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Two experts share the steps you can take to keep your beautiful bauble sparkling.
Photo by Lisa Renault Photography
There are few things more mesmerizing than watching your diamond engagement ring sparkle in the light after it's been freshly cleaned and polished. That's why it's nice to know how to clean your diamond ring, as regular at-home and professional cleanings will keep your accessory shiny and in the best possible shape. But that's not all!
Simply wanting your ring to sparkle isn't the only reason why regular upkeep should be maintained. Everyday wear builds up layers of oil, debris, and cosmetic residue on the stone's surface—a breeding ground for bacteria—and dirty rings can even cause skin irritation, discoloration of the metals, and scratching of the stones (everything you absolutely want to avoid!).
Before you start to panic about the cleanliness of your engagement ring, however, we put together this simple guide on how to keep your sparkler in optimal condition. With the help of two jewelry experts, here's how to clean your diamond ring with at-home and professional care.
According to Nehal Zaveri, co-founder and vice president at Diamondwish.com and Diamondstuds.com, brides should clean their engagement rings at least every six months, in between professional cleanings. "This form of ‘DIY’ cleaning is gentle and easy to maintain in between our included annual professional cleanings," the expert adds.
As for how to clean your diamond ring? "The simplest way to clean your diamond jewelry is to soak the pieces in warm water mixed with an ordinary de-greasing solution like dish soap. Note, if you are doing this over a sink, make sure the drain is blocked so nothing can fall in," explains Grant Mobley, an in-house diamond expert at the Natural Diamond Council. "To remove any remaining dirt, scrub with a soft-bristled, clean/new toothbrush (reserved only for cleaning your diamond jewelry), and make sure to target the back of the diamond and crevices where the most oil and grime build up. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and then allow the jewelry to dry naturally on a paper towel or similar option."
In addition to dish soap, you can also use shampoo or body wash. Just be sure to avoid anything that is moisturizing, as these products tend to leave a film on the ring, which is exactly what you're trying to avoid.
The only thing worse than a ring that has lost its luster is a ring that's damaged due to improper care. Meaning, you should never use household cleaners such as bleach, chlorine, and acetone when maintaining your bauble at home. "While natural diamonds themselves won’t be affected by any cleaning solutions, other parts of the piece, like your band, prongs, or other softer gems, like opal and emeralds, can be," says Mobley. "Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, toothpaste, baking soda, and chlorine which can cause damage over time."
Another tip? Try and avoid using ultrasonic jewelry cleaners. While these machines will produce a sparkling result, the vigorous movement can cause stones to become loose and eventually fall out. Zaveri specifically shares that rings with delicate settings and pieces that have intricate designs—"like vintage, art-deco, and antique engagement rings"—can easily get damaged during the ultrasonic process.
Since at-home cleanings are not a replacement for professional upkeep, brides should regularly schedule a visit to a jeweler—at least once per year—to keep their sparklers well-maintained. "By following this cleaning and maintenance timeline, it helps to ensure the lasting beauty, luster, and secure wear of your diamond jewelry for many years to come," Zaveri says.
Best of all, if your ring came from a local jeweler, there's a good chance your cleaning will be completely free. Having your ring maintained at the same place it was purchased is also preferred, as the jeweler will be most familiar with your specific ring and how to care for it.
Need to find a new jeweler to care for your piece? Consider selecting someone with experience caring for jewelry similar to yours in materials, age (important for antiques), and structure. Also, ask to speak to the jeweler who will actually be performing the service.
While most jewelers offer cleanings as a complimentary service, some may charge anywhere from $25 to $50—especially if you didn't purchase your ring from that particular jeweler.
When cleaning or polishing your engagement ring, avoid using harsh fabrics or paper towels. Instead, opt for a microfiber cloth or soft fabrics made of cotton.
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