How to Clean CZ Diamonds at Home

CZ is an abbreviation of "cubic zirconia." CZ stones look very much like diamonds, with the major difference being not in separate components, but in the total lack of flaws in a CZ diamond. CZ diamonds also have a tendency to refract light slightly differently, making them more beautiful than real diamonds to some people, and slightly less beautiful to others. CZ diamonds are similar in composition to natural diamonds, but they do have their own unique cleaning process. Always clean CZ diamonds according to CZ care instructions to ensure that you get the longest life possible out of your jewelry.

Things You'll Need

• Flannel cloth
• Mild soap
• Bowl
• Warm water
• Soft brush (child's toothbrush or jewelry brush)

Instructions

1. Wipe down your CZ diamonds with a flannel cloth. This will remove any lotion or soap grime from the large, flat surfaces of your stone. It will also help polish the metal parts of the setting.

2. Submerse the CZ diamond jewelry in a bowl of warm, soapy water. If you have a cup of water in the bowl, then add two or three drops of gentle, bleach-free dish soap. Allow the item to sit in the bowl for about 5 minutes. This will loosen any dirt that has worked into the prongs of the setting, or may have accumulated on the underside of the stone.

3. Scrub the CZ diamond gently with the soft brush. Do not use hard, sawing motions. Instead, use gentle, round brushing patterns. You can hold the ring over the water, and rinse while scrubbing, or scrub with the ring partially submerged.

4. Rinse the CZ diamond in clear, running water. You may wish to still hold it over the bowl, so that if it slips out of your hands, you do not risk it falling down the drain.

5. Wipe the CZ jewelry down with the flannel cloth. This prevents streaking and spotting. You can also opt to let the jewelry air dry, if you prefer.

Tips & Warnings

• Never wash your CZ diamond with bleach, as it can cause the color to yellow.

References

• Cleaning Options for CZ Diamonds