How to Clean and Care for Your Diamond Jewelry at Home
Keep your lab grown diamonds sparkling with this simple at-home cleaning routine, plus tips on storage, daily wear and what to avoid.
Diamonds are the hardest natural material on Earth — and lab grown diamonds are exactly the same material, with the same hardness. But even the toughest diamond loses its sparkle when it's coated with lotion, soap and everyday grime. The good news: bringing it back takes about ten minutes and things you already have at home.
Why diamonds get dull
Diamonds naturally attract oils. Hand cream, skin oils, hair products and soap build up a thin film on the back of the stone, which blocks light from entering and bouncing back. The diamond hasn't changed — it just needs a clean.
The simple at-home cleaning method
- Make a gentle bath. Fill a small bowl with warm (not hot) water and a few drops of mild dish soap.
- Soak for 20–30 minutes. This loosens oil and dirt, especially under the stone.
- Brush gently. Use a soft, clean toothbrush to clean around the prongs and the underside of the diamond, where most buildup hides.
- Rinse. Rinse under warm running water — with the sink plug in, just in case.
- Dry. Pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid paper towels, which can scratch metal.
Do this every couple of weeks for pieces you wear daily, like engagement rings, and you'll keep that just-bought sparkle.
What to avoid
- Harsh chemicals — bleach, chlorine and abrasive cleaners can damage gold alloys and weaken prongs. Take jewelry off before swimming pools and hot tubs.
- Toothpaste and baking soda — they're abrasive and can scratch gold and platinum.
- Ultrasonic cleaners on delicate pieces — fine for many solid diamond pieces, but vibrations can loosen small pavé or channel-set stones. When in doubt, stick to the soak-and-brush method.
Metal-specific tips
- White gold: its bright finish comes from rhodium plating, which softens over time. A quick re-plating every 1–2 years restores the icy white look.
- Platinum: develops a soft satin patina with wear. Some love it; a jeweler can polish it back to a high shine.
- 925 sterling silver: can tarnish. Store it in an anti-tarnish pouch and use a silver polishing cloth.
Everyday wear habits
- Put jewelry on last — after makeup, lotion, perfume and hairspray.
- Take rings off for the gym, gardening, cleaning and cooking with raw dough.
- Never leave rings on the edge of a sink — it's the number one way they're lost.
Storing your jewelry
Diamonds can scratch other diamonds and soft metals, so store each piece separately — in a lined jewelry box with compartments or individual soft pouches. Lay tennis bracelets and necklaces flat, and fasten clasps so chains don't tangle.
Professional check-ups
Once or twice a year, have a jeweler check your prongs and clasps. A slightly bent prong is a two-minute fix; a lost diamond is not.
Backed for a lifetime
Every Luzora piece comes with a lifetime warranty, and because we make our jewelry ourselves — from growing the diamond to setting it — we know every piece inside out. If something doesn't look right, contact our team and we'll take care of it.
