Caring for your diamonds and gold: Maintenance tips for lasting jewelry

Your fine jewelry, especially pieces featuring diamonds and 18K gold, is not just an accessory—it’s an investment in beauty and craftsmanship that holds deep personal meaning. To ensure your pieces continue to shine for years to come, proper care and maintenance are essential. Whether you’re wearing your jewelry every day or saving it for special occasions, here’s how you can keep your diamonds and gold looking as radiant as the day you got them.

Cleaning Your Diamonds: Restoring the Sparkle

Diamonds are known for their brilliance, but daily wear can cause dirt, oil, and other substances to accumulate on the surface, dulling their sparkle. Fortunately, cleaning diamonds at home is easy with just a few simple steps:

1. Gentle Cleaning Solution: Mix warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap. Avoid harsh chemicals, as they can damage the diamond’s setting or metal.

2. Soft Brush: Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the diamond, paying extra attention to the areas around the prongs where dirt can build up.

3. Rinse and Dry: Rinse your diamond under warm water and pat it dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.

For a more thorough cleaning, you can use a jewelry cleaning solution specifically designed for diamonds, or take your piece to a professional jeweler for an ultrasonic cleaning.

Caring for 18K Gold: Keeping Its Shine

18K gold is a beautiful, durable metal, but like all precious metals, it can lose its luster over time if not properly cared for. The key to maintaining its shine is regular cleaning and mindful wear.

1. Avoid Chemicals: Exposure to harsh chemicals like chlorine, bleach, and household cleaners can tarnish or damage gold. Remove your jewelry before swimming, using cleaning products, or applying lotion and perfume.

2. Polishing Gold: To keep your 18K gold jewelry gleaming, gently polish it with a soft cloth. You can also use a jewelry polishing cloth designed specifically for gold to restore its shine.

3. Professional Cleaning: For pieces that are worn regularly, consider taking your gold jewelry to a professional jeweler once or twice a year for deep cleaning and inspection. This ensures that your jewelry stays in top condition and any small repairs (like tightening a prong) are addressed early.

Storing Your Jewelry: Preventing Scratches and Tangles

When you’re not wearing your diamonds and gold, proper storage is crucial to maintaining their quality and appearance.

1. Separate Storage: Store each piece of jewelry in its own compartment or soft pouch to prevent scratching. Diamonds, being one of the hardest substances, can scratch other jewelry, including other diamonds.

2. Avoid Exposure to Air: Prolonged exposure to air and moisture can lead to tarnishing. Keep your gold pieces in a jewelry box or pouch that’s lined with soft fabric to reduce air exposure.

3. Prevent Tangles: For necklaces and chains, store them flat or hang them individually to avoid knots or tangles that can weaken the metal over time.

Regular Check-Ups: Ensuring Durability

Fine jewelry is designed to last, but over time, wear and tear can affect its structure. To keep your diamonds and gold in pristine condition, it’s a good idea to regularly inspect your pieces for signs of wear.

1. Check Settings: Over time, the prongs that hold your diamonds in place can wear down or bend, making it easier for stones to become loose. Inspect the setting regularly, and if you notice any shifting, take it to a jeweler for repair.

2. Clasp Security: Make sure the clasps on your necklaces, bracelets, and earrings are secure. If they seem weak or loose, have them repaired to avoid losing a cherished piece.

3. Annual Professional Cleaning: Even with at-home care, professional cleanings and inspections once a year will help keep your jewelry in top condition. A jeweler can check for any potential issues and give your diamonds and gold a thorough cleaning.

A Lifetime of Radiance

At VONA, we believe that jewelry is made to be worn, loved, and cherished. With the right care and maintenance, your diamonds and 18K gold pieces will continue to reflect their beauty and craftsmanship for years to come. Regular cleaning, proper storage, and professional check-ups will ensure that each piece remains a treasured part of your collection, ready to shine on every occasion.