How to Care for Your Lab-Grown Diamond: A Lifetime Guide

Lab-grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and visually identical to mined diamonds. They have the same durability and brilliance but carry the added benefit of traceable sourcing and environmental sustainability. Whether you've just purchased an engagement ring or added a tennis bracelet to your collection, knowing how to properly care for your jewellery is essential to preserving its brilliance and ensuring it lasts a lifetime.

This comprehensive care guide will walk you through everything you need to know to protect your investment and keep your lab-grown diamonds looking as spectacular as the day you received them.

Understanding the Strength – and Limits – of Diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds rate a 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning they’re exceptionally resistant to scratching. However, that doesn't mean they’re indestructible. A sharp blow at the wrong angle can still cause chipping, and the precious metals surrounding your stone are far more vulnerable to damage and wear. Proper care is about preserving both the stone and the setting.

Daily Habits that Prolong Lifespan

Jewellery you wear every day—particularly rings—faces far more exposure than you might realise. Here are simple routines that protect your diamond without requiring drastic changes to your lifestyle:

  • Remove your jewellery before manual tasks like gardening, gym sessions, DIY, or housework.
  • Avoid cosmetic products (lotions, perfumes, hairsprays, fake tan); they dull both metal and stone.
  • Always put jewellery on last—after dressing, hair, and makeup.

Cleaning Your Lab-Grown Diamond at Home

You don’t need specialist tools. Monthly cleaning makes a real difference:

  1. Fill a small bowl with warm water and a drop of mild washing-up liquid.
  2. Soak jewellery for 15–20 minutes.
  3. Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub around the stone and setting.
  4. Rinse under clean warm water and pat dry with a soft cloth.
  5. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners or steamers unless a jeweller recommends them.

Professional Maintenance: When to Book a Check

Even with regular at-home care, yearly professional checks are vital. A jeweller can identify:

  • Loose prongs or claws
  • Metal wear or thinning
  • Stone alignment issues
  • Hidden build-up or tarnish

Storing Your Jewellery the Right Way

Storage matters. Poor storage leads to scratches, dulling, and metal damage. Follow these tips:

  • Store pieces individually in soft-lined boxes or anti-tarnish pouches.
  • Don’t pile items—especially sharp or stone-set pieces—together.
  • Keep jewellery away from moisture, heat, and sunlight.
  • Use a structured jewellery roll for travel.

What to Avoid

Avoid these common mistakes:

  • No toothpaste, baking soda, or abrasives—they’re too harsh.
  • Avoid chlorine and bleach (including pools and cleaning products).
  • Don’t wear jewellery to bed—it causes stress, wear, and scratches.

Signs Your Jewellery Needs Immediate Attention

Time to see a jeweller if:

  • A stone moves or rattles.
  • The piece no longer fits or sits correctly.
  • Dirt or discolouration doesn’t clean off.
  • Metal feels thin or deformed.
  • Clasps or links feel loose.

Conclusion

Lab-grown diamonds offer all the beauty of natural stones. Their longevity depends on care. Establish simple routines, store them correctly, and get annual check-ups to protect their brilliance—sentimentally and financially.

For more advice, check out our Jewellery Care Guide or follow us on Instagram @londondiamondsofficial.

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