How to Properly Clean a Diamond Engagement Ring

Diamond rings are treasured for their sparkle and beauty. But the only way to keep your engagement ring shiny forever is to clean it regularly. There may be times you want this done professionally, although you can clean it yourself any time in between. Oil, debris, and residue from hand lotion, shampoo, or hairspray can accumulate every day. Leaving your ring dirty increases the risk of discoloration, scratches, skin irritation, and even bacterial infections.

The easiest way to clean your diamond engagement ring is as follows:

• Use warm water to fill up a bowl
• Mix in a few drops of dishwashing soap
• Soak the ring for 20 to 40 minutes
• Clean the ring gently with a soft toothbrush
• Pat dry with a soft cloth (air drying works too)

With a small brush, you can reach the back of the diamond, which is the area most prone to collecting oil and dirt. It’s important to be gentle especially if the ring has an older prong or a tension setting. In general, try not touching your diamond as oils from your skin can attract dirt.

What Not to Use

Never use any cleanser that contains chlorine or other chemicals that can damage the metal. Toothpaste is too abrasive for ring metals, including gold. If you do use an ultrasonic cleaner, do so with care. They can shake stones loose or even chip diamonds that are set next to one another. If the diamond has been fracture filled, avoid ultrasonic equipment altogether. Review how the diamond has been treated (using its grading report or consulting a jeweler) before considering this method.

Other Compounds to Use

Silver and Gold Ring: Soak it in a Windex and hydrogen peroxide solution (50/50 mix) for 10 to 15 minutes. While the Windex removes dirt build-up, the hydrogen peroxide kills bacteria. After soaking, scrub gently with a soft toothbrush and rinse with lukewarm water.

Silver Ring: Mix ½ cup of white vinegar with 2 tablespoons of baking soda mixed until dissolved. Soak the ring for two to three hours and rinse with cold water. Another way to clean a tarnished ring is with ketchup; dip the band in a small bowl for a few minutes and apply the ketchup into crevices with a small toothbrush. Then rinse with lukewarm water.

Solid Gold: Beer can help restore your gold ring’s luster (avoid dark ale beer). Damp a soft cloth with beer and rub it over the band, avoiding contact with the diamond or gemstone. Dry the band with a clean cloth or towel.

How Often Should My Ring Be Cleaned?

Oil and residue can build up on a daily basis. It’s therefore best to clean your diamond engagement ring once a week, and have it cleaned by a jeweler about twice a year. If you’re active in the kitchen or outdoors, professional-grade products that jewelers use can restore brilliance even if a lot of oil or dirt have coated the ring.

Where Do I Go to Have My Ring Professionally Cleaned?

Your local jeweler, where you bought the ring, is the first place you should go go. They’re most familiar with the type of ring you have and how it should be cared for. Wherever you go, speak to the professional who will do the cleaning. Make sure they know the ring’s age, all the materials included, and its structure. At Jeweler’s Touch, we can clean and repair diamond jewelry with high-quality results every time. Call us at 714-579-1616 to learn more.