A diamond ring is precious and something you will treasure for a lifetime. However, to keep your diamond ring looking brilliant, it needs to be cleaned regularly. Of course, you could go to a jeweler and have it cleaned professionally, but this isn’t necessary. As long as you have the right tools (which are minimal and inexpensive), you can get that same brilliant shine and sparkle, and your ring will look just as beautiful as if a jeweler had cleaned it.
It only takes a few minutes to clean a diamond ring and make it sparkle like, well, like, a diamond. Today we will discuss how often you should clean a diamond ring and how to do it at home without spending much money. Let’s get started.
How Often to Clean a Diamond Ring
There are several schools of thought on how often you should clean your diamond ring. Some say it should be done weekly, while others say once every month or two is sufficient. When a diamond isn’t cleaned regularly, it will lose its luster. Sure, you can bring it back with a good cleaning, but if you are cleaning it regularly in the first place, this shouldn’t happen.
Also, did you know that a ring that isn’t cleaned regularly can harbor many unwanted bacteria? This can cause the metals in the ring to deteriorate, not to mention skin irritations.
Of course, this doesn’t mean you need to clean your diamond every day, but it should be done regularly. In fact, experts suggest that light cleaning be done every couple of weeks, with a deep cleaning being done once every month to ensure that it maintains its sparkle.
Bi-Weekly Cleaning
Diamonds are very durable, so they can be cleaned regularly without causing any damage to them. You don’t have to worry about damaging the stone using the right materials. If you wear your ring daily, it is a good idea to clean it every couple of weeks.
Make sure you take care to clean both the stone and the gold. Remember, if you want to have your ring cleaned professionally with an ultrasonic cleaner, the more you wash it yourself, the less time it will take for professional cleaning, and the sooner you can get it back on your finger.
Monthly Cleaning
A deeper, monthly cleaning of your diamond ring is also a good idea. This should be a more thorough cleaning than bi-weekly, but using the right materials is still just as important. Never use harsh chemicals, even on diamonds. Just because they are tough doesn’t mean you should be hard on them. This is ideal for monthly cleanings if you have your own ultrasonic cleaner.
What You’ll Need
You don’t need to spend much money on jewelry cleaning solutions. All you need for at-home diamond cleaning are the following:
- Mild liquid dish detergent
- Warm water
- Soft toothbrush
- Dry, clean, lint-free cloth (a microfiber cloth is excellent for cleaning jewelry)
Instructions on How to Clean a Diamond Ring
You can clean a diamond ring safely at home in several ways. The following methods are the most popular.
Soap and Water Method
The best way to clean a diamond ring at home is to use mild soap such as mild dish liquid or mild cleaning solution specifically for jewelry. To make your own cleaning solution, place warm water and mild soap in a bowl. Leave the ring to soak for 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the amount of dirt on the ring. Use a soft toothbrush to remove any residue if you need to remove makeup, skin lotion, etc. Rinse the ring under warm water after cleaning to remove any remaining soap residue.
Jewelry Cleaning Solutions
You can also use a nonabrasive jewelry cleaning solution free of chemicals. If you choose to do this, ensure you find a solution with no harsh chemicals, as they can cause the diamond to discolor and become less durable. Talk to your jeweler about the best jewelry cleaning solutions at home and how to use them.
Try Windex with Hydrogen Peroxide
You might want to try making your own ring-cleaning solution from Windex and hydrogen peroxide. Use a 50/50 ratio of Windex and peroxide. Soak the ring in this mixture for 10 to 15 minutes. The Windex will eliminate the day-to-day buildup, and if bacteria are on the ring, the hydrogen peroxide will take care of that. Next, use a soft toothbrush to scrub the ring and remove any additional residue. Rinse with warm water and dry with a soft cloth.
Use Baking Soda
Baking soda can be used to clean your diamond ring in several ways. Simply mix one-half cup of white vinegar with two tablespoons of baking soda. Soak the ring in this solution for two to three hours, then rinse with cool water. Use a soft brush to remove any baking soda residue.
Here’s another way to use baking soda to clean your ring. Line a glass baking dish with aluminum foil (shiny side up). Place the ring on top of the foil, and add just enough baking soda to cover the ring. Next, pour boiling water over the ring, and allow it to sit in this solution for 30 seconds to one minute. Finally, rinse under warm water, using a soft toothbrush, to get rid of any baking soda residue.
Both methods are best for rings with silver metal bands. However, gold and white gold can scratch easily, so be careful when using baking soda because it is abrasive.
Cleaning a Diamond Ring: What Not to Do
Even though diamonds have one of the hardest surfaces in the world, it doesn’t mean you can use any cleaning solution. These stones can become damaged over time, so it is best if you only use a cleaning process that involves mild detergents and does not use harsh chemicals.
Here is a list of more things you shouldn’t do while cleaning your diamond ring:
- Never use acetone to clean your rings, as it can damage the metal in the band
- Never use hard or abrasive materials on your diamond
- Avoid using cleaning solutions that contain abrasives
Related Questions
Now, let’s look at the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about cleaning and caring for diamond rings.
How do I store my diamond engagement ring safely?
If you are not going to be wearing your diamond ring, it should be stored properly. The best way is to keep it in a high-quality jewelry box with sections specifically for rings. Other options include storing it in the box it came in or storing it inside a cloth bag, such as velvet. Never leave the ring out in the open air, especially if the metal is silver because it can cause the metal to oxidize and turn color.
Which cleanser works the best with diamond rings?
Cleaning a diamond ring is best done with mild soap and warm water. There are also many good quality jewelry cleaning solutions available. If you prefer to use one of these, talk to your jeweler about which one is best to avoid doing any damage to your ring.
Can you clean a diamond ring with vinegar?
As mentioned earlier in this article, vinegar can be used to safely clean diamond rings. Just ensure that you are not using vinegar all the time, as it is acidic. Also, this method is not recommended if other stones in the ring are not diamonds, as they may be porous and can be damaged by vinegar.
Why is my diamond cloudy?
In most cases, a diamond can look cloudy because it has inclusions. The higher the grade of the diamond, the fewer inclusions it will have. Cloudiness can also be caused when the diamond isn’t properly cut or has a chip or scratch. Also, if you are not cleaning your ring regularly, it can look cloudy due to dirt buildup.
Conclusion
A diamond ring is an investment; not only should it last for a lifetime, but it should also last for many lifetimes and maybe even be handed down from generation to generation. You must take care of this investment. Cleaning your diamond ring regularly will ensure that it always maintains its luster and sparkles like the stars in the night sky. Be sure to clean your diamond ring regularly, and take it to your jeweler for a professional cleaning at least once a year (every six months is recommended).
