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Caring for your diamond ring after the big day
By Paul R. Huard, Copley News Service
The saying goes, "A diamond is forever." But without
proper care, your wedding ring's life span might have a more
temporary existence. Even Mother Nature's hardest substance
needs proper maintenance to avoid wear and tear
Diamond Trading Company, the world's leading diamond sales
and marketing company, offers some advice on diamond care.
Even though diamonds are the hardest substance known to humankind,
a diamond will scratch another diamond. So it is important
that jewelry not be stored together since it can be scratched
or tangled.Also, diamond jewelry should never be worn while
doing heavy work. Points are vulnerable to chipping and even
everyday activity can loosen a setting. This is why it's important
to visit a professional jeweler every six months to have your
diamond's mountings and settings checked.
To be sure your diamonds always sparkle, it is important to
clean them periodically. Professional cleaning is the best
option and offers a jeweler a chance to check to make sure
prongs haven't bent or weakened. Some other suggestions:
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Soaking your jewelry in a small bowl
of warm, sudsy water using any mild liquid detergent is
another option. Gently brush the diamond jewelry with
a soft toothbrush while it is in the suds. Then rinse
each piece under warm running water. Pat the jewelry with
a soft, lint-free cloth. Make sure to always stopper your
sink.
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An ammonia bath will also do the trick.
Place the jewelry in a small bowl containing a half-and-half
solution of ammonia and cold water for 30 minutes. Lift
out and gently tap around the front and back of the mounting
with a small soft brush. Swish in the solution a second
time, rinse and drain on tissue paper.
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Use any brand-name liquid jewelry cleaner
and follow the instruction given on the label.
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Have a vodka on the rocks. No one is
sure how it was actually discovered, but it is safe to
say that at some point someone took the idea of a "vodka
on the rocks" literally and discovered an imaginative
way to clean their precious diamonds. Simply let the diamond
soak in a glass of vodka. Remember not to make a martini
while you're cleaning your ring.
Insurance is worth considering for a particularly
valuable stone and setting. To understand how to insure your
diamond, talk to your insurance agent to discuss your options
for adding jewelry to your existing homeowner's or renter's
insurance. Many insurance companies allow you to itemize your
jewelry within your policy.
Be sure to read the fine print, as some policies
limit the value for jewelry line items.
As another option, you may want to consider contacting a company
who specializes in separate insurance policies for your jewelry.
Jewelers Mutual offers policies for diamonds. You can contact
a customer service representative toll-free at
(888) 884-2424.
Don't forget that the first step in protecting your investment
is dealing with a jeweler you can trust before, during, and
after the sale. Ask your family and friends for recommendations.
Your jeweler should be knowledgeable about diamonds and help
you feel comfortable making this important purchase.
If you are looking for a jeweler in your area, it may be helpful
to contact the Jewelers of America toll-free at (800) 223-0673,
or the American Gem Society at (800) 341-6214 for a recommendation.
Or, go online for more information at http://www.adiamondisforever.com/.
© Copley News Service
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