How to Properly Clean a Diamond Ring
Your diamond ring is more than just a piece of jewelry; it’s a precious reminder of cherished moments. Keeping it pristine and gleaming is essential for both its beauty and longevity. If you’ve ever wondered how to clean a diamond ring or how to make it sparkle like the day you got it, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the dos and don’ts of diamond ring cleaning—from simple at-home methods to professional care tips—with a sprinkling of humor and an emphasis on what really works.
Why Regular Cleaning Matters
Diamonds may be forever, but grime doesn’t take long to settle in. Everyday activities like cooking, bathing, applying make-up, using hair products, and washing and moisturizing your hands will leave residue on your ring. Over time, this build-up dulls your diamond’s sparkle and can even loosen the setting. By cleaning your diamond ring regularly—ideally once a week at home and professionally every 3 to 6 months—you can prevent the dreaded “goo” build-up that risks stone loss.
How to Clean a Diamond Ring at Home: The Basics
You don’t need a laboratory or fancy gadgets to clean your diamond ring at home in-between the recommended professional cleanings. All you need are a few household items:
What You’ll Need:
- Magic Jewelry Polishing Cloth: FYI–this cloth continues to work well beyond the point that it looks dirty!
- Mild Dish Soap: Yes, Dawn dish soap works wonders–but any “grease cutting” dish soap will do.
- Ammonia: Only use if all the gems in your ring are diamond or a hard, faceted stone (like a sapphire)
- Warm Water: Not too hot, not too cold—you’re cleaning a ring, not making tea.
- A Very Soft-Bristled Toothbrush: Brand-new, please–preferably foam-like. No scrubbing with yesterday’s toothpaste residue—it will scratch precious metal.
- A Lint-Free Cloth: Or a microfiber cloth, to dry your ring without scratching it.
Steps:
- Rub the metal parts of your jewelry with the inner cloth of a polishing cloth before soaking it. This allows the cleaner to whisk away the chemical residue along with dirt.
- Rub your non-plated jewelry all over with the polishing cloth.
- Mix one part dish soap, one part ammonia (omit for porous gems), and ten parts warm water in a bowl lined with a washcloth.
- Let your ring soak for 20–30 minutes.
- Gently scrub your ring with the toothbrush, focusing on crevices and the underside of the diamonds.
- Rinse thoroughly under warm water.
- Dry with a lint-free cloth.
Voilà! Your diamond ring should sparkle like new.
What’s the Best Kind of Liquid Jewelry Cleaner I Can Buy?
Frankly, most liquid jewelry cleaners that you can buy at Target or Wal-Mart are just the above ingredients with unnecessary coloring.
For something that really works, you’ll want an enzymatic cleaner. It activates only when dirt is present and keeps reacting until the dirt is gone. It’s 100% safe for all precious metals and most gems—even overnight—and for porous gems for 3–5 minutes.
We currently sell our enzymatic cleaner only in-store at our Bozeman gallery. But stay tuned—we’re working on a shippable kit in powder form!
In the meantime, we do sell a mild, ammonia-free foaming cleaner online. It’s safe on pearls and costume jewelry too!
Can You Use Vinegar to Clean a Diamond Ring?
No. The acidity of vinegar can damage certain metals, especially white gold. While the diamond will survive, your setting might not. Don’t risk it.
How to Clean White Gold and Platinum Diamond Rings
White Gold: Usually plated with rhodium for its bright finish. Harsh cleaners and abrasives will wear down this layer. Stick to mild soap and water, and use a very soft touch with the toothbrush.
Platinum: Durable, but not immune. Chlorine can dull its shine over time. Avoid regular exposure.
Pro Tip: A professional ring cleaning every 3 to 6 months will keep both metals looking their best and help catch any loose stones early.
What Not to Use When Cleaning Your Diamond Ring
Avoid these:
- Harsh Chemicals: Bleach, acetone, solvents, and straight ammonia can damage metals and loosen settings.
- Abrasives: Baking soda and toothpaste are too rough for fine jewelry.
- At-home Ultrasonic Cleaners: Can shake stones loose if settings aren’t secure. Leave this to your jeweler.
How to Make Your Diamond Ring Sparkle Again
DIY Deep Clean:
- Soak your ring for one hour instead of 20 minutes.
- Use a magnifying glass to find trouble spots and gently scrub with your soft toothbrush.
Professional Cleaning: At Alara, we recommend professional cleaning every 3 months. We not only make your ring sparkle—we check for wear and loose stones. Think of it as a spa day for your ring.
Does Dawn Dish Soap Clean a Diamond Ring?
Yes! Dawn is effective and safe. It cuts through grease without harming your stone or setting. Just rinse well!
How Often Should You Clean Your Diamond Ring?
Weekly at home + every 3 to 6 months professionally is ideal. That combo keeps your ring sparkling and prevents damage from grime and buildup.
A Few Extra Tips for Keeping Your Ring Sparkling
- Remove during messy activities: Cooking, cleaning, gardening—just take it off.
- Avoid lotions and perfumes: They leave a filmy residue.
- Store your ring safely: Use a padded, clean jewelry box when you're not wearing it. Better yet...get a jar of our enzymatic jewelry cleaner and store the pieces with hard gems in it overnight or whenever you're not wearing them!
Trust the Experts at Alara
While at-home cleaning works wonders, nothing beats a professional touch. At Alara, our expert jewelers will not only clean but inspect your ring, helping you avoid costly repairs and keep your diamond secure and sparkling.
Give your diamond ring the TLC it deserves—it’s not just jewelry; it’s your story.
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