American Diamond (AD) jewelry, crafted from cubic zirconia (CZ), offers a stunning and affordable alternative to traditional diamonds. Its brilliance and affordability make it a popular choice for fashion-forward individuals who want the look of luxury without the hefty price tag. However, just like real diamonds, AD jewelry requires proper care and maintenance to retain its sparkle and shine. With a few simple steps, you can keep your American Diamond jewelry looking as radiant as the day you first wore it.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best ways to care for your AD jewelry and maintain its dazzling brilliance for years to come.
1. Regular Cleaning is Key
The sparkle of American Diamonds comes from their ability to reflect light. Over time, dirt, oils, and everyday pollutants can build up on the surface of your jewelry, dulling its shine. Regular cleaning is essential to maintaining its brilliance.
How to Clean AD Jewelry:
- Use Mild Soap and Water: Fill a small bowl with lukewarm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap or a gentle liquid detergent. Avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach, as they can damage the metal setting or stones.
- Gently Scrub with a Soft Brush: Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, gently scrub the surface of your American Diamond jewelry, paying extra attention to the crevices where dirt may accumulate. Be sure not to apply too much pressure, as this could loosen the stones or scratch the metal.
- Rinse and Dry: After cleaning, rinse the jewelry thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue. Dry it gently with a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid using paper towels, as they can leave behind fibers or cause scratches.
Regular cleaning—about once a week for frequently worn pieces—will help keep your AD jewelry looking fresh and sparkling.
2. Store Properly to Prevent Scratches
Just like natural diamonds, cubic zirconia can be prone to scratching if not stored properly. It’s important to keep your AD jewelry separate from other pieces to avoid contact with harder materials that could damage the stones or the metal.
Tips for Storing AD Jewelry:
- Use a Jewelry Box with Compartments: Store your American Diamond jewelry in a jewelry box that has separate compartments or slots for each piece. This prevents your necklaces, rings, and bracelets from tangling or rubbing against each other.
- Wrap in Soft Cloth or Pouch: If you don’t have a jewelry box, wrapping each piece in a soft cloth or keeping them in individual pouches is a great alternative. This protects the stones from scratches and keeps the jewelry free of dust.
- Avoid Humidity: Humid environments can cause certain metals to tarnish or corrode, which may affect the setting of your AD jewelry. Store your jewelry in a cool, dry place, and consider adding a small packet of silica gel to your storage space to absorb any moisture.
Proper storage will ensure that your AD jewelry remains scratch-free and continues to dazzle.
3. Handle with Care
Even though American Diamond jewelry is durable, it’s important to handle your pieces with care. Whether putting them on or taking them off, gentle handling will help prevent any accidental damage.
Best Practices for Wearing AD Jewelry:
- Avoid Contact with Lotions and Perfumes: Lotions, perfumes, and hairsprays can leave a film on your jewelry, dulling its shine. Be sure to apply these products before putting on your AD jewelry to avoid buildup on the stones.
- Remove Before Exercising or Swimming: Sweat and chlorine can affect the brilliance of cubic zirconia and damage the metal settings. It’s best to remove your AD jewelry before engaging in any physical activity or swimming in chlorinated pools.
- Take Off Before Sleeping: Sleeping with your jewelry on can cause unnecessary wear and tear. Rings and bracelets may get caught on fabric or hair, leading to loosened stones or damaged prongs.
By being mindful of how you wear and handle your American Diamond jewelry, you can significantly extend its lifespan.
4. Avoid Exposure to Harsh Chemicals
Harsh chemicals can tarnish the metal settings and dull the brilliance of your AD stones. To keep your jewelry in pristine condition, it’s important to avoid exposing it to substances that could cause damage.
Common Chemicals to Avoid:
- Cleaning Agents: Household cleaners, especially those containing ammonia or bleach, can corrode metals and leave residue on your AD jewelry. Always remove your jewelry before doing any cleaning tasks.
- Cosmetics and Sunscreens: While cosmetics may not be as harsh as cleaning agents, they can still leave a film on your jewelry, making it look dull. Apply makeup, sunscreen, and other skincare products before wearing your jewelry, and clean it regularly if it comes into contact with these substances.
- Hand Sanitizers: Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be particularly damaging to plated metals, causing the finish to wear off over time. Remove rings or bracelets before applying sanitizer, or clean your jewelry regularly to maintain its shine.
5. Professional Maintenance
While home care is crucial for the daily upkeep of your AD jewelry, occasional professional cleaning can help ensure that your pieces remain in top condition. A jeweler can thoroughly clean your jewelry, check the prongs and settings, and ensure that everything is secure.
When to Seek Professional Help:
- Loose Stones: If you notice that a stone in your American Diamond jewelry is loose, take it to a jeweler immediately to prevent it from falling out.
- Tarnished Metal: If the metal setting of your jewelry has become tarnished or discolored, a professional jeweler can clean it or re-plate it to restore its original shine.
Scheduling a professional cleaning once a year will help maintain the longevity and beauty of your AD jewelry
Caring for Your AD Jewelry: Keep Your Diamonds Sparkling
