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Jewelry Care Information How to Care for Diamond Essence & Simulates More people day than ever before are turning away from expensive diamonds and choosing diamond simulates. There are hundreds of simulates on the market today. Many of them are so good that they even outshine a natural diamond. Because simulates are created in the lab, all of the impurities can be eliminated. What is left behind then is a perfect looking diamond. If diamond simulates have one downfall, however, it is that they are not quite as hard as diamonds. Therefore, they require great care. Read on to learn how. Instructions
Step 1
If you received a care card with your diamond simulate, read it to determine how the manufacturer recommends cleaning the stone. Step 2
If you did not receive a care card with your diamond simulate but you know what type of simulate you have, contact the manufacturer for cleaning instructions. Step 3
If you cannot obtain any instructions from the manufacturer of your diamond simulate, you might consider taking it to a professional jeweler for cleaning. Although this might be a bit expensive, it should help to protect your stone. Step 4
If you can't afford to take your simulate to a jeweler or if you are afraid they might destroy your stone, then you can clean if yourself by one of several methods. These include, but are not limited to: cleaner plates, cleaning pastes or creams, the Jewel Jet Cleaner, the Ionic Cleaner, Ultrasonic Cleaner, cleaning cloths (that contain the cleaner inside), a mild jewelry cleaning solution, extra mild liquid detergent (like Joy or Dove), a damp cloth, or a soft polishing cloth or fabric. If you are uncertain which, if any of the above is best suited to your simulate, then choose one of the bottom five. They are safe with 99 percent of all diamond simulates. Things You'll Need: Care cards that came with your particular diamond simulate Soft jewelry polishing cloth or a very soft fabric that you can use as a polishing cloth Water Soft bristle brush Gentle jewelry cleanser of extremely mild liquid detergent (like Joy or Dove) Jewelry pouches or boxes Step 5
If you opt to use a cleaning plate, purchase one that specifically claims to be safe for fine jewelry. It is equally important that whatever you use on your simulates will not damage the metal in which it is set. Cleaning plates generally work with just water and detergent. You put the plate in the bottom of a pan or bowl, pour in the indicated amount of detergent, and fill with water. As the jewelry comes into contact with the plate, it interacts to clean the piece with a fizzing action. Cleaning plates are usually safe for all types of jewelry and metals with perhaps the exception of pearls, opals, amber, and other water-soluble stones. Such plates can be purchased at stores that carry a wide array of jewelry cleaning products or on QVC. Step 6
If you opt to use a cleaning paste or cream, once again be certain to make sure that the product chosen indicates that it is usable on diamond simulates as well as the type of metal in which your simulate is set. Most pastes and creams are good across the board, however. Do not make that assumption. Pastes and creams are generally safe for most types of jewelry, again with the exception of gems like pearls, opals, and amber. However, the paste or cream can get stuck in pave pieces or jewelry that is highly ornate; making it difficult to get it all out of the piece. Step 7
If you opt to use the Jewel Jet Cleaner, make certain that it is safe for your type of simulate. Purchasing an expensive piece of equipment like this one, at $99, without making certain it will work for your jewelry could result in a waste of money. Follow the cleaning instructions laid out in the product manual to the letter. To do anything else could result in ruining your diamond simulate and/or the metal in which it is set. Step 8
Most manufacturers of diamond simulates are hesitant to tell you that cleaning your jewelry in an Ionic or Ultra-Sonic cleaner is safe. Why? Because it often is not. Even a lot of jewelers hate those types of cleaning products because they can crack or even break some of the more delicate gemstones. If you opt to use an Ultra-Sonic or Ionic Cleaner anyway, then be certain to follow the instructions that comes with your product. Using the items any other way could result in the loss of your diamond simulate. Step 9
If you decide to use cleaning cloths with jewelry cleaner inside of them, check the instructions to make certain that the cloths you have chosen are safe for your type of diamond simulate. For the most part, such cloths are good across the board. However, double checking that fact will help you avoid a costly mistake. Cleaning cloths are great for surface cleaning, but they don't always work well for pave set jewelry, antique jewelry, or jewelry of any kind that has tiny crevices like in between inlay, enameling or beading. Step 10
If you choose to use a mild jewelry cleaning solution, choose one that specifically states that it is "safe for all types of jewelry." There are several on the market that are even safe for stones like pearls, opals and amber--gemstones that are not usually cleaned with a solution. If the cleaner you choose is safe enough for them, it is highly unlikely to do any damage to your diamond simulate. Step 11
Many people choose to simply use an extra mild liquid detergent like Joy or Dove for cleaning their jewelry. Like any mild jewelry cleaning solution, these are safe for most jewelry items across the board. However, it is recommended that you do not immerse your diamond simulate into the cleaner. Instead, simply put a small amount on a soft bristle brush along with water and clean the item that way. Step 12
Using a damp cloth to clean your diamond simulate it perfectly safe and even highly recommended by many jewelry manufacturers. Be aware, however, that it can be difficult to clean pave, metal beaded, or antique jewelry this way because it is difficult to get the cloth in into the deep crevices. Use a soft bristle brush to loosen any dirt that might be stuck there and then wipe clean. You may have to repeat the process two or three times before you get the piece clean. Step 13
Some jewelers recommend using nothing more than a soft jewelry cleaning cloth or soft fabric to clean diamond simulates. While these will wipe away surface dirt, they may not penetrate through oil and other product build up. If they don't, the stones will remain dull and lifeless. And, as like with damp cloths, they can't get into pave, metal beaded, or antique jewelry crevices. Try using a soft bristle brush to loosen dirt that might be stuck there and then wipe clean again. You may have to repeat the process 2 or 3 times before you get the piece clean. Step 14
Once your jewelry is clean, pouch it in cloth, velvet, preservative cloth, or jewelry boxes before storing it along with other jewelry pieces.
tips & warnings
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