How To Clean Lab Grown Diamonds

Lab grown diamonds are a sustainable and budget friendly option to natural diamonds with the same fire. 

These are grown in a lab using advanced technology that replicates the natural process

Since they have the same physical and chemical composition as natural diamonds, they need to be cared for the same way. 

Cleaning is key to keep your lab-grown diamonds looking. 

Here’s everything you need to know on how to clean lab grown diamonds.

How To Clean Lab Grown Diamonds

Daily Cleaning Tips

Cleaning is key to keeping your lab-grown diamonds sparkling. 

Here’s how to do it:

Soft Brush

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush meant for jewelry cleaning. Not hard-bristled brushes, as they can scratch.

Gently scrub the diamond, especially where dirt and oil accumulate, under the setting and around the prongs.

Mild Soap Solution

Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water in a small bowl. Soap breaks down oils and loosens dirt.

Water should be warm, not hot, as extreme temperatures can damage the metal settings.

Soak

Soak the jewelry in the soapy water for about 10-15 minutes. This gives the soap time to penetrate and loosen dirt and oils on the diamond.

Swirl the jewelry occasionally in the water to dislodge dirt particles.

Gentle Scrubbing

After soaking, use the soft-bristled toothbrush again to scrub the diamond. 

Underneath the diamond and setting is where dirt accumulates.

Be thorough but gentle to avoid damaging the diamond or setting.

Rinse and Dry

Rinse under warm running water to remove all soap. Make sure to rinse well, as any leftover soap can leave a film on the diamond and dull its fire.

Pat dry with a lint-free cloth to avoid fibers getting stuck on the diamond. Jewelry must be completely dry before wearing again to prevent moisture issues.

Professional Cleaning

While daily cleaning keeps your lab-grown diamond looking its best, professional cleaning gives it a deeper clean and inspection. 

Here’s what you need to know:

Frequency

  • Have your lab-grown diamond jewelry professionally cleaned and inspected every six months. This maintains its brilliance and catches any setting or stone issues—loose prongs or wear and tear that could compromise the diamond.

Professional Cleaning Methods

Ultrasonic Cleaning

High-frequency sound waves and a cleaning solution remove dirt and grime. Ultrasonic waves create bubbles that lift dirt from the diamond and setting. It’s great for hard-to-reach areas.

However, ultrasonic cleaning may not be suitable for all jewelry pieces, especially those with delicate settings or stones that damage easily. Consult a jeweler to see if this is right for your piece.

Steam Cleaning

Blast the diamond with high-pressure steam to remove dirt and residue. It gets into tiny crevices that are hard to clean with a brush. Steam cleaning is safe for most jewelry as long as it doesn’t have delicate or porous stones.

The pressure and heat make the diamond look incredibly clean and bright and restore its original sparkle.

Benefits of Professional Cleaning

  • Thorough Clean: Professional jewelers have the tools and know-how to clean diamonds more thoroughly than you can at home. Their equipment removes stubborn dirt and grime that home cleaning methods miss.
  • Inspection: During the cleaning, jewelers inspect the diamond and setting for wear and damage. This prevents loose prongs or chipped stones. Regular inspections ensure your diamond stays set and healthy.
  • Polishing: Some jewelers offer polishing that restores the metal setting to its original shine, making your jewelry look new again. Polishing removes small scratches and surface wear.

Things to Consider When Picking a Professional Cleaner:

Reputable Cleaner

Choose a jeweler or cleaning service that’s reputable and handles diamonds and fine jewelry gently.

Reputation is everything when it comes to diamonds and fine jewelry.

Certifications

Certifications or associations with jewelry organizations mean more expertise.

Cost

Professional cleaning services cost different things.

However, it’s worth investing in to maintain the value and beauty of your diamond jewelry.

Storage Tips

Proper storage is key to keeping your lab grown diamond jewelry in great condition. Here are some detailed tips to keep your diamonds looking their best when not being worn:

Jewelry Box

Store your lab grown diamond jewelry in a soft fabric-lined jewelry box with individual compartments. 

This prevents scratches and damage from other pieces of jewelry.

If you don’t have a jewelry box with compartments, use soft pouches or separate storage bags to keep each piece isolated. 

This minimizes contact and potential scratching between pieces.

Avoid Chemicals

Keep your diamond jewelry away from harsh chemicals like bleach and chlorine, as well as household cleaners. 

These can damage the metal settings and dull the diamond.

When doing tasks that involve chemicals, like cleaning or swimming in chlorinated pools, remove your diamond jewelry. 

Even everyday items like perfume, hairspray, and lotions can leave residue on your diamonds.

Temperature and Humidity

Store your jewelry in a cool, dry place. 

Excessive heat and humidity can tarnish metals and weaken the settings of your diamond jewelry.

