Using square or round cut diamonds can add drama to a wedding band as in this collection from First Diamond in Brampton.

These unusual wedding bands from D-Flawless Diamond Brokers, are made striking by using a combination of metals such as gold, platinum and titanium. www.dflawless.ca

An exquisite one-carat round diamond is the centerpiece set off by six princess-cut canary diamonds in this unusual ring, custom made by Socrates Reppas at Marquis Jewellers. www.marquisjewellers.ca

A diamond is forever. But without proper care, it won’t look nearly as beautiful. In fact, while the diamond is the hardest substance in the world, it still requires proper maintenance. Here are a few tips on looking after your most important piece of jewellery:

One diamond can scratch another so don’t jumble your jewellery together. And many rings also have other stones which will easily become damaged if scratched by a diamond. So protect your ring; store it in its own box when not being worn.

Exposure during ordinary wear to perspiration and many household chemicals, like chlorine or hairspray, will dull the surface of a diamond.

Remember that even the hardest points can chip if you wear your diamond during physical activity or hard work such as gardening, DIY or sports. Store your ring in a safe place when working. Don’t drop it in your pocket where it can get lost. Here’s a tip. If you have to do something and don’t have a safe place, slip it around your neck with a firmly knotted cord.

Settings can become loose. Visit a professional jeweler regularly to have the mountings and settings checked.

Clean those stones regularly to keep their sparkle. It’s best to use a professional who can also check to make sure prongs haven't bent or weakened. In between, soak in warm, sudsy water using any mild liquid detergent, and gently brush with a soft toothbrush. Rinse well (make sure the plug is in the basin) and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Or put your ring in a glass of vodka. It really cleans it beautifully!

If your ring is particularly valuable, you may want to insure it separately. In any case, many insurance companies ask you to itemize the jewellery being covered though they may place a limit on that coverage. Check with your agent to be certain that the full value of your ring will be returned should something happen.