A few simple habits will help keep your diamonds bright and your favourite pieces in good condition.
01 · Wearing
Everyday Care
Put jewellery on after makeup, perfume and moisturiser have settled. Handle diamonds by their settings where possible: oils from your fingers can dull their surface.
Take pieces off before showering, swimming, cleaning, exercise or manual work. Store them safely rather than on a sink edge. Chlorine and household chemicals can damage metal alloys; knocks can chip even a diamond.
Check earring backs and clasps before wearing. Hinged hoops should close securely. Keep delicate chains clear of hair and knitwear, and ease out tangles without pulling. Ask Lee which rings will sit well together before stacking, to help avoid friction between their bands and settings.
02 · Cleaning
Bring Back The Brilliance
For untreated diamonds in sound gold or platinum settings, a gentle clean is usually enough.
Soak
Lee recommends soaking your jewellery for 10 minutes in a small bowl of lukewarm water with a little mild washing-up liquid to loosen surface oils.
Brush
Work carefully around and beneath the setting with a very soft brush. Light strokes are enough; avoid vigorous scrubbing or forcing bristles under claws.
Rinse & Dry
Rinse in clean water over a bowl, away from an open drain. Pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Keep toothpaste, abrasive powders and bleach away from your jewellery. Leave ultrasonic and steam cleaning to a professional who can assess the diamond, any treatments and its setting first.
03 · Metals
Gold & Platinum
9ct Gold
Available in yellow and white, 9ct gold contains 37.5% pure gold mixed with other metals. It can be harder than some 18ct alloys, but hardness depends on the metal mixture and how the piece is made. It can still scratch, so gentle handling matters.
18ct Gold
Containing 75% pure gold, 18ct yellow gold has a richer colour. Some 18ct alloys are softer than their 9ct counterparts and may pick up surface marks more readily, though carat alone does not determine durability. Both yellow and white gold benefit from gentle cleaning; ask Lee about deeper scratches or changes in colour.
White Gold Finishes
Where white gold has a rhodium finish, the coating gradually wears and a warmer tone may show through. A jeweller can advise when replating is appropriate; the timing depends on the piece and how it is worn.
Platinum
Over time, tiny surface scratches can give platinum a soft, satin-like finish known as a patina. This is a natural change from wear, rather than tarnish. You can enjoy its softer lustre or ask Lee about professional polishing to restore a brighter shine.
04 · Keeping
Store With Care
Give each piece its own soft pouch or lined compartment. Diamonds can scratch other jewellery, including other diamonds. Fasten necklaces and bracelets before putting them away to help prevent tangles.
A Regular Check
Arrange a professional inspection at least yearly to check claws, settings and fastenings. If a stone moves, a clasp loosens or a claw catches, stop wearing the piece until it has been assessed.
