When the love of your life asked you to be his wife, he opened up a box to reveal a diamond ring. It had just enough sparkle to make your jaw drop. But now, you’re noticing that your diamond engagement ring is looking a little…dull. Fear not; that diamond just needs a good cleaning! But how do you clean your ring without damaging it? And do you need a professional to clean it? We’re showing you how to clean diamond ring impurities to ensure it will sparkle year-round!
Clean Often
Our biggest tip is to clean your diamond ring on a regular basis! Most jewelers recommend taking your ring in 2 times a year for cleaning to keep it in great condition.
You can, however, clean your ring as often as once a week. Everyday activities like washing your hands and dishes, putting on lotion, and taking a shower can cause dirt and oil to build up around your lab created diamond and on your setting. Plus, like anything else, your ring can start to be a carrier for germs; it’s not only important to clean it for the way it looks but for your own sanitation!
You Don’t Always Need A Jeweler
If you are unable to bring your ring to a jeweler for professional ring cleaning, clean your ring at home! There is no need for any special jewelry cleaners or special tools. It’s easier than you think and will save you some money by doing it yourself with everyday household items. The best way is to mix very warm water and dish soap in a bowl.
NEVER clean your ring over the drain, as it can easily slip out of your hands. Let your diamond ring soak in the mixture for 20-40 minutes, and gently brush the ring with a soft toothbrush. Avoid using a toothbrush with rough bristles, as this may damage your ring. Finally, rinse your ring with warm water and dry it with a soft, lint-free cloth. Bypass drying with paper towels to avoid small fibers attaching to your engagement or wedding ring.
And remember, while diamonds may be one of the hardest natural materials, they can be easily scratched or damaged. Be gentle and patient while cleaning them. Do this to avoid loosening or damaging diamonds and scratching your metal. This is especially important if you have an antique or vintage ring that may be more fragile.
Choose dish soap that doesn’t include moisturizing elements, as those will add buildup to your ring. It was known, however, that Elizabeth Taylor would clean her 33.19-carat diamond ring with hot water and gin. As strange as it may sound, that is also an option to use. However, we recommend soap as your first choice.
While you can purchase cleaning solutions specifically for your precious engagement ring, soap and warm water will do wonders for your setting and diamond. If you do choose to purchase a solution, look for Non-Abrasive and Chemical-Free Solutions to avoid discoloring your metal.
Clean With Caution
Some cleaning techniques and solutions are better than others. You’re probably familiar with ultrasonic cleaners; they send a low-frequency sound wave through a solution, causing vibrations. These vibrations shake off any dirt and grime that’s built up on your diamond and setting.
However, use this device with extreme caution. The vibrations can easily shake stones loose or chip the girdles of diamonds. Additionally, if you use an ultrasonic cleaner, don’t use it on a daily basis. Doing so can cause unnecessary wear on your ring.
Activities That Could Damage Your Engagement Ring
If you choose to wear your beautiful engagement ring on a daily basis, take time to recognize daily routines that may damage your ring and other varieties of jewelry.
Take your ring off before swimming in a pool; chemicals like chlorine can damage some of the metals used to alloy gold for diamond settings. Take your ring off beforehand if you play any impact sports like baseball, basketball, volleyball, tennis, or even weightlifting. These activities can chip a ring or knock the stones out of place if you aren’t careful.
Even everyday activities like showering or cleaning dishes can quickly dirty your ring. Use caution and judgment when taking part in daily routines and activities with your engagement ring and other kinds of jewelry.
Scheduled Maintenance For Your Ring
Although you can get away with cleaning your engagement ring at home, we would advise anyone to visit a local jewelry store to get professional ring cleaning at least once a year. They are professionals, after all, able to make your ring look like new again! Also, bringing your ring to a jeweler for regular maintenance is very important. They will check to make sure the prongs are tight, and the diamond isn’t loose or check for any potential damage to the diamond, like cracks or chips.
How to Care For Your Diamond Ring
While you may have gotten your diamond ring looking shiny and new, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind to keep your ring looking that way. First, if you take off your ring before any activities or during any routine, consider an immobile safe. You can even choose a memorable hiding spot like a jewelry box. Or simply stick with the trusty engagement ring box you’re holding onto.
First, this will help you remember where you placed it; we don’t want any lost diamond rings. Second, placing your ring on the counter or your bedside table can be risky, as it can easily get knocked to the ground, pushed into the sink, or eaten by a dog. Maybe not the last one, but you never know…the point is, keep your ring safe and out of harm’s way by keeping it in an enclosed box.
Also, do not pick it up by the diamond when handling your ring. Natural oils from your fingers will transfer to the diamond and cause it to become cloudy and dirty faster. Pick your ring up by the band.
Congrats! You now know how to clean your wedding ring! These simple tips and tricks will ensure that your ring will continue to sparkle on the wedding day and for years to come.
F.A.Q
Can You Clean Your Engagement Ring Too Much?
Not necessarily. While there is no such thing as over-cleaning your ring, we wouldn’t recommend cleaning your ring every single day. It is important to be gentle when you clean, and if you’re using an ultrasonic machine, use that sparingly on both your ring and other forms of jewelry.
Can I Use Rubbing Alcohol To Clean My Ring?
Absolutely not! Never use any household cleaners such as bleach, acetone, or hand sanitizer to clean your ring, as this can damage or discolor your metal color.
Do I Need Special Tools To Clean My Ring?
Nope! For most cleaning jobs, all you need is a gentle soap and a new, soft toothbrush. Never use metal tools or harsh equipment to clean your ring, as this can both scratch your diamond and unintentionally loosen prongs on your setting.
What Metal Will Look Like New, Longer?
Gold is a soft metal; the more true gold that is present, the softer the jewelry will actually be. So, since 14k has fewer karats of gold, it will be a bit more durable. We recommend 14k gold for this reason.
Rings that are made of 24k gold will scratch and warp easily and are not recommended for your engagement ring, especially if you plan on wearing it daily. But all metals eventually need a little care, so make sure to be gentle with your setting and get your ring cleaned by a professional jeweler at least once a year!
How Do I Keep My Engagement Ring Shiny?
Our biggest tip for keeping your ring looking shiny for longer is to remove your ring during hands-on activities. Working out, moving furniture, gardening, and swimming can wear and tear your diamond and setting unnecessarily. We recommend you also remove your ring when you wash dishes, as you can easily knock it onto hard surfaces and expose it to harsh chemicals.
Taking your ring off and storing it somewhere safe when you plan on working with your hands will keep your ring looking newer and longer.
How Do I Make My Diamond Sparkle?
First, handle your ring sparingly. Touching your diamond will cause the natural oils and dirt from your fingers to rub off on your ring, clouding the diamond and causing it to look less shiny.
When you handle your ring, pick it up by the band, not the diamond. And second, regular cleaning. Soak your ring in a gentle degreasing solution, like mild dish soap mixed with warm water, and gently clean with a soft brush (i.e., toothbrush) to keep your ring looking perfect!
How Often Should You Clean Your Engagement Ring?
You should aim to clean your engagement ring once every 2 weeks, depending on how often you wear your ring. Dirt can build up quickly, so we would recommend cleaning every 2 weeks at a minimum. A more thorough cleaning is good to do every couple of months, and we highly recommend getting your ring professionally cleaned 1-2 times a year.
For engagement rings that are more fragile, avoid cleaning weekly as you may only need to wipe them down with a soft cloth, but as always, use caution and be gentle with your more delicate pieces of jewelry.
