How to Care for Diamond Jewellery in Canada's Climate

Diamonds are the hardest natural material on earth — which is why people assume diamond jewellery takes care of itself. It doesn't. The diamond is fine; it's the setting, the metal, and your daily habits that determine whether your jewellery stays brilliant for decades or starts to look tired after a few years. Here's the practical care guide for Canadians specifically.

The Daily Habits That Preserve Fine Jewellery

• Lotion, sunscreen, and perfume. Put your jewellery on last — after all skincare and fragrance. These products accumulate on metal and behind diamonds, creating a film that dulls brilliance. This is the single biggest preventable cause of "my diamonds don't sparkle anymore" complaints.
• Hand washing. Take rings off before washing hands, or rinse them thoroughly afterward. Soap residue behind the stone setting is a brilliance killer.
• The gym and pool. Chlorine weakens gold prongs over time. Remove jewellery for swimming, hot tubs, and intense exercise.
• Sleeping in jewellery. Prongs catch on pillowcases and sheets over time, gradually loosening stones. Take rings and necklaces off before sleep.

Canada-Specific Considerations

Winter: Cold temperatures cause metal to contract slightly — rings may feel slightly looser in January than in August. The repeated thermal cycling between cold outdoor air and warm heated interiors stresses metal and prong settings. Have your jewellery inspected professionally once a year.

Summer: Sweat, sunscreen, and humidity all accumulate on fine jewellery faster in summer. Clean more frequently. Even a quick rinse under warm water at the end of a warm day helps.

How to Clean Diamond Jewellery at Home

1. Fill a small bowl with warm (not hot) water and a few drops of regular dish soap
2. Soak the piece for 20–30 minutes
3. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub around the stone setting and along the band — focus on the underside of prongs and the back of the stone, where buildup is worst
4. Rinse under warm running water (use a drain plug — don't risk the drain)
5. Pat dry with a lint-free cloth

Do not use: Toothpaste (abrasive, scratches gold), baking soda, bleach, or chlorine.

Annual Professional Inspection

Once a year, have a jeweller inspect your pieces under magnification — checking for loose prongs, worn prong tips, hairline cracks in shanks. This can prevent losing a valuable stone. Anvaya's lifetime guarantee covers warranty inspections — free insured shipping back and forth for any warranty service across Canada.

---