Boiling Diamonds – Method of Cleaning Diamonds
Diamonds are one of the most precious and sought-after gemstones in the world. Their beauty and brilliance have captured the hearts of people for centuries. But to keep them sparkling and shining like new, it's important to clean them regularly. One of the most effective ways to clean diamonds is by boiling them. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of boiling diamonds and how to do it safely.
Why Boil Diamonds?
Diamonds can become dull and dirty over time due to dirt, oil, and other substances that can accumulate on their surfaces. While there are many ways to clean diamonds, boiling them is one of the most effective methods. Boiling diamonds can help remove any build-up of dirt and grime that may be stuck to the stone's surface, restoring its natural shine and sparkle.
Boiling diamonds is also a safe and natural way to clean them, as it doesn't involve the use of harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can scratch or damage the stone. Boiling diamonds is an affordable and easy way to keep them looking their best.
How to Boil Diamonds Safely
Before boiling diamonds, it's important to ensure that they are heat-resistant. Some diamonds may contain inclusions or fractures that can be damaged by heat, so it's essential to consult with a professional before boiling your diamond. Once you have determined that your diamond is safe to boil, follow these steps:
Prepare a pot of water - Fill a pot with enough water to cover the diamond.
Add detergent - Add a small amount of dish detergent to the water. This will help loosen any dirt or grime that may be stuck to the diamond.
Boil the water - Bring the water to a rolling boil on the stovetop.
Add the diamond - Using a pair of tweezers or tongs, carefully add the diamond to the boiling water.
Boil for 10 minutes - Allow the diamond to boil for 10 minutes.
Remove the diamond - Using the tweezers or tongs, carefully remove the diamond from the boiling water.
Rinse the diamond - Rinse the diamond with warm water and dry it with a soft cloth.
By following these steps, you can safely and effectively clean your diamond using the boiling method
Precautions to Take While Boiling Diamonds
While boiling diamonds is generally safe, it's essential to take precautions to avoid damaging the stone. Here are some precautions to take while boiling diamonds:
Check for heat resistance - As mentioned earlier, it's crucial to ensure that your diamond is heat-resistant before boiling it.
Avoid sudden temperature changes - When adding the diamond to the boiling water, make sure to do it gradually to avoid sudden temperature changes that could cause the diamond to crack.
Don't touch the diamond - Never touch the diamond with your bare hands while boiling or removing it from the water. Use tweezers or tongs to handle it.
Don't use too much detergent - While adding detergent to the water can help loosen dirt and grime, using too much can damage the diamond's surface.
There are two kinds of boiling – regular and deep boiling, also known as deep cooking.
Regular boiling
Regular boiling is intended to remove external dirt only, and is conducted at various stages of the polishing process as the polisher determines necessary to continue the process. Boiling is done is special rooms.
Special test tubes are set up in special ovens, into which diamonds are placed. If the stones are large, they are put in individually; if the stones are small, they are placed in packets. Sulfuric acid is poured into the test tubes along with a potassium chloride mixture. Diamonds are not affected by acid and are therefore not harmed. The diamonds are then “boiled” for about 15 minutes, until the potassium chloride dissolves and the liquid turns yellow.
The diamonds are then removed from the oven, cooled, washed with a great deal of water, and then with spirit and tried well with cloth towels. At the end of the process, the diamonds are sparkling and bright, clean from any remaining external dirt.
Deep boiling or deep cooking
The purpose of deep boiling is to try and reach internal dirt, which the boiling materials can reach via a tiny crack known as an “open inclusion” the tiny bit of black graphite (“fix” as it’s known by diamantaires) trapped inside the diamond. These tiny dots are trapped in the diamond when it is formed. Since acid doesn’t corrode the diamond itself, but only the dirt that has entered the stone, the process allows dirt to be removed so the polished diamond looks better.
Deep boiling is a long process that lasts 10-12 hours. It is done using a mixture of extremely strong acids, at high heat. Diamonds are placed in very strong containers made of tantalum and are then sealed in pressure containers. After the boiling process, the containers are cooled, the remaining acid steam is released, and the diamonds undergo another regular cleaning process. The deep boiling process is more complicated and more dangerous than regular boiling.
**This information was taken from www.wikidiamond.com**
Conclusion
Boiling diamonds is a safe, effective, and affordable way to keep them looking their best. By following the steps outlined in this article and taking precautions to avoid damaging the stone, you can restore your diamond's natural sparkle and shine. If you're unsure about boiling your diamond, it's always best to consult with a professional to ensure that it's safe to do so.
