April’s birthstone is a Diamond - a clear transparent precious gemstone composed of pure crystallized carbon which has been highly compressed over millions of years.
Diamonds are the hardest substance known to mankind rating a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. They are valued because it is difficult to produce a faceted diamond and, when properly cut, they have high refractivity and brilliance. The quality and value of a diamond is rated using the "4 C's" - colour, cut, clarity and carat weight.
A diamond is forever. But without proper care, it won’t look nearly as beautiful. In fact, while a diamond is the hardest substance in the world, it still requires proper maintenance. Here are a few tips on looking after your most important piece of jewellery:
- One diamond can scratch another so don’t jumble your jewellery together. Many rings also have other stones which will easily become damaged if scratched by a diamond. So protect your ring; store it in its own box when not being worn.
- Exposure during ordinary wear to perspiration and many household chemicals, like chlorine or hairspray, will dull the surface of a diamond.
- Remember that even the hardest points can chip if you wear your diamond during physical activity or hard work such as gardening, do it yourself activities or sports. Store your ring in a safe place when working. Don’t drop it into your pocket where it can get lost. Here’s a tip - if you have to do something and don’t have a safe place, slip it around your neck with a firmly knotted cord.
- Settings can become loose. Visit a professional jeweler regularly to have the mountings and settings checked.
- Clean the stones regularly with a soft jewelry cloth to keep their sparkle. It’s best to use a professional jeweler who can also check to make sure prongs haven't bent or weakened.
- If your ring is particularly valuable, you may want to insure it separately. In any case, many insurance companies ask you to itemize the jewellery being covered although they may place a limit on that coverage. Check with your agent to be certain that the full value of your ring will be returned should something happen.
Diamonds are a girl's best friend and a man's worst enemy. ~ Author Unknown
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