The category of “gemstones” covers a wide array of precious and semi-precious stones that have differing colors, hardness, density, porosity, and many other properties. In this post we are going to cover diamonds, one of the four precious gemstones, and what you can do to care for diamonds and increase the longevity of your jewelry.
The Four Precious Gemstones Are:
- Diamonds
- Emeralds
- Sapphires
- Rubies
Diamonds:
Diamonds are the hardest known natural mineral on Earth. They are almost exclusively made of carbon. The few exceptions to this are when some impurities exist in the gemstone. Diamonds have the highest rating on the Moh’s Scale of Mineral Hardness, which is a 10. There is no other gemstone that matches a diamond on the scale. In fact, diamonds are 4x harder than corundum minerals, the second hardest natural mineral. Sapphires and rubies are composed of corundum crystals, and they rate a 9 on the Moh’s Scale of Mineral Hardness. This means that there is a large gap between the strength and durability of diamonds and every other gemstone.
Because of this, diamonds have the ability to scratch and damage any other gemstone, including other diamonds. Jewelry that contains diamonds should be stored separate from other jewelry pieces to limit the potential for accidental damage over time. If you are wearing multiple pieces of jewelry, the best practice for diamond jewelry is to have the diamonds be the last on and the first off. This can help prevent damage to the other jewelry pieces you are also wearing.
Diamonds Can Scratch Other Diamonds
Diamonds are considered one the most durable gemstones, which makes them ideal for jewelry that will be exposed to harsh treatment and worn every day. This DOES NOT mean that they are indestructible. Like we mentioned earlier, diamonds can scratch other diamonds, and care should still be taken when owning diamond jewelry. Lab grown diamonds are growing in popularity and are becoming increasingly accessible. These diamonds have the same chemical structure and properties of natural diamonds and should be treated with the same care as natural diamonds.
If you notice that your diamond is beginning to dull, there may be a film of oil and dust covering your stone from everyday wear and tear. To clean at home, use a microfiber or very soft cloth and gently wipe with warm soapy water and then rinse off. The best way to restore your gemstone and jewelry is to take it to a jeweler for cleaning.
Your diamond jewelry should be serviced at a jeweler two or three times a year. This can involve professional cleaning and an inspection to check the integrity of the gemstone itself, as well as its mounting. Even if your gemstone is unblemished over time, it can loosen from the mounting and you could potentially lose your gemstone.
If this happens, and you have insured your jewelry, you can file a claim and work with your insurance to replace the jewelry piece. It is not required to insure your jewelry, but as we mentioned, even the sturdiest gemstones and jewelry pieces can wear over time. If you are interested in insuring your jewelry, call your insurance company or feel free to contact Jay F. Jeweler, and we would be happy to give you resources to help you begin the process of insuring your jewelry.
Lab grown diamonds are growing in popularity and are becoming increasingly accessible. These diamonds have the same chemical structure and properties of natural diamonds and should be treated with the same care as natural diamonds.