They say diamond jewellery is forever, but even the most exquisite pieces require care to maintain their brilliance over time. When you finally own the diamond of your dreams, it is essential to know how to keep it sparkling for a lifetime.

Whether it is a dazzling ring, an elegant necklace, or a stunning pair of earrings, daily wear can lead to potential damage. That is why we have created this essential guide - to help you protect and preserve your treasured diamond jewellery , ensuring it remains as breath-taking as the day you first fell in love with it.

The first step to ensuring your diamond jewellery lasts for generations is investing in high-quality pieces. When shopping for diamond jewellery, prioritizing craftsmanship and premium materials is essential. Cheaper alternatives often come with weak settings and lower-quality metals that can tarnish, weaken, and even break over time.

Choosing exceptional diamond jewellery guarantees durability and lasting brilliance. At Michael Spiers, we offer a stunning collection of luxury pieces designed to stand the test of time. Explore our website or visit one of our showrooms in Truro, Plymouth, Exeter, or Taunton to find your perfect piece.

We understand that when you own beautiful diamond jewellery, it is tempting to wear it all the time. However, everyday activities can gradually cause wear and tear; consequently there are times when it may be best to remove your pieces. Here are a few examples from our jewellery repair team:

Whether you are lifting weights or using gym equipment, your diamond jewellery is at risk of damage from constant contact and impact. Sudden knocks can bend settings, loosen stones, or cause scratches, diminishing its brilliance over time. To keep your pieces safe, it is best to leave it at home before heading out for your workout.

Outdoor activities like gardening can be harmful to diamond jewellery. Soil and grit can become lodged in the settings, while pressure from tools can scratch delicate bands. It may seem like a no brainer, but you would be surprised! 

It might seem harmless, but sleeping in your diamond jewellery can lead to snagging on bedding or accidental knocks during the night. This is not to say you need to necessarily take off your pieces at night, but it is good practice. 

The type of metal in your diamond jewellery also plays a crucial role in its durability and care. Some metals are more delicate than others, requiring extra attention to prevent scratches or tarnishing. In certain cases, it’s wise to be more mindful of when and how you wear your jewellery to ensure it stays in pristine condition.

The type of metal in your diamond jewellery also plays a crucial role in its durability and care. Some metals are more delicate than others, requiring extra attention to prevent scratches or tarnishing. In certain cases, it’s wise to be more mindful of when and how you wear your jewellery to ensure it stays in pristine condition.

Unlike silver, gold jewellery is far more resistant to tarnishing since it does not easily react with oxygen. This makes it a durable choice for everyday wear. However, if your gold jewellery is an alloy, it may still be susceptible to damage from excessive moisture and harsh chemicals. To keep it looking its best, it is wise to take precautions and care for it properly. With this in mind, it harks back to our initial point of ensuring that your diamond jewellery is of high quality.

How you handle your jewellery can also make a difference. Here are some tips tailored to specific pieces:

Always pick up rings by the band, not by the stone or setting. Pulling at the diamond itself increases the risk of loosening the stone over time. 

When handling a necklace, gently hold the chain near the clasp rather than the pendant itself.

With stud earrings in particular, handle them from the back or the clasp, avoiding pressure directly on the stone or front setting.

Similar to other pieces of diamond jewellery, when picking up a diamond bracelet, avoid directly making contact with the stones. 

If you have had your diamond jewellery for some time, you may want to give your pieces a quick clean to help them shine, and you can easily do this at home. Regular cleaning helps your jewellery sparkle, but before you start, preparation is key.

Setting the Scene

Always clean your diamond jewellery in a secure, stable area to prevent accidental loss and avoid sinks with open drains or outdoor spaces where a mishap could occur! Before you begin, make sure you have the right tools on hand:

• A soft-bristled toothbrush

• A shallow tray

• A bowl of lukewarm soapy water

• A soft cloth (a glasses cleaning cloth is ideal)

• Optional: a magnifying glass for a final inspection

Step 1: Gentle Cleaning

Soak your diamond jewellery in warm, soapy water for a few minutes to loosen dirt and build-up. Then, using a soft-bristled toothbrush, gently scrub away any residue, paying extra attention to the area around the stone setting where grime tends to accumulate.

Step 2: Polishing

After cleaning, use a soft, lint-free cloth to polish your piece, working in small circular motions to restore its natural brilliance.

Step 3: Final Inspection

Carefully examine your jewellery with a magnifying glass to check for any remaining dirt or signs of damage. If you notice any issues, have it inspected by a professional before wearing it again to prevent further damage.

While regular at-home cleaning helps maintain your diamond jewellery’s shine, nothing beats professional care. At Michael Spiers, we offer expert cleaning services at our showrooms in Truro, Plymouth, Exeter, and Taunton. Simply bring your piece in, and our team will assess whether it needs attention from our in-house workshop. Using advanced ultrasonic cleaning machines, we remove stubborn dirt and thoroughly inspect for any signs of damage, ensuring your jewellery is restored to its full brilliance.

Please note: for optimal results, we recommend professional cleaning for pieces purchased from Michael Spiers, as we know the exact specifications and craftsmanship behind our jewellery. We are of course more than happy to examine other pieces.

Proper storage is just as important as cleaning. To prevent scratches, tangles, or accidental damage, we recommend using dedicated jewellery boxes or travel cases.

At Michael Spiers, we are proud to offer a beautiful selection of WOLF jewellery boxes - a brand trusted since 1834. WOLF boxes feature patented LusterLoc™ technology, which helps prevent tarnishing for up to 35 years, ensuring your jewellery stays as stunning as the day you bought it.

You can browse our WOLF collection online or visit our showrooms to find the perfect storage solution.

At Michael Spiers, we know that every piece of diamond jewellery tells a story. With the right care, your jewellery can sparkle not just for a lifetime, but for generations to come.

If you have any questions or would like personalised advice, we warmly invite you to visit one of our South West showrooms. Our expert team is always happy to help you protect your precious pieces.