Welcome to the dazzling world of lab-grown diamonds. Grown in a controlled environment, these beautiful gemstones offer a sustainable and ethical alternative to traditional mined diamonds. But like their natural counterparts, lab-grown diamonds also need to be properly looked after. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover the basic principles of cleaning and storing to ensure that your jewelry stays as radiant as the day you bought it.

1. What are lab-grown diamonds?
2. Taking care of lab-grown diamond jewelry
3. The step-by-step process of cleaning lab-grown diamond jewelry
4. Before you start cleaning, check the metal of your jewelry
5. How to clean different types of jewelry
6. Storing jewelry with lab diamonds
7. Professional cleaning and regular jewelry inspection

The days when diamonds were solely the product of natural geological processes are long gone. Thanks to technological innovations, man-made diamonds that have the same physical, chemical and optical properties as diamonds mined naturally are now created in laboratories. One of the key advantages of lab-grown diamonds is the ethical and sustainable way they are made. Unlike mined diamonds, which are often associated with environmental degradation and human rights concerns, these diamonds are produced with minimal impact on nature and under proper, ethical working conditions. If you would like to read more about how these synthetic diamonds are made and their specific characteristics, please read our earlier article.

Now, let’s go on a journey together to learn about how to take care of lab-grown diamond jewelry and to explore the beauty and craftsmanship that define this emerging industry.

We wear jewelry every day. Over time, however, it can get dirty or slightly scratched and that’s perfectly fine since jewelry is a part of you. But to keep your diamond jewelry beautiful, it’s important to do regular cleaning and aftercare. This will ensure that your precious pieces remain as radiant as the day you purchased them.

Cleaning jewelry with lab-grown diamonds is essentially the same as cleaning jewelry with naturally mined diamonds. Read this simple guide that will no doubt help you with taking care of your jewelry properly:

You’ll need a few basics – mild soap (you can use a few drops of detergent), warm water, a bowl, a toothbrush with soft bristles and a lint-free cloth.

Fill the bowl with warm water and add a few drops of mild detergent. Stir gently to create a soapy solution.

Place your jewelry in the bowl with the solution and make sure that the jewelry is completely submerged in the soapy water. Leave it submerged for about 15 to 20 minutes. This will ensure that the dirt comes off more easily.

After soaking it, remove the jewelry from the bowl. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to clean it, paying particular attention to areas where dirt usually settles (e.g. in the creases, under stones, etc.). When scrubbing, be very careful so that you avoid scratching the metal.

Once you have finished scrubbing it gently, rinse the jewelry under warm running water to remove any soap residue.

Dry the jewelry with a lint-free cloth. Don’t use napkins or paper towels which could scratch your jewelry.

Take a moment to check your jewelry and make sure that it is clean and free of any remaining dirt or grime. If necessary, repeat the cleaning process.

If you own an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner designed for home use, feel free to use it. However, make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and only use it if your jewelry is compatible with that cleaner. Also, pay attention to whether the cleaner is suitable not only for that piece of jewelry, but also for the gemstones in it – for example opals and pearls are sensitive to chemicals and might not take well to such a cleaner.

After cleaning, store your diamond jewelry properly to prevent scratches or damage. Consider using a soft cloth or a jewelry box with individual compartments to keep each piece safe. 

Avoid harsh chemicals such as chlorine or household cleaners that can damage the metal or discolor diamonds. Just in case, always remove your jewelry before swimming or doing household chores.

The way you clean jewelry with lab-grown diamonds may vary slightly depending on the type of metal it is made of.

Gold jewelry is relatively easy to clean. Follow the basic cleaning steps outlined above. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that could damage the gold. If your gold jewelry has any intricate designs, use a soft toothbrush to gently finish cleaning it.

Platinum is a durable metal but slight scratches can still occur, so be careful when cleaning it. Use the same method as for gold jewelry. If your platinum jewelry has a matte finish, do not use any polishing cloths on it.

Silver jewelry requires special care. It’s important to clean it only with a silver polishing cloth or a mild silver cleaner. Do not use abrasive materials that can scratch the silver.

Titanium jewelry is highly durable and designed to resist corrosion, making it relatively low maintenance. Clean it with mild soap and warm water using a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can scratch or damage the metal. After cleaning, dry your titanium jewelry thoroughly to prevent streaks on it.

Stainless steel jewelry is easy to clean and resistant to dirt. Clean it with a mild soap and warm water using a soft cloth. For more stubborn stains, you can also use specialized stainless steel cleaners. Avoid abrasive materials that can scratch its surface.

If you’re not sure of the best cleaning method for a particular piece of jewelry, leave it to the care of professionals.

Each type of diamond jewelry may require special care. Here are some specific rules for cleaning:

For diamond rings, pay extra attention to the inside of the ring, where dirt can accumulate. Use a soft brush to gently scrub both around the diamonds and on the shank.

When cleaning earrings, use a soft brush, taking care to remove any accumulated dirt around the back of the earrings.

For necklaces and pendants with diamonds, focus on cleaning both the diamonds, as well as the entire chain. Use a soft brush and soapy water.

When cleaning diamond bracelets, pay attention to the joints and links where dirt and cream residue tend to accumulate.

In addition to regular cleaning, if you want your diamond jewelry to remain beautiful, properly storing it is also important. Setting up a simple storage solution will ensure not only the safety of these stunning gemstones, but also their longevity and brilliance for generations to come. Follow these tips and your jewelry will stay safe.

Keep your jewelry in a clean, dry jewelry box or bag to protect it from dust and moisture. Consider using separate compartments or bags for each piece to also prevent possible scratches.

Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause diamond jewelry to fade or change color over time. When not in use, store your jewelry box in a cool, dark place out of direct sunlight.

In addition to regular cleaning and storage, it’s essential to schedule regular maintenance and professional cleaning for your lab-grown diamond jewelry.

Inspect your jewelry regularly for signs of damage, such as loose stones or scratches on the surface of the diamonds. Deal with any issues immediately by taking it to a reputable seller.

Schedule a professional clean for your jewelry at least once a year to remove stubborn dirt, oil and debris that may have accumulated over time. A professional jeweler is able to use specialized equipment and techniques to restore the brilliance and beauty of your diamonds.

Man-made diamonds offer a sustainable and ethical alternative to mined diamonds, but they still need proper care and maintenance to ensure that they sparkle for many years. By following the suggestions in this comprehensive guide, you will be able to keep your diamonds clean, sparkling and beautiful for generations to come.