GIA GIA Diamond Care, Maintenance & Consumer Education

Question 1

Which household substance can damage a diamond ring over time by slowly eroding the metal setting and prongs?

Accepted Answer

Chlorine bleach and chlorinated pool water

Answer

Plain water

Answer

Mild dish soap

Answer

Warm steam from a home steamer

Question 2

A GIA-educated consumer should be advised to have their diamond ring professionally inspected and cleaned approximately how often?

Accepted Answer

Once every 6–12 months

Answer

Every 5–10 years

Answer

Only when a stone appears loose

Answer

Every 3–5 years

Question 3

What is the safest home cleaning method for a diamond ring recommended by GIA-trained jewelers?

Accepted Answer

Gently scrubbing with a soft toothbrush in warm water with a small amount of mild dish soap

Answer

Soaking in undiluted ammonia overnight

Answer

Using a commercial abrasive jewelry cleaning paste

Answer

Wiping with a dry paper towel to remove surface oils

Question 4

Why should diamond jewelry be removed before engaging in activities such as gardening, weight lifting, or rock climbing?

Accepted Answer

Impact and abrasion can chip the diamond and physical force can bend prongs, loosening the stone

Answer

Physical activity causes diamonds to lose their polish permanently

Answer

Sweat chemically reacts with diamonds to alter their clarity grade

Answer

These activities cause thermal expansion that can crack the diamond

Question 5

What does a GIA-trained professional check for when inspecting prongs on a customer's ring?

Accepted Answer

Whether prongs are worn thin, bent, chipped, or have slipped below the girdle of the stone

Answer

Whether prongs match the color of the diamond's fluorescence

Answer

Whether prongs are pointing in the correct cardinal directions

Answer

Whether the number of prongs matches the weight of the diamond

Question 6

A customer asks whether ultrasonic cleaners are safe for all diamond jewelry. What is the correct guidance from a GIA perspective?

Accepted Answer

Ultrasonic cleaners should not be used on stones with fracture fills, treated diamonds, or fragile vintage settings

Answer

Ultrasonic cleaners are universally safe for all diamonds and settings

Answer

Ultrasonic cleaners are only safe for diamonds under 1 carat

Answer

Ultrasonic cleaners are recommended only for yellow gold settings, not platinum