How do I clean and care for lab-grown diamond jewellery at home?

Lab-grown diamond jewellery requires exactly the same care routine as any fine diamond piece, because the crystal structure and physical properties are identical to mined diamond. Diamonds score 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, meaning only another diamond can scratch one, but gold settings, prongs, and pavé details are softer and far more vulnerable than the stone itself. For home cleaning, soak the piece in lukewarm water with a few drops of mild dish soap for 15 to 40 minutes, depending on how much residue has built up. Work a soft-bristle toothbrush gently around the setting and pavilion, where skin oils and dust collect most readily, then rinse under cool running water and pat dry with a lint-free cloth. Paper towel can leave micro-scratches, and toothpaste must be avoided entirely as its abrasive particles permanently scratch metal finishes. For heavier grease buildup, a 50:50 mix of glass cleaner and hydrogen peroxide cuts through residue effectively before the standard soap-and-brush step. Avoid bleach, acetone, and chlorine-based products, as these degrade metal alloys regardless of stone type. Ultrasonic cleaning dislodges debris from prong settings that a toothbrush cannot reach, but skip it for pavé or tension-set pieces, since vibration can loosen smaller stones over time. A mild vinegar solution, one part spirit vinegar to three parts lukewarm water, works well for necklaces and chains; soak for two to three minutes, brush gently, then rinse and dry as above. For storage, keep each piece in a separate fabric-lined pouch or box so stones cannot contact other metal surfaces. Remove jewellery before swimming, gym sessions, gardening, or household cleaning, and minimise direct finger contact with the stone to preserve optical performance. A professional inspection once a year, and a quick prong check every six months, catches wear before a stone is at risk.