How To Care For Your Diamond Jewellery

Key takeaway: Care for diamond jewellery by storing each piece separately in a soft-lined box, cleaning it with warm water and mild dish soap, keeping it away from chemicals and knocks, and having the settings checked by a professional once a year. Good care protects both the stone and its resale value.

A diamond is the hardest natural material on earth, yet the gold or platinum holding it is soft, and the prongs that grip the stone are smaller than a grain of rice. That mismatch is why diamond jewellery so often fails at the setting rather than the stone. As a dealer who weighs, tests and values diamond pieces every week in Illovo, I see the difference between jewellery that has been looked after and jewellery that has been left to fend for itself. The well-cared-for piece holds its sparkle, keeps its stones, and commands a stronger offer the day someone decides to sell. This guide walks through the habits that keep a diamond looking its best and worth its most.

Why diamond care matters beyond looks

Most advice about diamond care focuses on shine. That matters, but it is only half the story. The bigger risk is loss. A worn prong lets a stone fall out, and a chipped diamond loses both beauty and value. Caring for a piece properly does three things at once. It keeps the diamond bright, it protects the setting that holds your investment, and it preserves the condition that a buyer assesses when you eventually sell. Diamond jewellery is one of the few possessions that can hold real value over decades, but only if it is treated like the asset it is.

Storing your diamond jewellery

How you store a piece between wears does more damage or good than almost anything else. A diamond will scratch other gemstones, other metals, and even other diamonds, so loose storage in a single drawer or pouch is a slow way to ruin a collection.

• Store each piece separately in a soft-lined box or a velvet or silk pouch.
• Use compartments or individual fabric bags so stones never rub against each other.
• Keep jewellery away from dust, heat sources, and humidity.
• Lay necklaces flat or hang them so chains do not knot and weaken at the links.
• Keep valuable pieces out of sight and ideally in a home safe or bank facility.

Cleaning your diamond jewellery at home

Diamonds attract grease. Hand cream, natural skin oils and everyday grime build a thin film over the stone that dulls its fire long before any real damage occurs. The good news is that gentle home cleaning restores most of that sparkle without any risk.

1. Mix a bowl of warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap.
2. Soak the piece for twenty to thirty minutes to loosen built-up oils.
3. Brush gently behind and around the stone with a soft toothbrush, where grime hides.
4. Rinse thoroughly in clean water, holding the piece over a closed drain or a bowl.
5. Dry and buff with a soft, lint-free cloth before returning it to storage.

Avoid bleach, ammonia, chlorine and abrasive toothpaste. These can pit the metal, loosen settings, and damage softer stones set alongside the diamond. If you are unsure what else is in the piece, treat it gently and stick to mild soap and water.

Inspecting the settings before they fail

The single habit that prevents lost stones is regular inspection. Once a month, hold the piece up to good light and look closely at the prongs or bezel.

• Gently tap the piece near your ear. A loose stone often gives a faint rattle.
• Run a finger over the prongs to feel for any that are thin, bent or snagging.
• Check for a stone that shifts or moves when pressed lightly.
• Look for scratches, dents or wear on the band, especially on rings worn daily.

If anything feels loose or worn, stop wearing the piece and have it checked. A prong re-tipped in time costs a fraction of replacing a lost diamond.

Protecting diamonds from everyday damage

Diamonds are hard, but they are not indestructible. A diamond has cleavage planes, which means a sharp knock at the wrong angle can chip even the toughest stone. Most damage happens during ordinary activities rather than accidents.

• Remove rings before gym sessions, gardening, lifting and any heavy manual work.
• Take jewellery off before swimming, as chlorine attacks gold alloys over time.
• Apply perfume, lotion and hairspray before putting jewellery on, never after.
• Keep pieces away from extreme heat and sudden temperature changes.
• Put jewellery on last when dressing and take it off first when undressing.

When to see a professional

Home care covers the day-to-day, but some things need a trained eye and proper equipment. A jeweller can clean with ultrasonic or steam methods that reach where a toothbrush cannot, and can tighten or rebuild settings safely. Aim for a professional clean and inspection once a year, and sooner if a piece takes a hard knock or starts to feel loose. It is also worth keeping any certification or grading documents in a safe place. Paperwork that records a diamond’s carat weight, colour and clarity supports both an insurance claim and a future sale.

Care protects value when you sell

Everything above keeps your diamond beautiful, and it also keeps it valuable. When you bring a piece to The Gold Avenue, our team weighs the metal, tests it, and assesses the diamond and the overall condition before making an offer. A clean, well-maintained piece with intact settings and its original documentation always presents better than one that has been neglected. We price on the live gold and market price together with the quality and condition of what you bring in, so the care you put in over the years can show up directly in the offer you receive.

Sell or value your diamond jewellery in Illovo, Sandton

If you are ready to sell a diamond ring, pendant, bracelet or any gold and diamond piece, or you simply want an honest valuation, The Gold Avenue makes it straightforward. We are a luxury watch, gold and diamond exchange that buys directly from the public, built as a transparent, five-star alternative to the traditional pawn-and-gold-buying trade. Our four-step process is simple:

1. Contact our team by call, WhatsApp or online chat.
2. Book a valuation at our Illovo premises.
3. Get an offer once your items are weighed, tested and priced on the live market price and condition.
4. Receive same-day payment by cash or EFT.

Visit us at Illovo Point, 68 Melville Road, Illovo, Sandton, 2196, in greater Johannesburg, Gauteng. Call 010 109 0080 or WhatsApp 076 393 5429 to arrange your valuation. Because we also work an international dealer network, particularly in the UAE, we are able to pay local sellers more competitively for their diamonds, gold and watches.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I clean my diamond jewellery?

A gentle home clean with warm water and mild dish soap every week or two keeps everyday oils and grime from dulling the stone. Add a professional clean and inspection once a year to reach what home cleaning cannot.

Can I use toothpaste to clean a diamond ring?

No. Toothpaste is abrasive and can scratch the metal and loosen settings over time. Stick to warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap with a soft toothbrush.

How do I know if a diamond is loose in its setting?

Gently tap the piece near your ear and listen for a faint rattle, or press the stone lightly to see if it shifts. If you suspect movement, stop wearing the piece and have the setting checked before the diamond is lost.

Does the condition of my diamond jewellery affect what I get when selling?

Yes. Condition is part of how we value a piece. Clean jewellery with intact settings and original certification presents better and supports a stronger offer, alongside the metal weight and the live market price.

Learn More

At The Gold Avenue, we simplify the process of selling your valuable assets. From luxury watches and Krugerrands to gold, diamond jewellery, and more, we offer fast, safe, and convenient buying services, coupled with an enjoyable experience. We stand by our promise to provide the best price for your items.

Krugerrands: Sell your Krugerrands swiftly and securely.

Gold Jewellery: Turn your gold jewellery into instant cash.

Gold Coins: Get the best price for your gold coins.

Diamonds: Exchange your diamonds for a competitive price.

Watches: Luxury watches like Rolex and others are welcome.

In need of a cash loan? We’ve got you covered.

Selling to The Gold Avenue is simple:

Contact Our Team: Reach out to our team via call, WhatsApp, or online chat. Describe the luxury items you want to sell.

Book an Appointment: Set a valuation appointment at a time convenient to you. Our safe and secure premises are located in Johannesburg.

Get an Offer: Our expert team will provide a quick and fair valuation. We’re committed to long-term relationships, guaranteeing the best price.

Money in Your Bank: We offer immediate payments, directly into your bank account, either through cash or EFT.

Ready to start selling? Book an Appointment