Lab grown diamonds are just as dazzling and brilliant as their mined counterparts - but to keep them sparkling like the day you first laid eyes on them, they require proper care and maintenance.
As the demand for lab-grown diamonds continues to rise, so does the need to understand how to properly clean and care for them, ensuring their beauty lasts for years. In this guide, we’ll dive into how you can maintain the brilliance of your lab-grown diamond jewelry and why regular cleaning is essential.
Understanding Lab Grown Diamonds vs. Mined Diamonds
Before we explore how to clean your lab-grown diamonds, let’s first take a moment to understand what makes them so special. Lab-grown diamonds are created using the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds, but in a controlled lab environment.
These diamonds share the same sparkle and brilliance as mined diamonds, making them indistinguishable to the naked eye. The primary difference lies in their origin - lab-grown diamonds are sustainably produced, making them an eco-friendly and often more affordable option compared to mined diamonds.
Despite this difference in origin, lab-grown diamonds require the same care and maintenance as mined diamonds to preserve their brilliance and ensure they stay looking their best. Whether you’ve invested in an elegant diamond engagement ring or a sparkling grown diamond necklace, keeping your jewelry clean is key to maintaining its beauty.
The Basics of Cleaning Lab Grown Diamonds
Cleaning lab-grown diamonds is simple, but it’s important to do it the right way to avoid damaging the stone or setting. The process involves removing dirt, oil, and other debris that can accumulate on your diamonds over time, clouding their brilliance.
Here are the basic steps to clean your lab-grown diamonds at home:
- Create a Soapy Solution: Fill a small bowl with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap.
- Soak the Jewelry: Submerge your lab-grown diamond jewelry in the soapy water for 15 - 20 minutes to loosen any dirt.
- Gently Scrub: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub the diamond, focusing on the areas where dirt tends to accumulate (like the prongs and underneath the stone).
- Rinse and Dry: After cleaning, rinse the jewelry under lukewarm water to remove any soap residue and dry it with a soft, lint-free cloth.
- Elora Care Tip: Every Elora purchase comes with a complimentary lint-free polishing cloth and a branded jewelry velvet box, so you’ll always have the right tools to care for your diamond at home.
Deep Cleaning Methods for Lab Grown Diamonds
For deep cleaning, you can take your lab-grown diamond jewelry to a professional or use a ultrasonic cleaner at home, which uses high-frequency sound waves to remove dirt from the crevices of the diamond. However, ultrasonic cleaners should be used with caution.
Some settings, especially with delicate stones or intricate designs, might not be suitable for ultrasonic treatment.
If you don’t have an ultrasonic cleaner, a steam cleaning option works well too. A professional jeweler can clean your lab-grown diamond with a steam cleaner to remove grime and restore the stone’s brilliance.
Do’s and Don’ts for Cleaning Lab Grown Diamonds
When cleaning lab-grown diamonds, it’s important to follow some key do’s and don’ts:
Do’s:
- Use a soft toothbrush to avoid scratching the diamond.
- Clean your diamond jewelry regularly to maintain its sparkle.
- Keep your lab-grown diamond away from harsh chemicals or cleaning agents.
Don’ts:
- Never clean lab-grown diamonds with abrasive materials, as this can cause scratches.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or chlorine, as they can damage the setting or diamond itself.
- Don’t use a regular cloth that might leave lint or scratch the diamond. Always use a lint-free cloth.
How To Clean Different Types of Lab Grown Diamond Jewelry?
Each type of lab-grown diamond jewelry - whether it's an engagement ring, eternity band, bracelet, necklace, or earrings - requires specific care to ensure it stays pristine:
Engagement Rings: These are worn daily and often subject to the most wear and tear. Clean your lab-grown diamond engagement ring regularly using the soapy solution method mentioned earlier. Be extra careful with the prongs, as they hold the diamond in place.
Eternity Bands: Because diamonds surround the entire band, dirt and oils can easily build up between stones. Use a soft toothbrush and soapy water to reach between settings, and consider professional cleaning periodically to keep every stone sparkling.
Necklaces and Pendants: Clean them gently, especially if they have intricate settings. The soapy water method or a gentle toothbrush will work wonders here.
Earrings: Earrings with smaller diamonds or more complex settings should be cleaned with extra care to avoid dislodging any stones.
Bracelets: Since bracelets are often in contact with skin and clothing, they can accumulate oils and dirt more quickly. Follow the basic cleaning method and pay attention to the bracelet’s links.
When Should You Seek Professional Cleaning?
While cleaning at home can keep your lab-grown diamond jewelry sparkling, it's recommended to take your jewelry to a professional jeweler for cleaning at least once a year. Jewelers have specialized equipment to deeply clean your diamonds, inspect the setting, and ensure the stones are secure. If you notice any loose prongs, dirt buildup that’s difficult to remove, or the diamond looking less brilliant, a professional cleaning is a good idea.
| Care Aspect | At-Home Care | Professional Care |
| Cleaning Frequency | Weekly (daily wear) Every 2–3 weeks (occasional wear) | Every 6–12 months |
| Method | Mild dish soap + warm water Soft-bristle toothbrush | Ultrasonic cleaning Steam cleaning Professional polishing |
| Tools Needed | Small bowl, soap, soft toothbrush, lint-free cloth | Jeweller’s specialised equipment |
| Benefits | Maintains daily sparkle Removes lotions, oils & dirt Prevents buildup | Deep cleaning Detects loose stones & worn prongs Restores original brilliance |
| When To Choose | For regular upkeep and quick sparkle renewal | If stones look dull, prongs are loose, or before special occasions |
How to Store Your Lab Grown Diamond Jewelry
Storing your lab-grown diamond jewelry properly is just as important as cleaning it.
Always store your pieces separately in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box to avoid scratches. For rings, necklaces, and bracelets, use individual compartments so they don’t rub against each other. Avoid keeping your diamonds exposed to extreme heat or moisture to prevent damage.
Elora Care Tip: Every Elora piece comes packaged with a protective jewelry pouch designed for safe storage, helping you preserve your diamonds between wears.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Cleaning Lab Grown Diamonds
While cleaning your lab-grown diamonds, avoid these common mistakes:
Using Harsh Chemicals: This can weaken the metal and damage the diamond’s surface. Stick to mild soap and warm water.
Cleaning Too Often: Over-cleaning can cause wear to the diamond and setting. Clean when necessary, but don’t overdo it.
Using Abrasive Tools: Avoid using rough brushes or abrasive cloths that can scratch the surface of your jewelry.
Conclusion
Taking care of your lab-grown diamonds ensures that they continue to shine for years to come. Regular cleaning, proper storage, and professional maintenance will preserve their brilliance, making sure that your engagement ring or diamond jewelry remains as stunning as the day you got it. With the right care, your lab-grown diamond jewelry will always be a sparkling reminder of life’s most cherished moments.