How to Prevent Diamond Scratches

Anything lasting an eternity with diamonds, right? Well, nothing is everlasting if neglected. I learned this hard way when after a year of wearing my engagement ring, tiny, almost invisible scratches caught my attention. Of course, being thorns of the greatest kind in the kingdom of nature, a diamond isn’t truly invincible.

Let me share what I’ve learned about keeping your diamonds looking brand new.

Why Diamonds Get Scratched (Yes, Really!)

Here’s one for you: Diamonds are capable of scratching other diamonds. That’s it-the only thing hard enough to scratch a diamond is another diamond. So if you’re storing pieces of diamond jewelry together or maybe wearing diamond rings on adjacent fingers, then trouble is basically preordained.

Smart Storage Makes All the Difference

Think about where you toss your jewelry at the end of the day. Everything just thrown in one box? That is problem number one.

Allow each kind of diamond jewelry its own territory. I like to use soft fabric pouches for my rings, and a jewelry box with separate compartments for everything else. It’s simple: don’t allow your diamonds to touch each other or other gemstones.

If you are not blessed with a fancy jewelry box, just wrapping each piece in soft cloth will suffice-perfectly. Just ensure that each is separated.

Take It Off When You Should

Now I know you want to wear your precious diamond ring everywhere, but some activities just might prove too risky. I’ve gotten into the habit of removing my jewelry before:

Cleaning the house – Those harsh chemicals and abrasive surfaces are no joke. One scrub against a countertop and you could cause damage.

Working out – Weights and workout equipment can bang against your ring in ways you don’t even notice until it’s too late.

Gardening – Dirt gets everywhere, and you’d be surprised how rough soil and rocks can be on your jewelry.

Swimming – Chlorine won’t scratch your diamond, but cold water can make your fingers shrink, and losing a ring is worse than any scratch.

I keep a small dish by my kitchen sink and another in my bathroom specifically for holding my rings when I need to take them off. Makes it easy to remember to put them back on too.

Regular Cleaning Prevents Buildup

Dirty diamonds are more prone to damage because dirt grit may act as an abrasive between the stone and other surfaces. My method of cleaning my diamonds is every couple of weeks in warm water, with mild dish soap, and using a soft toothbrush.

Cleaning is very gentle and very simple. Mix the soap and water, allow your jewelry to soak for about 20 minutes, gently brush around the diamond and setting, rinse it with clean water, and finally pat it dry with a lint-free cloth.

Do not use harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners unless you are sure of how to use them safely at home, and certainly do not use rough materials like paper towels that can leave tiny scratches on the metal setting

Get Professional Checkups

Once a year my entire collection of diamond jewelry goes to a jeweler for inspection. They check if any prongs are loose, if there are any damages I have not noticed, and they have it all professionally cleaned.

Thus far, two times we have avoided disaster. They found a loose prong with which I could have lost the diamond entirely. That annual visit is worth every penny.

Be Mindful of What You Wear Together

I used to wear three rings on the same hand without thinking twice about it. Now I’m more strategic. If you’re wearing multiple diamond pieces, space them out. Don’t stack diamond rings right next to each other unless they’re specifically designed as a set.

The same goes for bracelets. If you have a diamond tennis bracelet, wear your watch on the other wrist. It’s all about reducing contact points.

The Bottom Line

Preventing diamond scratches isn’t complicated, but it does require some awareness. Store your pieces separately, take them off during risky activities, clean them regularly, and get professional checkups.

Your diamonds will sparkle just as beautifully decades from now as they do today. Mine certainly look better now that I’ve developed these simple habits, and I’m not constantly worried about damaging them anymore.

Trust me, a little prevention goes a long way. Your future self will thank you when your diamonds still look flawless years down the road.