A diamond ring is an expensive piece of jewelry that requires some upkeep to keep it as shiny as the day you got it. Not only is this a valuable purchase financially, but odds are it also holds sentimental value—which means you’ll be trying to do your best to take care of your ring.
Between hand lotions, hairspray, cooking oils, and just the general dust of daily life, your ring goes through a lot. While sending it off to the jeweler is one option, we’re here to offer you some additional tips if you’re looking to clean it yourself or fit in some extra cleanings to maintain its sparkle between trips to the jeweler.
How Often Should I Clean My Ring?
Even going about your everyday routine can cause your ring to look less sparkly than before. Did you know diamonds naturally attract grease and oil? A simple touch of your finger puts enough oil on the diamond to affect its brilliance. This is why we suggest getting into the habit of weekly cleanings and also taking it in twice a year for a professional deep clean.
For those who live more active lifestyles or engage in activities that get their hands dirty—such as gardening—consider taking your ring off for those activities or getting them professionally cleaned more often.
Cleaning Your Ring
The safest and most effective method for cleaning a diamond ring at home is likely sitting right next to your kitchen sink.
The Soap and Water Method
- Create a soak: Fill a small bowl with warm (not hot) water and mix in a few drops of mild dish soap. Avoid moisturizing soaps, as these leave a film.
- Let it sit: Drop your ring into the solution and let it soak for about 20 to 40 minutes. This allows the warm, soapy water to break down the grease and dirt trapped in the crevices.
- Brush gently: If the diamond still looks a bit hazy, use a very soft toothbrush (one reserved only for jewelry) to gently brush the stone. Pay attention to the back of the diamond, where oil and dirt love to hide.
- Rinse and dry: Rinse the ring thoroughly under warm running water—make sure the drain is plugged!—and dry it with a soft, lint-free cloth.
This solution is safe for any type of metal your band is made of and is the best way to clean most diamond rings at home.
Risks and Ways to Avoid Them
While diamonds are the hardest natural substance on Earth, the metal holding them in place—and the other gemstones that might be accenting them—are not. Cleaning your ring incorrectly can actually do more harm than good. Here are the common risks to watch out for.
Using Harsh Chemicals
Avoid using harsh chemicals when it comes to cleaning your ring. Chlorine, bleach, or other harsh chemicals can actually damage the metal band, leaving pitting or discoloration. This means if you decide to use any jewelry cleaners in lieu of soap and water, it’s important to check the ingredients and do your research to make sure it is non-abrasive and chemical-free.
Damaging Softer Gemstones
If your diamond ring features other stones like emeralds, opals, or pearls, the soap-and-water soak might not be safe. These stones are much softer and more porous; soaking them can cause them to crack or lose their natural oils. Always check the cleaning requirements for every stone in your ring, not just the diamond.
Warping and Thermal Shock
Avoid using boiling water to clean your ring. Rapid changes in temperature—taking a ring from a cold room and dropping it into boiling water—can cause “thermal shock.” This can fracture certain gemstones. Additionally, extremely high heat can warp softer metals like high-karat gold.
Cracking the Setting
Be gentle with that toothbrush. Vigorous scrubbing can accidentally loosen a prong or catch on a fragile setting. If a prong is already slightly loose, scrubbing could pull it away entirely, putting you at risk of losing your stone.
Caring for Your Ring
Taking proper care of your ring will also go a long way. While it’s important to know how to clean it, it’s also important to be conscious of what you can do on a day-to-day basis to keep it in good condition, and that means knowing when to take it off.
Rings are very fragile, which means any type of labor-intensive activity, like exercising, can cause them to get banged up, chipped, or even warped. They are also easily dirtied during activities such as cooking or applying skincare, picking up oils, foods, lotions, or creams. This is why many people recommend taking off their ring and placing it in a safe location until they’ve finished the activity.
Visit Essex Fine Jewelry
Once or twice a year, a high-quality ring deserves more than just a quick scrub—it needs a professional touch. Whether you are looking for a deep clean, a repair, or you are ready to add a new piece to your collection, we are here to help.
Shop Our Collections at Essex Fine Jewelry.