You’ve invested in luxury jewellery that reflects your values and style — stunning lab-grown diamonds set in 18k gold. Whether it’s an engagement ring, a timeless necklace, or a special gift for yourself, proper care ensures your pieces continue to shine brilliantly for years to come.
Lab-grown diamonds, like their mined counterparts, can lose their sparkle if they accumulate dirt or oils, and even 18k gold can become dull over time. Additionally, exposing jewellery to harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures can weaken both the stones and metal, causing damage to the structure and appearance of your jewellery. However, with proper cleaning and care, your jewellery can maintain its brilliance and luster for years.
In this guide, we’ll share practical advice on how to clean, maintain, and store your fine jewellery, tackling common myths and providing helpful household tips. We’ll also explain why certain activities — like swimming with your jewellery — should be avoided, and when it’s best to return to Britta Dietsche for professional care.
1. Cleaning Your Lab-Grown Diamonds and 18k Gold Jewellery
Lab-grown diamonds, just like mined diamonds, can lose their sparkle over time if exposed to dirt, oils, or everyday wear. But with a little care, they can maintain their brilliance for a lifetime.
-
Household Tip: Clean your lab-grown diamonds and 18k gold jewellery regularly using a solution of mild dish soap and warm water. Soak the pieces for about 20-30 minutes, then gently scrub with a soft-bristle toothbrush, especially around the settings. Rinse with warm water and pat dry with a lint-free cloth to bring back the shine.
-
Myth to Bust: Many believe that gold doesn’t tarnish. While 18k gold is highly resistant to tarnish, it can still become dull due to oils, sweat, and exposure to everyday elements. Regular cleaning will help maintain its radiance.
-
Britta Dietsche’s Tip: If your jewellery has lost its sparkle or has hard-to-reach dirt around the settings, bring it back to Britta Dietsche for a professional cleaning and inspection. We can ensure that both your diamonds and gold are restored to their original brilliance.
2. Avoiding Chlorine and Chemicals
Chlorine and harsh chemicals can weaken gold over time, causing damage to the structure and appearance of your jewellery.
-
Household Tip: Always remove your jewellery before swimming in chlorinated pools, as chlorine can weaken the metal, making it more susceptible to breaking. Similarly, avoid wearing your jewellery when using household cleaning products that contain bleach or ammonia.
-
Britta Dietsche’s Tip: If your gold jewellery has been exposed to harsh chemicals or shows signs of wear, bring it to Britta Dietsche for a professional assessment. We can polish and restore your pieces to their former glory.
3. Storing Your Jewellery Safely
Proper storage is crucial to preventing scratches, tangling, or tarnishing. Always store your jewellery in its original Britta Dietsche packaging, as the soft felt interiors are specially designed to protect your pieces. Keeping them in their original packaging ensures that your diamonds and gold remain safe and preserved.
-
Household Tip: If you’ve misplaced the original packaging, store your jewellery in a soft-lined box or individual pouches to prevent scratches. Keep pieces separate, especially diamonds and gold, as diamonds can easily scratch other materials.
-
Myth to Bust: Leaving your jewellery out on a dresser or shelf may seem convenient, but long-term exposure to air and moisture can dull its appearance. Proper storage is essential for maintaining its shine.
-
Britta Dietsche’s Tip: For precious pieces or jewellery you don’t wear often, consider bringing them to Britta Dietsche for professional storage advice and care. We can ensure your jewellery is stored in optimal conditions.
4. General Maintenance for Settings
Your jewellery’s setting plays a crucial role in both its beauty and security. Over time, especially for pieces that are worn every day — such as engagement rings, bracelets, or necklaces — settings and/or clasps can become loose or worn. Daily wear and tear, like exposure to knocks, bumps, or frequent handling, can weaken the prongs or metal holding your diamonds in place, putting your stones at risk of falling out.
-
Household Tip: Regularly inspect your jewellery for signs of wear or looseness in the settings.
-
What to Avoid: Don’t attempt to fix loose settings yourself — this can cause more damage and potentially dislodge stones. Always seek professional help for adjustments or repairs.
-
Britta Dietsche’s Tip: For pieces you wear daily, we recommend bringing them to Britta Dietsche for routine check-ups (once a year). Our team will examine the settings and prongs, ensuring everything is secure, and offer any necessary repairs or adjustments to keep your diamonds safe and your jewellery shining as it should.
5. Regular Professional Care
No matter how diligent you are with at-home care, nothing compares to the results of professional jewellery maintenance. Routine check-ups and cleanings can prevent damage and extend the life of your favourite pieces.
-
Britta Dietsche’s Tip: At Britta Dietsche, we offer comprehensive cleaning, polishing, and inspection services to ensure that your jewellery stays as stunning as the day you first wore it. Whether it’s your engagement ring or your favourite necklace, we’re here to help you keep your pieces sparkling for a lifetime.
By following these care tips, you’ll ensure that your Britta Dietsche jewellery continues to look as beautiful as the day you first received it. For professional cleaning, repairs, or just peace of mind, visit Britta Dietsche for expert advice and care.