Diamond may be the hardest natural substance on Earth, capable of cutting through any other rock or metal, and able to withstand temperatures of around 700°C, but anyone with an engagement ring will know that diamonds are also a magnet for grease and dirt.
Here are some tips for keeping your diamonds in tip-top shape.
Soak in warm water, with a few drops of mild dish soap, for 20 minutes or so, once or twice a week. Then use a soft, clean toothbrush to clear away any remaining dirt or grime. This will help you to access hard-to-reach areas, such as the back of your diamond, or the areas between the gemstone and the setting. Be gentle here so you don’t loosen or damage your prongs – this is particularly important with antique pieces. Then rinse with water and dry with a soft cloth.
Whatever you might read, avoid bleach, household cleaning products and toothpaste. Your diamond might be able to withstand them, but your metal settings probably won’t.
* Courtesy of the Gemological Institute of America
Unresolved crisis
Russia and Ukraine have been locked in a bitter conflict since 2014, when Ukraine’s Kremlin-friendly president was ousted, Moscow annexed Crimea and then backed a separatist insurgency in the east.
Fighting between the Russia-backed rebels and Ukrainian forces has killed more than 14,000 people. In 2015, France and Germany helped broker a peace deal, known as the Minsk agreements, that ended large-scale hostilities but failed to bring a political settlement of the conflict.
The Kremlin has repeatedly accused Kiev of sabotaging the deal, and Ukrainian officials in recent weeks said that implementing it in full would hurt Ukraine.
COMPANY PROFILE
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Investment stage: Series A
Investors: Core42
Current number of staff: 47
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia