Your diamond could be slowly destroying itself: Jewellery expert reveals the costly cleaning mistakes Australians make every day

Australians are being warned that some of the biggest threats to their diamond jewellery are not theft or loss, but everyday cleaning habits and poor storage practices that can quietly cause permanent damage over time.

According to respected master jeweller Nick Ireland, founder of Nick Ireland Jewellery, many owners unknowingly expose valuable engagement rings, wedding bands and heirloom jewellery to harsh chemicals, extreme temperatures and poor storage conditions that can shorten the life of both the diamond and its setting.

"People assume diamonds are indestructible because they are the hardest natural substance on Earth," Ireland said.

"While diamonds themselves are incredibly hard, the jewellery holding them certainly isn't, and even diamonds can be chipped, scratched by other diamonds or damaged if they are not cared for properly."

Diamonds are hard, not invincible

Ireland said one of the biggest misconceptions is that diamonds cannot be damaged.

"Diamonds can chip if they receive a sharp impact, particularly around the edges or points of fancy-cut stones such as princess, pear or marquise cuts," Ireland said.

"More commonly, we see damage to the claws and settings holding the diamond in place. Once those begin to wear, you can lose a diamond worth thousands of dollars."

He said many people only discover a loose stone when it is too late.

"We regularly see rings that simply need routine maintenance, but because they have been left unchecked, the diamond has already fallen out,” Ireland said.

The cleaning mistake that could cost thousands

Ireland said harsh household cleaning products are another major concern.

"Bleach, chlorine, abrasive cleaners and strong chemicals can damage precious metals, weaken settings and dull the appearance of your jewellery," Ireland said.

"Many people wear their engagement rings while cleaning the bathroom, washing dishes, gardening or swimming without realising they are exposing them to unnecessary risk." 

Instead, he recommends cleaning diamond jewellery with warm water, a small amount of mild dishwashing liquid and a very soft toothbrush before drying it carefully with a lint-free cloth.

"It only takes a few minutes, but it can keep your jewellery looking beautiful for decades,” Ireland said.

Can sunlight damage a diamond?

While diamonds themselves are highly resistant to sunlight, Ireland said prolonged exposure to excessive heat can affect the jewellery surrounding them.

"Leaving jewellery on a windowsill, in a hot car or exposed to prolonged heat can place unnecessary stress on some settings and may affect certain gemstones if they are set alongside diamonds," he said.

"The safest place for valuable jewellery is somewhere cool, dry and protected."

The storage mistake almost everyone makes

Ireland said many Australians unknowingly damage their jewellery by storing multiple pieces together.

"Diamonds are capable of scratching other diamonds as well as softer gemstones such as sapphires, emeralds and pearls," Ireland said.

"When jewellery rubs together inside a drawer or jewellery box, you can end up causing scratches, chips and unnecessary wear."

He recommends storing each piece separately in its own soft pouch or lined compartment.

A yearly health check for your jewellery

Ireland also encourages owners to have valuable jewellery professionally inspected at least once a year.

"We check claws, settings, wear, loose stones and general condition before minor issues become expensive repairs," Ireland said.

"A five-minute inspection today could save a diamond worth tens of thousands of dollars tomorrow."

Protecting more than an investment

Ireland said jewellery often carries far greater emotional value than financial value.

"An engagement ring represents a proposal. A wedding band represents a marriage. Family jewellery carries generations of memories," Ireland said.

"These pieces deserve the same level of care as any other valuable asset."

Ireland’s advice is simple.

"Take your jewellery off before heavy cleaning, avoid harsh chemicals, store each piece separately and have it professionally checked every year," Ireland said.

"A diamond may last forever, but only if the jewellery protecting it does too."
 

About Nick Ireland Jewellery

Nick Ireland is a master jeweller with more than 40 years’ experience in the global jewellery trade. Originally trained in the UK, he established his business in Australia in the early 1990s and now operates a boutique, appointment-only studio in Brisbane, with offices in Sydney and Melbourne.

Known for bespoke, high-quality craftsmanship and strong global relationships with diamond and gemstone suppliers, the business specialises in engagement rings, rare diamonds and one-off luxury pieces.

The studio holds an extensive collection of Argyle pink diamonds and offers access to thousands of internationally sourced stones, positioning it as a leading destination for premium and investment-grade jewellery in Australia.

www.nickireland.com