Has your diamond lost its luster? Most people who wear their diamonds 24/7 – in the shower, while cleaning the house, or at the gym – will notice a dimming of its brilliance. Residues from soaps, lotions and cleaning products will not only dull the shine of your gem, but can also damage it. Even the oil from your own skin can cause dirt to collect on your diamond and affect its sparkling appeal.

So, what is the best diamond jewelry cleaner to keep your rock looking its very best? The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and jewelry experts offer up the following tips.

• Clean your diamond regularly – at least once or twice a week. A simple way to do this is to soak it overnight in an ammonia-based cleaning agent such as window cleaner. In the morning brush the diamond with a soft, previously unused toothbrush to remove any lingering residue. Take care to brush the back of the diamond, which is where most oil and dirt collects. Estate jewelry and fragile settings need a delicate touch. Then, rinse the diamond and wipe dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
• Avoid harmful solutions and never use products that contain chlorine or abrasives. Bleach, most cleansers and toothpaste can erode or dissolve the diamond’s setting.
• It may be necessary to use an ultrasonic cleaner to remove encrusted dirt on your diamond. These cleaners clear away accumulated dirt and grime by sending high frequency sound waves through a detergent solution. Again, take care with fragile settings or estate jewelry, as the machine could cause the stone to be shaken loose from its mounting.

When in doubt, your best bet is to contact a jewelry professional who can suggest the proper cleaning methods and best diamond jewelry cleaner for your particular piece. Regular cleansing will help maintain your diamond’s luster and keep it sparkling for a lifetime.