Your lab grown diamond possesses the same unmatched hardness and brilliance as natural diamonds, but like any precious piece of jewelry, it deserves the right care to maintain its beautiful appearance forever. At Vedder.Diamonds, we believe that a well-maintained diamond not only stays beautiful longer, but also retains its value.
This comprehensive guide helps you ensure that your lab grown diamond continues to shine with the same intensity for generations as it did on the day you first wore it.
Why maintenance is so important
Lab grown diamonds are identical to natural diamonds - they consist of pure carbon and have a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale. Yet they can lose their luster due to:
- Daily exposure: Skin oils, cosmetics, soap and creams
- Environmental factors: Dust, dirt and other particles from the air
- Contact with other materials: Clothing, furniture, other jewelry
- Chemical substances: Cleaning products, perfume, hair products
The good news? With proper care, your lab grown diamond maintains its spectacular brilliance!
Daily care: Small habits, big impact
What you SHOULD do:
- Remove during activities: Sports, cleaning, gardening, swimming
- Lotion first: Let hand cream and cosmetics fully absorb before putting on jewelry
- Store dry: Keep jewelry in a dry environment, preferably in a jewelry box
- Store separately: Prevent jewelry from rubbing against each other
What you should NOT do:
- Wear jewelry while cleaning with chemicals
- Exposure to chlorine (swimming pools, hot tubs)
- Sleep with jewelry on (increased risk of damage)
- Direct contact with perfume, hairspray or makeup
Home cleaning: Making your diamond shine
The basic cleaning method
What you need:
- Lukewarm water
- Mild dish soap (no abrasive agents!)
- Soft toothbrush with natural bristles
- Lint-free cloth (microfiber or linen)
Step-by-step:
- Make a solution of lukewarm water with a few drops of mild dish soap
- Soak the jewelry for 10-15 minutes in the solution
- Brush gently with soft movements, especially around the setting where dirt accumulates
- Rinse thoroughly under running lukewarm water
- Dry carefully with a soft, lint-free cloth
- Let dry completely before storing the jewelry
Deep cleaning (monthly)
For more stubborn dirt you can use:
- Toothpaste (non-abrasive): Small amount on a soft brush
- Ammonia solution (1:6 with water): Only for diamonds and platinum/gold settings
- Ultrasonic cleaner: If you have one, very effective for thorough cleaning
Warning: Never use bleach, acetone, or other aggressive chemicals!
Care per precious metal setting
Gold settings (14k, 18k)
- Yellow gold: Least sensitive to discoloration, easy to keep clean
- White gold: May become yellowish over time due to rhodium coating wear
- Rose gold: Durable due to copper addition, but may sometimes cause skin discoloration
Maintenance: Regular cleaning with mild solution, professional re-rhodium plating for white gold if needed.
Specific care for lab grown diamonds
Lab grown diamonds have identical properties to natural diamonds, but there are some specific points of attention:
CVD vs HPHT diamonds
- CVD diamonds: May sometimes be more sensitive to extreme temperature changes
- HPHT diamonds: Generally very stable, comparable to natural diamonds
- Both: Benefit from regular, gentle cleaning
Maintaining certification
- Keep your GIA/IGI certificate in a safe place
- Photograph your diamond periodically for insurance purposes
- Keep purchase receipts for warranty and service
When to seek professional help?
Signs that you need a specialist:
- Loose stone: Diamond moves in the setting
- Damaged setting: Prongs or claws are bent/broken
- Loss of luster: That doesn't improve after thorough home cleaning
- Visible scratches: On the diamond itself (very rare, but possible)
- Discolorations: That don't disappear with normal cleaning
What a professional can do:
- Ultrasonic deep cleaning: Removes all traces of dirt and oil
- Setting inspection: Ensures your diamond sits securely
- Re-rhodium plating: For white gold jewelry
- Polishing: Restores the original luster of the precious metal
- Recalibration: Check measurements and finishing
Storage and transport
Home storage:
- Individual compartments: Prevent contact between different jewelry pieces
- Soft lining: Velvet or soft fabric
- Dry environment: Avoid humid spaces like bathrooms
- Stable temperature: Avoid extreme temperature changes
Traveling with diamonds:
- Carry-on luggage: Never in checked baggage
- Safe packaging: Sturdy jewelry box or bag
- Insurance documents: Always at hand
- Discrete packaging: Avoid attention-grabbing boxes
Frequently asked questions about diamond care
Can I damage my lab grown diamond? Diamonds are extremely hard, but not indestructible. Very hard impacts against other diamonds or certain hard materials can cause damage.
How often should I have my diamond checked? We recommend a professional inspection every 1-2 years, depending on how often you wear the jewelry.
Can I use ultrasonic cleaners? Yes, but only if the diamond sits firmly in the setting. When in doubt, consult a professional first.
What if my white gold ring turns yellow? This is normal - the rhodium coating wears away. A jeweler can easily renew this.
Can chlorine damage my diamond? Chlorine doesn't damage the diamond, but can affect some precious metals. Avoid swimming pools with jewelry on.
The Vedder.Diamonds service
At Vedder.Diamonds, we offer comprehensive aftercare for all our lab grown diamonds:
Our services:
- Free cleaning: For all jewelry purchased from us
- Professional inspection: Check setting and general condition
- Repairs: From minor repairs to complete restorations
- Certification: Help with certificate reunification
- Advice: Personal maintenance advice for your specific jewelry
Why choose our service?
- Lab grown expertise: Specialized knowledge of lab grown diamond properties
- Modern equipment: Latest technology for cleaning and repair
- Transparent prices: No surprises, clear cost overviews
- Fast service: Most maintenance work within a week
- Warranty: On all our maintenance work
Conclusion: Invest in your diamond's future
Your lab grown diamond represents not only a beautiful choice for today, but a heirloom for the future. With proper care, it maintains its spectacular brilliance and value for generations.
The time you invest in good maintenance is minimal compared to the years of enjoyment you'll have from it. And remember - at Vedder.Diamonds, we're always ready to help keep your investment in perfect condition.
Do you have questions about caring for your lab grown diamond? Contact us for personal advice. Our experts are happy to help ensure your diamond always shines as intended.
Vedder.Diamonds - where quality and service go hand in hand. Discover why more and more people choose our expertise in lab grown diamonds and our commitment to lifelong customer service.