1. Store properly. The worst thing you can do to any type of jewelry is to treat it nonchalantly by leaving it lying around the house. Rings by the sink can easily get knocked in and fall down the drain. Delicate necklaces left in a heap can become tangled and break when you try to sort them out. If your goal is to keep your precious pieces in good condition, then your best bet is to store them in an appropriate jewelry box or cabinet.
2. Regular cleanings. You will likely want to go in for professional cleanings once or twice a year, but in the meantime, you can keep your diamonds sparkling with at-home cleanings (as long as you do it right!). Avoid chemical cleaners and abrasives (believe it or not, bleach can actually cause diamonds to yellow) and stick to a simple solution of rubbing alcohol and water (at about a 1:10 ratio). You can use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub out dirt, then a soft cloth to dry and buff.
3. Pay for appraisals. You wouldn’t buy a house without first having an appraisal of the value conducted. So when you purchase diamond jewelry, the first thing you should do is have it appraised and certified. It won’t cost much compared to the value of the jewelry (generally around $25 per piece, possibly less if you have several pieces) and it will ensure that you got what you paid for. It will also make pieces easy to insure.
4. Get insurance. There’s just no reason not to. You likely have homeowners insurance and it’s easy enough to add valuable items in your home to this coverage. If a few items carry a particularly hefty price tag, you may even want to store them in a safe deposit box.
5. Mum’s the word. There’s no better way to raise the wrong kind of interest in your diamonds than to flash them around and pronounce their dollar value. So wear them if you want (you might as well, that’s what they’re for) but resist the urge to brag. You’ll look a lot better wearing your best pieces if you sport an attendant attitude of maturity and confidence.
