Caring for Your Jewellery
Diamonds are the hardest natural material on earth, but the metal around them and the settings that hold them need a little attention. A few simple habits keep every piece bright for decades.
Everyday wear
- Put jewellery on last, after lotion, perfume and hairspray.
- Take rings off for the gym, swimming, gardening, cleaning and heavy lifting.
- Remove jewellery before swimming pools and hot tubs — chlorine weakens gold alloys over time.
- Avoid knocking rings against hard surfaces. A diamond can chip on a sharp edge.
- Check your settings every few months. If a stone moves or catches on fabric, stop wearing the piece and contact us.
Cleaning at home
Diamonds attract oil and lotion, which dulls their sparkle. Clean them every 1–2 weeks if worn daily.
- Fill a small bowl with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap.
- Soak the piece for 15–20 minutes.
- Brush gently with a soft toothbrush, especially behind the stone where dirt collects.
- Rinse in clean warm water (close the sink drain first).
- Pat dry with a lint-free cloth.
Avoid: bleach, chlorine, acetone, toothpaste, baking soda and abrasive powders. Do not use ultrasonic cleaners on pavé, micro-pavé or vintage settings at home — vibration can loosen small stones.
Storage
- Store each piece separately in a soft pouch or a lined box with compartments. Diamonds scratch other diamonds and soft metals.
- Fasten necklaces and bracelets before storing to prevent tangles.
- Keep sterling silver in an airtight bag with an anti-tarnish strip.
- When travelling, use a padded jewellery case and keep it in your carry-on.
Care by metal
| Metal | What to know | How to care |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow & rose gold (14K/18K) | Durable; 18K is softer and richer in colour than 14K | Soap and warm water; polish with a soft cloth |
| White gold | Plated with rhodium for its bright white finish; the plating wears over time | Same as gold; when it starts to look slightly yellow, rhodium re-plating restores the finish |
| Sterling silver | Tarnishes when exposed to air and moisture | Wipe after wear; use a silver polishing cloth; store airtight |
Yellow & rose gold (14K/18K)
What to knowDurable; 18K is softer and richer in colour than 14K
How to careSoap and warm water; polish with a soft cloth
White gold
What to knowPlated with rhodium for its bright white finish; the plating wears over time
How to careSame as gold; when it starts to look slightly yellow, rhodium re-plating restores the finish
Sterling silver
What to knowTarnishes when exposed to air and moisture
How to careWipe after wear; use a silver polishing cloth; store airtight
Natural and lab-grown diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds are chemically and physically identical to natural diamonds — same hardness, same care. Everything on this page applies to both.
Lifetime Care from Candor
Every Candor piece comes with Lifetime Care: complimentary cleaning, resizing and insurance appraisals. To arrange a service, message us on WhatsApp or write to contact@candordiamonds.com.