What metal or setting does your ring contain? No matter the type, we’ll show you easy steps to clean your diamond ring. Let’s help you make it look brand new again.
Your engagement ring is valuable for many reasons. It was an expensive buy, but it’s also sentiment that makes this one of the most treasured possessions in your home. So, how can you maintain it so it looks like new all the time? Don’t worry, it’s not difficult and we’re going to share the most important tips so you’ll know how to clean your diamond ring properly. You want it to shine and catch everyone’s eye, right? Firstly, you need to understand the importance of regular maintenance. Cleaning should not be a once-off project. Continuous maintenance ensures your ring keeps sparkling and it makes future cleaning quick & easy.
The best rule when cleaning jewelry is to take the utmost care and work gently. That means no rough handling and brushing with hard bristles that can loosen your diamond. Also, remember that metal CAN get damaged. If you work roughly you can scratch the delicate surfaces. Our tips below are relevant to almost any setting but it’s ideal to learn about the details of your specific ring. What metals does it contain and what is the setting? These details determine how exactly you’ll go about effectively cleaning it. We’ll discuss some of this below.
Now, let’s show you how to get it right when cleaning a diamond ring.
All Types of Metal:
Cleaning your Diamond Ring
- Soap works! Using a solution of water with dishwashing soap is an excellent start to ring cleaning. It works for most settings and it’s safe for most metal types. Use very warm water and general dish soap. DO NOT try chemicals, especially those containing chlorine. Start off with a good soak for a minimum of 20 minutes up to a maximum of 40 minutes. If you need to clean off residue from beauty or hair products you can use a toothbrush—the softest one you can find. End off with a good rinse in warm running water. Inspect your ring and repeat the process if required.
- Be careful when picking cleaning solutions: Today’s market does have products labeled as ‘non-abrasive’ or ‘chemical-free’. But even certain jewelry cleaner products can cause damage. Look at the ingredients before using it and don’t use anything with chemicals because this can lead to discoloration or your ring can become less durable. If you’re not sure what to use, Sparkle Bright is a market favorite that’s usually safe for polishing of all metals.
Gold & Silver Diamond Rings: Important Cleaning Tips
- Using cleaning solutions on gold and silver: When you clean your gold or silver diamond ring you can use two products common in many households: Hydrogen Peroxide & Windex. The first product fights off bacteria and Windex takes care of the grime. In a small container, mix a solution with equal amounts of these products. Leave your jewelry in the solution for a maximum of 15 minutes and then clean with a soft bristled toothbrush. Use lukewarm water to rinse the ring before you dry it.Cleaning Your Silver Diamond Ring: What to Do
Household products also work for deep cleaning your silver jewelry:
- Ketchup to bring back shine: Cover your ring in ketchup for a few minutes and then push the sauce into all the small gaps with the help of a soft brush. Then rinse it off with lukewarm water. It’s important to work quickly because if you leave this sauce on the band too long it can cause damage.
- Vinegar and baking soda for general cleaning: Dissolve two tablespoons of powder in half a cup of vinegar. Leave the ring submerged for up to 3 hours. You can then rinse with clean, cold water and rub it dry with a soft towel.
Cleaning Your Solid Gold Diamond Ring: What to Do
For solid gold jewelry you can use beer to make it look like new again. But only use it on the metal, not the stones. Simply drip some beer (no dark ale beer) on a piece of soft fabric and polish your ring’s band with it. Dry if off with another piece of soft fabric when you’re done.
Handy Tips for Taking Care of Your Diamond Ring
Prevention is better than cure! You should know how to clean your jewelry, but also know what NOT to do. These tips show how you can prevent it getting damaged or looking aged:
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Beauty products cause build-up:
If you rub lotion on your hands while wearing your ring it may look dirty all the time. These products also cause discoloration in white gold and platinum rings especially. Your ring won’t look clean and sparkly so rather put on lotion BEFORE you put on your jewelry.
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Prevent physical damage:
Metals can get damaged or chipped when your jewelry gets a hard knock such as your hand banging against a door. It can even cause your setting to become loose. In labor intensive situations, rather take off your jewelry and store it out of harm’s way.
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Keep your appointments with your jeweler:
A warranty often requires you to do regular ring maintenance with a professional jeweler. This is time and money saving in the long run because proper care can help manage chips and cracks & prevent you losing a stone.
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Don’t cook with jewelry:
When you’re cooking, food particles and fatty substances can attach to your ring. In some cases food can’t be removed at all and it can cause discoloration. Rather keep your ring in top condition by taking it off before going to the kitchen to cook.
Here’s our last tip: if you’re unsure about the safety of the cleaning product you have, rather DON’T use it at all. Don’t let one wrong decision discolor or damage your most treasured piece of jewelry. Rather visit a pro in your area, let him or her do a thorough cleaning and make sure your diamond ring sparkles as it should.
Using a professional near you is the safe alternative to DIY cleaning. You can find a ring cleaner in your area here.
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