The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Diamond and Sapphire Jewelry

Ready to make your jewelry last for generations?

Diamonds and sapphires are among the most alluring gemstones in the world. For centuries, people have been dazzled by their sparkle, fire, and radiant color.

But here's the catch…

Without regular care and maintenance, even the most stunning jewelry can quickly lose its shine.

The good news?

Proper diamond and sapphire care is actually pretty simple. When you invest in quality pieces like exquisite diamond jewelry, a few minutes of maintenance each week can keep your bling in tip-top condition for many years — or even generations.

Let's dive into what you need to know…

Here's what you'll discover:

• Why Diamond and Sapphire Jewelry Care Is Important

• The Best Way to Clean Your Diamond and Sapphire Jewelry

• The Ultimate Storage Guide for Diamonds and Sapphires

• The Biggest Diamond and Sapphire Jewelry Care Mistakes

• What's the Jewelry Care Routine You Should Build?

• Should You Get Your Diamond & Sapphire Jewelry Insured?

Why Diamond and Sapphire Jewelry Care Is Important

Trust me when I say this…

While jewelry cleaning and maintenance may not seem like a glamorous part of the jewelry ownership experience, taking good care of your beautiful pieces is actually extremely important.

On the one hand, it's about maintaining aesthetics. Jewelry that's regularly cleaned and cared for simply looks better and sparkles more.

On the other hand, it's about insurance protection.

The jewelry care products market was valued at $2.5 billion in 2023, and is expected to grow at a healthy 5.5% CAGR by 2030.

So, it appears that people are finally taking jewelry care seriously.

As for diamond jewelry — which is where the bulk of the growth is coming from — it remains by far the most popular choice.

According to one recent survey, over 50% of people prefer diamonds as their gemstone choice for jewelry gifts.

And let's face it…

Diamonds have been the number one choice for generations for a reason.

Despite being the hardest substance on earth, diamonds can get dirty, dull, and lose their fire if you don't take care of them.

The same is true for sapphires. A well taken care of sapphire will sparkle much more intensely.

The bottom line?

Treating your jewelry right is the only way to make sure you're always wearing your sparkliest self.

The Best Way to Clean Your Diamond and Sapphire Jewelry

Believe it or not…

Cleaning your diamond and sapphire jewelry at home is actually one of the easiest things to do.

All you need is a little soap and water.

Here are the steps:

• Place your diamond or sapphire jewelry in a bowl or cup.

• Add warm water (not too hot) and a couple of drops of mild dish soap. Stir the water to create suds.

• Allow the jewelry to soak for 15–20 minutes. You will see the dirt and grime start to loosen up.

• Take a clean, soft-bristled toothbrush (make sure it's new or hasn't been used with toothpaste) and gently scrub your jewelry. Pay special attention to the area around the back of the stones, where dirt likes to collect.

• Rinse your jewelry well with warm water.

• Use a lint-free cloth to dry your jewelry and allow it to air dry completely.

Done. That's it.

It really is that simple.

But wait, there's more…

Should you take your diamond and sapphire jewelry to a professional cleaner? Absolutely.

Even if you take good care of your diamond jewelry at home, a professional cleaning at least twice a year is recommended.

The pros can:

• Deep clean your jewelry to remove dirt and buildup that you can't reach.

• Check that stones are secure and tighten them if necessary.

• Inspect the prongs, settings, and other elements of the jewelry for signs of wear or damage.

• Polish the metal settings to bring back their shine.

This kind of preventive maintenance will help avoid situations where a stone is lost and has to be replaced or a setting needs expensive repair work.

Professional cleaning is also the best way to safely use an ultrasonic cleaner.

Ultrasonic cleaners use sound waves to remove dirt and grime. For untreated diamonds and sapphires, they are safe and effective.

However, do not use ultrasonic cleaners on treated sapphires or on stones with visible inclusions. Stick to the basic hand cleaning method for these pieces.

The Ultimate Storage Guide for Diamonds and Sapphires

Proper storage is critical.

While diamonds are one of the hardest substances on earth (see photo below), and sapphires are second only to diamonds, they can still damage each other when stored together.

To protect both your diamonds and your sapphires, as well as any other softer gemstones that you may have, follow these simple guidelines:

• Store your diamond and sapphire jewelry in individual compartments, soft jewelry pouches, or their original boxes, if possible.

• Never throw all your jewelry pieces into one box. This is the quickest way to scratch your settings and damage other pieces in the collection.

• Keep your jewelry in a cool, dry location out of direct sunlight. Sunlight and heat can impact some treatments and settings over time.

The Biggest Diamond and Sapphire Jewelry Care Mistakes

Don't fall into these common pitfalls…

Here are the 5 most common diamond and sapphire jewelry care mistakes people make:

• Wearing your jewelry during activities where they can be damaged (like swimming, cleaning, or sports). Take your jewelry off during these activities to prevent damage.

• Using the wrong products to clean your jewelry (including toothpaste, harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, and lemon juice). These can dull your stones, damage your settings, or cause discoloration.

• Ignoring your jewelry. Don't wait for a stone to fall out or your settings to break before you take your jewelry to a jeweler. Regular inspections can help spot and fix these kinds of issues before they lead to damage or loss.

What's the Jewelry Care Routine You Should Build?

For diamond and sapphire jewelry that you wear daily:

• Quick wipe with a soft cloth after each wearing

• Gentle cleaning with a soft-bristled toothbrush and warm soapy water once a week

• Professional cleaning every six months

For diamond and sapphire jewelry for special occasions:

• Clean before and after wearing

• Store properly when not in use

• Annual professional inspection

Should You Get Your Diamond & Sapphire Jewelry Insured?

Yes. If you own valuable diamond or sapphire jewelry, it is always a good idea to have it insured.

Get your pieces appraised every few years as part of your regular jewelry maintenance, including between cleanings and inspections. Values change over time, and you want to be sure you're properly covered.

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