Caring for lab diamonds is an important part of owning and enjoying these beautiful stones. With more people choosing lab diamonds for their sparkle, it's essential to understand the best ways to take care of them. Given their growing popularity, many wonder about the everyday care of these gems, including whether they can be worn in the shower. We'll explore this common question and look at helpful tips for preserving their brilliance.
Lab diamonds are celebrated for their ethical and eco-conscious appeal. They're made in a lab, offering the same shine and strength as natural diamonds. But owners often find themselves asking if daily activities like showering can affect these lab-created wonders. This article walks through everything you need to know, from understanding what lab diamonds are to how water and soap can impact them. Let's get started with easy tips to help your diamonds stay looking their best.
What Are Lab Diamonds?
Lab diamonds, as the name suggests, are diamonds grown in a controlled laboratory setting. They have the exact same physical, chemical, and optical features as natural diamonds that form underground over billions of years. What makes them different is the way they're created, using advanced technology to speed up the process.
Unlike common simulants such as cubic zirconia or moissanite, lab diamonds are real diamonds. They show the same sparkle, hardness, and structure as mined stones. Still, they offer some key benefits that make them more appealing for many jewelry lovers:
- Ethically made: Lab diamonds avoid the need for mining, meaning less environmental harm and no connection to conflict zones.
- Budget-friendly: They are typically more affordable than mined diamonds, letting you get a bigger or brighter stone for your money.
- Earth-friendly: Their production uses fewer resources compared to traditional mining methods.
These qualities have helped grow the popularity of lab diamonds, giving buyers a meaningful and beautiful alternative to traditional gems.
Effects of Water and Soap on Lab Diamonds
Lab diamonds may be tough, but long-term exposure to water and soap can affect their appearance. While the diamond itself won’t be damaged by water, the products we use in the shower might dull its shine.
Soap is often the biggest troublemaker. It can leave behind a filmy layer on the surface, hiding your diamond’s brilliance beneath a cloudy coating. Add mineral deposits from hard tap water, and the sparkle can quickly fade. You’ll need to clean your jewelry more often if it’s worn daily in the shower.
Here are a few issues that may come up:
- Soap scum sticks to the stone and setting, reducing reflectivity.
- Hard water can leave mineral residue that builds up over time.
- Buildup from shampoos, conditioners, and body wash may settle into prongs and small gaps in your jewelry, making it harder to clean.
The diamond remains tough, but no one wants that dull, foggy look. These are all things to think about when deciding if you should leave your lab diamond jewelry on in the shower.
Best Practices for Wearing Lab Diamonds in the Shower
It's wise to skip wearing lab diamonds in the shower when possible, but we get it—sometimes you forget, or you're in a rush. If you do wear your diamonds while showering, there are a few things you can do to help keep them beautiful:
- Use gentle, low-residue soap so there’s less buildup.
- Rinse the jewelry with clean water afterward to wash away any product.
- Avoid shampooing or applying conditioner with rings or earrings still on, as those tend to be thicker and cling to gemstone surfaces.
You might also look at some quick alternatives to wearing your pieces in the shower:
- Try out a simple silicone ring while showering. Great for active or on-the-go days.
- Set up a ring holder or dish in your bathroom to safely store your jewelry.
- Get into the habit of removing your diamonds before stepping into the shower. Just a few seconds of effort can help protect your favorite pieces.
Making these small swaps or adjustments gives your jewelry a break and helps avoid the dull finish caused by daily showers.
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips for Lab Diamonds
Regular cleaning goes a long way in keeping diamonds dazzling—whether they’re lab-created or natural. The good news is it doesn’t take complicated tools or expensive products. Here's a simple cleaning routine to follow at home:
1. Soak the jewelry in a bowl of warm water mixed with mild dish soap for about 15 to 20 minutes.
2. Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub around the stone and setting. Pay extra attention to small crevices where buildup can hide.
3. Rinse the piece thoroughly under warm running water.
4. Dry it off using a clean, lint-free cloth. Avoid paper towels, which can scratch metal.
Stick to cleaning your diamond jewelry about once a month, or more often if worn daily. This helps reduce buildup from soap, lotion, and other residues that dull the shine.
It’s also a good idea to check for loose settings or prongs every few months, especially on rings or earrings you wear a lot. If something feels shaky or looks off, bring it to a professional jeweler for inspection and repair.
Shining Bright with Proper Care
Lab diamonds are made to sparkle, and with just a bit of care, they’ll stay brilliant for years. Whether you wear them every day or save them for special occasions, the tips above will keep your pieces in great shape.
Removing your jewelry before applying hair products, body wash, or taking a hot shower can make a big difference in maintaining their shine. Being mindful of soap scum, mineral buildup, and residue is all it takes to avoid that cloudy look. A little consistency in cleaning and routine checks goes a long way.
These gems may be created in a lab, but they deserve the same amount of attention as any treasured jewelry piece. They're not just about beauty—they represent values, memories, and moments. Give them the love they deserve, and they’ll reward you with sparkle every single time.
Now that your care game is strong, let your style shine just as bright.
To make your lab diamond jewelry collection shine as bright as possible, why not explore some stunning stacking diamond wedding bands? They offer versatility and style, perfect for mixing and matching with your other cherished pieces. At Melissa Tyson Designs, we've crafted a variety of options to suit your unique taste and elevate your everyday sparkle.