Despite their solid exterior, diamonds aren't invincible, according to one jeweller who has seen countless gems ruined from age, improper cleaning technique and carelessness. 
Mike Marty, the director of Seattle-based online diamond and fine jewelry retailer Blue Nile, explained that, contrary to popular belief, diamonds are not invincible; he noted that while they may be one of the hardest substances on earth, they 'remain prone to damage when exposed to extreme pressure or force'. 
So to help those suffering from destroyed diamonds, Mike provided some much needed dos and don'ts to keep them sparkling forever. 

DO be wary about beauty products

The first thing Mike says to do is be wary about the beauty products such as hand creams and lotions you are using. 
'Lotions, cosmetics, and perfumes may be beautiful but their effect on jewellery is another story,' he says. 
'Products can build up over time and cause your jewellery to lose its natural shine while harsh chemicals may weaken or discolour your precious metals. We recommend you remove your jewellery before applying your product.'  

 DO remove your jewellery before any manual labor

The second thing Mike said to do is remove your jewellery before engaging in strenuous activities - a simple solution but one a lot of people surprisingly don't do. 
He says: 'Damage to your diamonds is avoidable. Simply remove your jewellery before engaging in activities that might damage the stones. 
'For example, gardening, cleaning, and even exercise can put your precious gems at risk.' 

 DO regularly inspect your diamonds for damage

Another piece of advice Mike gives is to inspect the jewellery - whether a ring, earrings or necklace - for damage. 
He notes it doesn't have to be frequent as a lot of people don't wear excessive jewellery everyday but he does suggest taking the time to make sure everything is looking copacetic with your gems.  
'The more you wear your jewellery, the more often it should be inspected,' he says. 
'If you only wear the item once or twice a year, a simple eye-check before placing the item back into storage is acceptable.'

DON'T neglect your diamonds

The worse thing anyone can do to their diamonds is neglect them because not only does it make the precious gems' condition worsen but it leaves you with an expensive item can't be worn. 
So, to make sure this doesn't happen Mike said to not neglect your diamonds and make sure they are protected.   
He says: 'To protect your valuables, we recommend that all jewelry, in particular rings, which tend to receive a significant amount of wear, are inspected every six months, and no less than once every 12 months.' 

 DON'T forget to clean your jewellery
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The last thing Mike said not to do was let oil and dust build up in the diamonds because that may be dulling the 'beautiful sparkle'. 
'Remove any oil and dust that has collected in the crevices behind your setting that may be dulling the beautiful sparkle,' he says. 
'Simple steps can keep your stone sparkling for a lifetime.'
He also adds that even though diamonds are tough, they still need care and attention.  
'While durable, diamonds still need care,' he says. 
'We recommend cleaning and inspecting your jewellery often. Check your jewellery settings frequently to be sure that prongs aren't working loose.' 

The Jewellery you wear each day should be just as much a part of your "dressing schedule" as choosing the correct shoes, deciding on a Shirt or a Sweater, Skirt or Pants, Jeans or tights.
​Choosing the right outfit for each day's activities and actions.

Choosing your Jewellery for the day ahead includes consideration of

• The Weather

Your expected outfit  
​Your expected activities

Wind or Rain
My personal advice is the EarClimber. These Elegant earrings sit flat against the ear, so will not flap or fly away!
If you have pulled your hair back to avoid "Lipstick Hair" the EarClimber will highlight and flatter your exposed ear.

Ear Climbers are not suitable for all ear shapes, so my other choice would be a stud.
Again these sit close to the ear, highlighting and flattering while not "becoming at one with the wind"!

Sunny Days:
On a sunny day choose an Earring with lots of Hammered finishing to reflect as much light as possible enhancing your Movement and making the most of the sunlight. Such an earring gives a look of lightness and fun!
​

Alternately:
Try a simple Hoop shape with added ornamentation... In this case a 8mm SWAROVSKI Crystal to reflect the light!

Classic Sterling Silver Handmade Curb Bracelet with our own Bolt Ring Catch.
Philip makes a range of "heaviness options" in this style, so if you require lighter or heavier, just ask.
​This one features links that are 3mm thick giving it a very heavy and chunky look.
Every link is fully soldered, Shaped and curbed by hand before being joined to it's companions. The joins are smoothed by hand to ensure that there are no rough edges and the "beehive" end pieces are especially shaped to make sure that the Bracelet will always sit flat.

Copied from an Oak Twig, sourced in Auckland's Albert Park, a large "Green Space" in Auckland's downtown CBD.
Albert Park is one of Auckland's oldest Public Reserves adjoining the Auckland University, the Original Nathan Homestead and other Buildings from Auckland's earliest years and Oldest Trading Families.
The Oak Twig Ring is created in Sterling Silver and heavily Oxidised to highlight the wood details. A 9kt Yellow Gold ball has been set into a natural knot which was part of the twig.
Note the signature and metal purity stamps inside the band.

Turquoise Marquise cut Cabochon set in Sterling Silver with Faceted Blue Topaz.
The Band of this ring does not completely surround the finger causing a small gap between the gemstones.
We call this a "double ended" style and it is a very comfortable ring to wear as the "gap" allows air to touch your skin.
You can wear it whichever way "up" you please as it is completely double ended.
The Band is very wide and chunky to give strength and composition to the design.

In this busy world sometimes we need to minimalize where we can and sometimes the simplest Earrings make our lives easier.

These designs are all intended to create the most elegant you in the easiest possible way.

Created in Sterling Silver with solid 9kt Gold Ornamentation, these simple hoops are Elegant and easy to wear.

I make this design with lots of different ornaments. Plain Sterling Silver, Rose Gold Hearts or balls of different sizes, SWAROVSKI Crystal Mirror Balls, Ball of Life balls.

The design is sprung to ensure that it hangs correctly and is easy to use.