Diamonds are the hardest natural material, but they still collect oils, lotion and dust that dull their sparkle. A short routine at home brings back the brilliance. This guide covers cleaning, daily habits and storage for diamond studs and tennis bracelets in gold.
Quick answer: soak in warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap, brush gently with a soft brush, rinse and pat dry with a lint-free cloth. Do it every few weeks, or whenever the diamonds look cloudy.
How to clean diamond jewelry at home
- Soak. Fill a small bowl with warm (not hot) water and add a few drops of mild dish soap. Let the jewelry soak for 15 to 20 minutes to loosen oils and dirt.
- Brush. Use a soft-bristled brush, such as a baby toothbrush, to gently clean around and underneath each diamond. Dirt builds up most on the underside of the stone, where light enters.
- Rinse. Rinse in clean warm water. Close the sink drain first so nothing falls in.
- Dry. Pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. A microfiber or jewelry cloth works well.
For a tennis bracelet, take extra care along the full length of the bracelet and around the clasp. Brush from the underside as well as the top.
What to avoid
- Chlorine and bleach. They can damage gold alloys. Take jewelry off before swimming in a pool or hot tub and before cleaning with household chemicals.
- Harsh or abrasive cleaners. Skip toothpaste, baking soda and rough cloths. They can scratch the gold.
- Putting on lotion, perfume and hairspray after your jewelry. Apply those first and put your jewelry on last.
- Heavy-impact activities. Remove tennis bracelets for the gym, gardening and heavy lifting. A hard knock can loosen or chip a stone.
- Ultrasonic cleaners, unless a jeweler recommends them. They are safe for many pieces, but vibration can loosen stones that are not firmly set.
Storing your jewelry
Keep each piece in its own box or soft pouch. Diamonds can scratch gold and other gemstones, and other jewelry can scratch yours. Your jewelry comes in an ICEVAULT jewelry box, which is a good place to keep it.
Daily habits that protect your jewelry
- Wear your studs and bracelet during normal daily activities, and remove them for sleep if the bracelet tends to catch on bedding.
- Check the earring backs from time to time. If a push-back feels loose, replace it. Screw-backs should be turned until snug but not forced.
- Check the clasp and safety latches on your bracelet occasionally to make sure they close fully.
When to see a jeweler
Have a jeweler check your pieces about once a year. They can inspect the prongs, tighten settings and clean thoroughly. Seek a check right away if a diamond looks loose, a prong looks bent, or you hear a rattle.
A note on white gold
Many white gold pieces have a thin rhodium plating that slowly wears. If your white gold starts to look slightly warmer, a jeweler can refresh the plating. Yellow and rose gold can be polished to remove light scratches. Learn more in our guide to 14K white, yellow and rose gold.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I clean diamond studs?
Every few weeks is a good rule for pieces you wear daily. Studs sit near skin and hair products, so they collect residue quickly.
Why do my diamonds look cloudy?
Usually a film of lotion, soap or natural oils, and not damage to the diamond. A soak and brush restores the sparkle.
Can diamonds get scratched?
Diamond is extremely hard and very hard to scratch, but the gold around it can scratch, and a diamond can chip if hit at the wrong angle.
Do lab-grown diamonds need special care?
No. They are cleaned and cared for in the same way as mined diamonds. See are lab-grown diamonds actually diamonds for why.
Shop
Browse our diamond stud earrings and tennis bracelets. Orders include a 30-day return policy and ship in 1 to 2 business days.