There is so much fuss about diamonds. People will go to great lengths to own them – or even steal them. When you think about it, they’re made of the same material that graphite (your pencil lead) is made of: carbon.

But diamond is a cut (or several cuts) above its softer cousin, graphite. Diamond’s strategic arrangement of carbon atoms is a result of intense heat and pressure, and it takes billions of years to form a diamond. A diamond comes out of the earth’s surface when there are volcanic eruptions, which don’t happen too frequently.

Because diamonds have that unique and tedious process of formation, you should put more value into taking care of your your diamond engagement ring or wedding ring. How do you keep your diamonds always sparkling brightly then? Here’s how.

Insure Your Diamonds

Your engagement ring and your wedding ring are among the most valuable possessions you’ll ever have. As such, you need financial protection in case your ring gets stolen or damaged. Look for a certified jeweler, who will appraise your diamond’s carat weight, metal, and cut. Don’t forget to take a close-up photo of your diamond as well.

You can go to a coverage provider to get jewelry insurance. If you have homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, you can purchase a rider so that your diamond is covered in the policy.

Visit a Trusted Jeweler

A trip to the jeweler twice a year is necessary to check the mounting and setting of your diamond. You need to make sure all parts of your ring are intact. The prongs shouldn’t be askew or broken off. Otherwise, the diamond will be dislodged.

Handle Them Sparingly

The oil on your fingers will make the diamonds dull and lose their luster. Repeated handling may cause grime and dirt to accumulate. Avoid touching the diamonds as much as possible. Wear them last, after you’ve worn your makeup, to avoid transferring the grease from your makeup to the diamonds.

Store Them Separately

Diamond is the hardest mineral on earth, ranking at the top of the Mohs scale. As such, it will scratch the softer minerals. If you have other kinds of rings in your jewelry box, make sure they are kept at safe distances from your diamond rings. Otherwise, you can put your diamond rings in soft pouches or wrap them in tissue paper.

Go Gentle

Do not use abrasives or chlorine to clean your ring, since these chemicals will cause discoloration. Instead, soak your ring in warm water and mild dishwashing liquid for five minutes. Then use a soft, lint-free cloth like microfiber to wipe your ring dry. You can also use equal parts of ammonia and water to soak your ring for thirty minutes. You may use a jewelry cleaner as well.

Last Thoughts…

Diamonds are precious, expensive things. Take good care of them to avoid damaging them. Remove your diamond ring when you don’t need to wear them. This lessens the chances of you dropping your ring, scratching it, or losing it altogether.