Diamond Ring and Jewelry Cleaning Tips

Dirty diamonds are not as sparkly as they should be, so clean your diamond jewelry often to keep it beautiful and sparkling at its best. Frequent home cleaning is quick and simple to do, so make it a point to perform this task often. Seriously neglected and dirty diamond jewelry may benefit from a trip to the local jeweler where it can be cleaned and the setting can be checked, as well.

Why Dirty Diamonds Don’t Sparkle

Although you may not realize it and may not even notice it at first, your jewelry slowly accumulates a layer of grime that robs the diamond of its ability to reflect light. Over time, you may even discover that an uncleaned stone has attracted a layer of dirt underneath the stone and along the edges of the setting. The built-up dirt blocks light from entering and exiting the stone and thus reduces the sparkle. All in all, this is a situation better avoided.

How Rings and Jewelry Get Dirty through Wear

Diamond rings gradually pick up grimy build-up while being worn, in part because dirt will cling to hand lotions and soap residues left on the ring during daily use. Necklaces and earrings are often inadvertently exposed to hair products such as gel or hair spray, either when it is applied or when the hair brushes against the jewelry. These also leave a dirt-attracting coating on the stone. And quite simply, the natural oils in your skin will have an adverse effect on diamond jewelry, leaving an oily layer and adding to the accumulation of dust or dirt over time.

How to Clean Diamond Jewelry at Home

To clean your diamond jewelry at home, you will need a small soft brush such as a tooth brush, a gentle soap, and plain water.

CAUTION: AVOID STIFF BRUSHES AND HARSH CLEANERS, DETERGENTS OR CHEMICALS as they may damage the diamond or other stones or the metal setting or ring. Do NOT use toothpaste or abrasive cleaners!

• Place the ring or other jewelry to soak in a small bowl of warm soapy water to begin to loosen the grime.

• Gently scrub with the soft brush as needed to remove soil.

• Rinse it in clean water. CAUTION: Be sure to put a cloth or strainer cover over the sink drain! If you accidently lose hold of a ring or earring, or if a stone should suddenly come loose, you do not want to lose it down the drain!

• Now dry it with a soft cloth. This buffs the metal setting and removes any last trace of residue or minerals in the water.

Jewelry Storage Hint: If it is a piece that you do not wear every day, store the jewelry in a soft cloth bag or safely nestled in a jewelry box where it will not touch or rub against other jewelry. This will protect it from dust as well as prevent pieces from scratching each other.

When to Ask the Jeweler to Clean Jewelry

If your jewelry is excessively grungy due to lack of regular cleaning, you may want to take it to a jeweler and ask them to professionally clean it for you. Most jewelers will not only clean diamond (and other) jewelry but also check the settings. Diamond rings in particular should have their prongs checked for wear and damage at least once a year, so mark your calendar to include this as a regular part of your cleaning and care routine.

A Clean Diamond Sparkles Best

These few easy cleaning steps will keep your diamonds looking their best. Follow these simple home care and cleaning tips to keep your diamond ring or jewelry as pure, beautiful, shiny clean and sparkling as the day you received it!

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