Clean diamonds sparkle because the maximum amount of light can enter the stone and return in a fiery brilliance. It takes just a little care to keep them that way.

Diamond engagement and wedding rings, are often worn 24 hours a day. Diamonds are durable but they can get smudged, soiled and dusty. Lotions, powders, soaps, even natural skin oils, put a film on diamonds and cut down their brilliance.

Here are some tips for keeping your diamond clean:

• Do not wear diamond jewelry, especially rings, when doing rough work. Even though diamond is one of the hardest materials in nature, it can still be chipped by a sharp, sudden blow.

• Chlorine can damage and discolor the mounting on your diamond jewelry. Keep your diamond away from chlorine bleach or other household chemicals. You should also remove your diamond jewelry before entering a chlorinated pool, hot tub, shower or bath.

• Clean your diamonds regularly using a commercial jewelry cleaner, a mix of ammonia and water, or a mild detergent. Dip the jewelry into the solution and use a soft brush to dislodge dust or dirt from under the setting. Dirt accumulates under the stone in the mounting which can dramatically cut down on the diamond's sparkle.

• Avoid touching your clean diamonds with your fingers. Handle clean jewelry by its edges.

• Toothpaste contains abrasives that could damage the metal mounting that the diamond is set in.