Not only is your engagement ring probably one of the most expensive pieces of jewelry you’ve ever owned, but it also holds a lot of sentimental value, so you’ll want to know how to take care of that precious bauble.
Most jewelry is relatively easy to maintain as long as you know what you’re doing—which is where we come in. Our guide will take the guesswork out of how to clean a diamond ring.
Each engagement ring is unique, with many different stones, metals, and settings. It’s important to know what care your ring requires before you begin the cleaning process. But regardless of the method used, the best way to clean a diamond ring thoroughly is to be gentle and patient during the cleaning process.
How Often to Clean Your Ring
Everyday habits can quickly take that brilliant sparkle off of your diamond ring. Shampoo, hairspray, hand lotions, hand soaps, and cooking oils can leave a cloudy sheen across your diamond and your band. Try to clean your ring weekly to keep it looking its best.
Tips From Your Jeweler
Bring your ring to a jeweler for a professional deep clean twice a year. If you have an active lifestyle or like to get your hands dirty, have your ring professionally cleaned more often.
How to Clean a Diamond Ring: All Metal Types (Platinum, Silver, White Gold, and Gold)
Use Soap and Water. The best way to clean a diamond ring, no matter your ring’s setting and/or metal type, is plain soap and water. To make the solution, get a small bowl and add hot water and essential dishwashing soap. Soak your ring for about 20 to 40 minutes, depending on how dirty it is. If you need to remove a substance such as hairspray, lotion, makeup, or perfume, use a very soft toothbrush to remove any residue.
Rinse the ring under warm running water and repeat if necessary. Using chlorine or other harsh chemicals, even some certified jewelry cleaners, can damage the engagement ring. It’s important to rinse your ring thoroughly after cleaning to remove any soap residue.
Use a non-abrasive and chemical-free solution. Do your research when purchasing a jewelry cleaner/polisher. If there are any chemicals in the solution, your diamond ring can become discolored or lose its durability. Sparkle Bright is a highly rated jewelry cleaner that can polish and restore rings of any metal type.
How to Clean a Diamond Ring: Silver and Gold
Use a Windex and hydrogen peroxide solution. Use a small bowl and prepare a 50/50 solution of Windex and hydrogen peroxide. Soak your diamond ring for about 10–15 minutes. The Windex will remove the day-to-day dirt build-up, and the hydrogen peroxide will kill any bacteria on the ring. After soaking your engagement ring in the solution, gently scrub your ring with a soft toothbrush to remove residue. Rinse with lukewarm water and dry.
Diamond Ring: Silver
Use Vinegar. Pour 1/2 cup white vinegar and two tablespoons of baking soda into a shallow bowl. Mix the solution so that the baking soda is completely dissolved. Soak your diamond ring in the solution for two to three hours. Then rinse your ring under cold water and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.
Use Ketchup. Yes, you read that correctly. If you have a tarnished silver ring, ketchup could be your solution to getting the shine back. Dunk your band into a small bowl of ketchup for a few minutes. Use a soft toothbrush to work ketchup into the crevices, rinse the ring with lukewarm water, and dry. Be sure not to leave the ketchup on your band for more than a few minutes.
How to Clean a Diamond Ring: Solid Gold
Use Beer. If your solid gold ring is losing its luster, try pouring a little bit of beer onto a soft cloth and rubbing it gently over the band. Do not rub the beer on your gemstones or diamond, and be sure to avoid dark ale beer. After you’ve rubbed the beer onto the band, use a second cloth or towel to dry.
What to Avoid When Cleaning Your Ring
Avoid the use of harsh cleaning chemicals and scrubbing your ring. Chemicals like bleach, chlorine, and acetone can break down the metal in your band. Use only the softest of brushes on your diamond. Hard-bristled toothbrushes and scrub pads may scratch your diamond, marring its beautiful sparkle and lowering its values. Likewise, abrasive cleaners, like baking soda, powdered cleaners, or even toothpaste can damage your band. Gold bands, in particular, scratch very easily.
Take care when choosing specialized jewelry cleaners. Be sure to select a cleaner without chemicals or abrasive components. Even certain chemicals that won’t harm your ring could discolor your diamond.
Caring for Your Diamond Ring
To avoid damage to your ring or cause it to age prematurely, do not use thick lotions, and creams can result in residue build-up on your ring. This can make your ring look and feel dirty and cause it to become discolored—especially if your band is made of white gold or platinum.
Remember that your ring is a fragile object. You must handle it with care. Otherwise, it could chip the band or loosen the setting. Remember to take off your ring and put it in a safe place if you will engage in any intensive labor or activity.
Stay up-to-date on your maintenance appointments, especially If you have a warranty. When you have your ring professionally cleaned and maintained, your jeweler can prevent any stones from falling out and resolve any chip or crack issues.
Avoid wearing your ring while cooking. Food and other oils can get stuck in or discolor your ring. Depending on the setting of your stone, food may be almost impossible to remove from the ring.
If you’re ever questioning whether or not a solution or treatment is safe for cleaning your ring, contact us.
At Patronik, we are always available to expertly clean, polish, maintain, and repair your jewelry with state-of-the-art technology and the utmost care.