 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
 |
|
||||
 |
 |
 |
|
||
|
|
Caring for Diamonds |
Caring for Diamonds |
|
Diamonds are breathtakingly beautiful. More than 250 tons of ore have to be blasted, crushed and processed before a carat of rough diamonds is recovered. Still from this recovered rough diamonds, about only twenty percent (20%) will be gem quality. More than its beauty, a diamond’s value and rarity are reasons why we should take care of these precious stones. Though diamonds are extremely hard and durable, they are not totally invincible. There are certain things that can damage them so it is important that you know what to avoid. For one, diamonds can be damaged by a sharp impact on a hard surface. Dropping a diamond onto a concrete floor can cause the stone to cleave, particularly if it fell into precisely the wrong place. Though this is not likely to happen, it is best that we do not take chances. You might get away with dropping it on hard concrete a million times without any damage but sometimes; the enemy comes in the form of everyday wear and tear. Diamonds may be damaged when they are on the fingers, an accidental blow on metal or any other hard surface. One sure way of taking care of your diamonds is to make sure you adjust its use depending on the level of physical activity. If for example, you are about to fight in a boxing match, you need not wear your diamonds because it’s practically open invitation to damage. Another way of making sure your diamonds retain its brilliance is by keeping clean. Diamonds get smudged, dusty, and soiled. Everyday things that we use such as powders, lotions, soaps and even our natural skin oils put film on diamonds and lessen its brilliance. There are several ways to clean your diamond so pick one you will be comfortable in doing. There’s the Detergent Bath, Cold Water Soak, Quick-dip method, and the Ultrasonic Cleaner. For the Detergent Bath, just prepare a small bowl of warm suds with any liquid detergents used at home. Brush your stones with an eyebrow brush while they are in the suds then transfer to a strainer to rinse with warm running water. Make sure to dry with a lint-less cloth only. The cold water soak on the other hand is a half-and-half solution of cold water and household ammonia in a cup. Soak your diamonds for 30 minutes then lift out and tap gently around the back and front of the mounting with an eyebrow brush. After brushing, swish in the solution once more before draining on a tissue paper. The Quick-dip method employs a brand-name liquid jewelry cleaner with its kit – making sure you choose the kind most useful to you. All you have to do is follow the instructions that come with it but make sure to handle your diamonds by the edges and not use your fingertips to hold them. Last but not least is the Ultrasonic Cleaner, these small machines on the market that will clean any piece of jewelry that can be dipped in liquid in a matter of minutes. Even when you’re simply storing your jewelry, there’s a simple trick to make sure they are taken care of. Make sure your precious pieces are kept in a fabric-lined jewel case or a box with separate compartments and dividers. If however, you are just using ordinary boxes, take extra precaution by wrapping your diamonds in tissue paper. |
Readers Comments Be the first to add a comment |
|
| |
| Site Map éåí äåìãú |
5/13/2008 15:35:36 |