle scratches, consult with a professional jeweler who can assess the damage and recommend the best course of action for your specific situation.