Don’t store jewelry in bathrooms or other damp areas. 

A dry, climate controlled environment is best. 

See Also:  The 3 Best Places to Buy Moissanite Rings According to A Jeweler

You can use silica gel packs in your jewelry box to absorb any moisture and keep it dry.

Travel Storage

When traveling, use a travel jewelry case with secure compartments to prevent damage. Make sure each piece is securely fastened so it doesn’t move during transit. 

Travel cases often have padded interiors and individual slots to keep jewelry secure.

Don’t store jewelry loose in bags or suitcases, this can cause scratches and damage. 

A hard-shell travel case offers extra protection against bumps and drops.

Regular Checks

Check your stored jewelry periodically to make sure it’s in good condition. Look for any signs of damage, loose stones or wear on the settings. 

Regular checks can help you catch any issues before they become major problems.

If you notice any issues, take your jewelry to a professional jeweler for inspection and repair. 

Early detection of loose prongs can prevent the loss of a diamond or further damage to the jewelry.

Anti-Tarnish Strips

For jewelry with metal settings, use anti-tarnish strips in your storage box. 

These strips prevent tarnishing and keep the metal looking bright and clean.

Don’t Overcrowd

Don’t overcrowd your jewelry storage. 

Each piece should have enough space to not touch others. Overcrowding can cause scratches, tangling, and other damage.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

To keep your lab-grown diamonds in top shape, avoid these common mistakes:

Harsh Chemicals

Don’t use bleach, ammonia, or abrasive cleaners on your diamond jewelry. 

These can damage the metal settings and potentially harm the diamond itself. 

Harsh chemicals can also leave a residue that dulls the diamond’s sparkle.

Stick to mild soap solutions and professional cleaning methods. 

Always rinse thoroughly after cleaning to make sure no soap is left behind.

Ultrasonic Cleaners

While ultrasonic cleaners can be effective, using them at home without knowledge can loosen the settings and damage. 

The high frequency vibrations can sometimes dislodge diamonds or other gemstones, especially if the setting is old or fragile.

Leave ultrasonic cleaning to the pros, who can ensure your jewelry is safe. 

If you do use an ultrasonic cleaner, make sure it’s designed for diamonds and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Toothpaste

Toothpaste is often touted as a cleaning solution, but it’s too abrasive for diamonds and can scratch. 

The micro-abrasives in toothpaste, great for cleaning teeth, can create tiny scratches on the surface of the diamond, dulling its sparkle.

Don’t use toothpaste or any abrasive substance on your diamond jewelry.

Use a soft brush and mild soap solution for gentle and effective cleaning.

Rough Handling

Handle your diamond jewelry with care to avoid accidental drops or impacts that can damage the stone or its setting. 

Remove your jewelry before doing anything that could rough handle it or expose it to harsh environments.

When removing or putting on your jewelry, do it over a soft surface or with a firm grip so it won’t fall.

Neglecting Maintenance

Maintenance is key to keeping your diamond jewelry in great shape. 

Skipping cleaning or professional inspections can lead to dirt and grime buildup and undetected damage or wear that gets worse over time.

Set reminders to clean your jewelry regularly and take it in for professional cleaning and inspections at least twice a year.

Conclusion

To keep your lab grown diamonds looking their best, you need to clean them, store them properly and get them professionally looked after. 

By following these guidelines on how to clean lab grown diamonds, you can ensure that your precious jewelry remains dazzling for years to come.

Here’s how to clean lab-grown diamonds so your jewelry stays brilliant forever. 

Mild soap, a soft toothbrush and a cool, dry place are the tricks. 

Professional cleanings and check-ups will spot any problems early and get your jewelry looking like new again. 

Your lab-grown diamonds will remain just as bright as the day you put them on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear my lab-grown diamond jewelry every day?

Yes, lab-grown diamonds are as durable as natural diamonds, making them suitable for daily wear. 

However, it’s important to clean them regularly to maintain their sparkle and avoid exposure to harsh chemicals that could damage the setting​​​​.

How do I know if my diamond needs professional cleaning?

If your diamond appears dull or you notice a grime buildup that doesn’t come off with regular cleaning, it might be time for a professional cleaning.

Regular inspections by a jeweler can also help catch any issues with the setting or the stone itself​​​​.

Are lab-grown diamonds as durable as natural diamonds?

Yes, lab grown diamonds have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds. 

They are equally durable and suitable for all types of jewelry, including engagement rings and everyday pieces​​.

Can I use homemade cleaning solutions for my lab-grown diamonds?

Mild soap solutions made with warm water and a few drops of dish soap are safe and effective for cleaning lab grown diamonds.

 Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as these can damage the diamond or its setting​​.