You slip the ring on your finger, or hold the earring up to your ear, and you can't believe the flashes of light shimmering off that diamond. "It's stunning," you think to yourself, "and I don't ever want to take it off."

A diamond is a treasure that should last a lifetime, and with the right care and maintenance, so can that incomparable sparkle. At Spence Diamonds, we want you to enjoy your diamond's sparkling beauty for generations, so here's a few "dos and don'ts" of caring for your new diamond:

It is okay to:
Clean your jewelry in warm, soapy water with a soft brush
Use a mild soap, such as dish soap
Use products designed specifically for cleaning diamonds (ask us in store for details)

It is not wise to:
Wear your jewelry when using abrasive cleaning products, or ones that contain bleach or chlorine
Wear your diamond during manual labour activities, while using heavy equipment, weightlifting or while playing sports (for your own safety as well as that of your jewelry)

The setting of your diamond and the metals used in bands, bracelets and necklaces should be taken into consideration, too. Especially in the case of gold, you want to be sure that the cleaning products you choose won't tarnish the finish of your precious metals. By following the guidelines above, you should be able to keep your valuables in showroom shape, plus it gives you a perfect use for your old toothbrushes! On that note, its best if you stick to mild soap and water with your toothbrush. Today's new toothpastes are great for getting your teeth whiter, but are usually much too abrasive for your jewels.

Everyday wear and tear, and even the perspiration and natural oils from your fingers can have an effect on your jewelry's natural glow over time, so a regular cleaning will ensure that they always look their best.

If you have any questions about the proper care of your jewelry, you can visit any Spence Diamonds showroom. We'd be happy to offer plenty of tips on proper care and maintenance of your jewelry investment.