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How to Clean Black Diamonds

Black diamonds are quickly becoming popular in the jewelry industry. They are a rare luxury and highly sought after by those seeking rare stones. The smoky coloration of the black diamonds are mineral inclusions---iron oxides such as hematite, magnetite or sulfide compounds. High concentrations of these inclusions turn the stone black or a rich dark gray. Cleaning a black diamond requires the same process as cleaning a white diamond. A clean diamond of any color sparkles and shines.

Things You'll Need

Shallow dish
Ammonia
Soft bristle brush
Lint-ree cloth

Instructions

- 1
  Presoak the black diamond in hot water to loosen any dirt, oil or debris.
- 2
  Mix up a black diamond cleaning solution made of diluted ammonia and three parts water. Jewelry stores also sell special diamond cleaning solutions.
- 3
  Fill a shallow dish with the cleaning solution and soak the diamond for at least 1 hour. The stone must be completely submerged in the solution.
- 4
  Scrub the black diamond with a soft bristle brush. A toothbrush works well for this. Scrub the stone at different angles to thoroughly clean all surfaces.
- 5
  Rinse the black diamond off under running hot water to remove all the cleaning solution. Polish the stone with a clean, lint-free cloth for maximum sparkle.

Rocks & Minerals