Light goes in the top and out the bottom
A brilliant cut works by taking light in through the table, bouncing it off the angled facets underneath, and throwing it back at your eye. Put a film of hand cream and skin oil on those bottom facets and the light is absorbed instead of returned. The stone goes dead.
And that underside is exactly the part you never clean, because it is tucked inside the setting against your finger.
Why it happens so fast
Hand cream, soap, sunscreen, cooking. A ring worn every day can go noticeably flat within a fortnight. It is not a sign of anything wrong.
What we do
Settings get pressed first, then it is cleaned properly including underneath, then the stones get checked again. Most people are genuinely surprised by the difference, and it takes minutes.
At home, between visits
Warm water, a drop of washing-up liquid, a soft toothbrush, and pay attention to the underside of the stone. Once a fortnight keeps a daily ring looking right. Take it off for hand cream.
Questions we get asked
Why does my diamond look dull?
Almost always a film on the underside of the stone where light has to pass. It cleans off.
Can I clean it at home?
Yes — warm soapy water and a soft brush, paying attention underneath the stone.
Is an ultrasonic safe for diamonds?
For a diamond in a sound setting, generally yes. We press the stones first, because that is the risk rather than the stone.
How often should it be cleaned?
A daily ring benefits from a rinse every couple of weeks and a proper clean a couple of times a year.
Not sure we can fix it?
Send a couple of details and we will call you back. Or just walk in — it is quicker, and we can actually look at the piece.
Drop it off, shop the mall, wear it tonight
We are inside Orland Square Mall in Orland Park. Walk in during mall hours, no appointment. Most repairs are finished the same day and a good number while you wait.
Where we are
Julio's Jewelry, 800 Orland Square Drive, Orland Park, IL 60462 — inside Orland Square Mall. Mon–Thu 10am–8pm · Fri–Sat 10am–9pm · Sun 11am–6pm. We are also at North Riverside Park Mall, 7501 W Cermak Rd, North Riverside, IL 60546.