According to diamond experts, the safest way to clean your diamonds is simply with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Select a mild soap such as dishwashing soap. I like to use Ivory. I also use a baby toothbrush and work my way in and around the various intricacies of the diamond’s setting. Make sure to clean behind your stone, as well, because dirt can hide there and make your diamond appear cloudy.

Of course, there are specifically designed products for diamond cleaning, and you can use those if you’d rather. But, if you plan to use a cleaner specifically for diamonds, make sure it won’t harm the precious metals that surround your stone. For instance, if your diamond earrings are set in platinum make sure your diamond cleaner won’t tarnish or taint the platinum.  When I was in high school, all of the beauty magazines recommended using toothpaste as a diamond cleaner, but today’s toothpastes are much more abrasive so stick to the warm soapy water instead.

In between cleanings, take good care of your diamonds. For instance, slip off your diamond ring and diamond bracelets when cleaning the house so you’ll avoid exposing them to harsh cleansers. Also, it’s a good idea to use hairspray before you put on your diamonds so you won’t dull them with a layer of lacquer. Lastly, clean your diamonds at least once a week to keep them as sparkly as the day you first put them on. Diamonds really are forever, so you might as well keep them looking good for that long!

*The word “diamond” comes from the Greek word “adamas,” which means “unconquerable and indestructible.”

*In ancient times, people believed that diamonds held certain powers such as giving strength, invincibility and courage to their wearer.

*The 4Cs of diamond grading established by the Gemological Institute of America refer to cut, color, clarity and carat.

*The first written notation about precious diamonds dates back to around 500 B.C.

*The diamond is the birthstone for April and the anniversary gem for the 10^th and 60^th wedding anniversaries.

*The first recorded diamond engagement ring exchange happened in 1477 when Archduke Maximillian of Austria gave Mary of Burgundy a diamond ring as a betrothal gift.

*The diamond is the hardest natural substance found on earth.

*A diamond is virtually fireproof. In fact, for a diamond to burn, it must be heated to 1292 degrees Fahrenheit.

*Gem-quality diamonds are comprised from less than 20 percent of the diamonds mined throughout the world.

*Australia is known for producing the most diamonds in volume.

*In a grouping of 1,000 polished diamonds, only one will weigh more than one carat.

*Approximately 65 percent of the world’s diamonds originate from African countries.

So, the next time a diamond question comes up in a rousing game of Trivial Pursuit, you’ll know the answer! I’ll admit that it’s fun to learn about diamonds, but it’s the most fun wearing them…

Of course, it’s not just “new Hollywood” who has embraced the beauty of fancy diamonds. Hollywood legends like Elizabeth Taylor have enjoyed dressing in beautiful colored diamonds for decades. One of the most stunning pieces in her collection is a 17th century Taj Mahal heart-shaped yellow diamond necklace given to her by husband Richard Burton.

With the rich and famous showcasing colored diamonds on and off the red carpet, the masses are learning that not all diamonds are clear. The fact is, you can get a diamond in any color of choice. Natural diamonds that become colored achieve their unique hue through different elements that are within the diamonds.  If a diamond has nitrogen, for example, a yellow diamond is the result.  Another way that a natural diamond can become colored is through exposure to radiation during its creation. This is how a green diamond is born.

Whether you prefer colored diamonds or the classic white stones, you’re sure to look stunning; however, if you are usually drawn to colorless diamonds, why not explore the beautiful rainbow of baubles? So many colors of diamonds, so little time…

I thought it might be fun to feature other fun quotations about diamonds. Probably the most famous diamond quotation of all is: “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” which was sung by Marilyn Monroe in the 1953 film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.

Here are a few others:

• Buxom Blonde Actress Mae West once said, “I never worry about diets. The only carrots that interest me are the number of carats in a diamond!”
• Funny lady Joan Rivers once said, “If God wanted us to bend over he’d put diamonds on the floor!”
• Actress Zsa Zsa Gabor said, “I never hated a man enough to give him his diamonds back.”

So, what is your favorite diamond quotation? I always tell my husband, “The bigger the diamond, the happier the wife.” Why not come up with your own diamond saying this week?

I hinted to my parents about my desire for diamonds, hoping to find a pair of half carat white diamond, round cut earrings in a beautifully wrapped box when my birthday rolled around that cold November day.

So, on the evening of my party I hurriedly opened all of my gifts from family and friends, smiling and thanking everybody for their generosity. We ate cake. We danced a little. We took lots of pictures. And, finally the birthday party came to a close. Still, the gift from my parents was nowhere in sight. Then, as everyone was about to leave, Daddy handed me a shiny pink package with a silver bow on top. As I ripped open the paper, I discovered a jewelry box from a diamond store in our town. I carefully removed the lid to reveal the best birthday present ever—round cut diamond stud earrings. They were perfect! They were a half carat of sparkling ice on each ear! And, they were all mine!

I wore those diamond studs every day for the better part of a year, and I still grab for those dazzling diamond studs quite often. They have been “my best friend” for more than two decades. I am thinking I may need to add some more “friends” to my collection…