The Engagement Ring Cleaning Guide that’ll keep your sparkler, sparkling
Shine Bright Like a Diamond!
It’s important to know how to clean diamond rings because, really, there are few things more mesmerizing than watching your engagement ring sparkle in the light once it's been properly polished and cleaned. Besides, it's only natural you’d want to maintain such a precious thing!
Engagement Ring Cleaner Guide: How Often Should You Do It?
You should take your engagement ring to a jeweller for a deep clean (more on that later), about once a year, or ahead of a special occasion. But for everyday build-up, it’s good to know how to clean your engagement ring at home yourself. If you want to keep on top of product build-up, jewellers recommend doing a quick clean once or twice a month.
Soap and Water. The best way to clean a diamond ring, regardless of what your ring’s setting and/or metal type, is with plain soap and water. To make the solution, get a small bowl and add very warm water and basic dishwashing soap. Soak your ring for about 20 to 40 minutes in the solution, depending on how dirty it is. If you need to remove a substance such as hairspray, lotion, makeup, or perfume, use a very soft toothbrush to remove any residue.
After the soak, rinse the ring under warm running water and repeat if necessary. Avoid using chlorine or other harsh chemicals, even some certified jewellery cleaners, as they can damage the engagement ring if they’re not correct. It’s important to rinse your ring thoroughly after cleaning in order to remove any soap residue.
The guide above will work for any hard precious stones like diamonds, emeralds, rubies, or sapphires. If you have a softer stone like a pearl or opal, talk to your jeweller about how to clean it safely.
There are lots of home cleaning solutions often discussed, like using Coke, baking soda, toothpaste, vinegar, or even bleach to clean an engagement ring. Many of these can actually scratch or damage the stone or metal, so don’t take risks when a simple bottle of Fairy Liquid can do the trick!
Most engagement rings can withstand day-to-day activities like washing the dishes, or going to the gym. But if you’re doing things like gardening or heavy cleaning, it’s a good idea to wear gloves or simply remove your ring. Likewise, for certain activities and sports, it’s safer if you take off your ring, not only for the ring itself but for your finger too!
If you take your ring off regularly, or for long periods of time, store it in a dry, fabric lined box or soft pouch, and make sure it’s clean before you store it.
If your ring does receive any major knocks (or any stones feel wobbly), take it off immediately and store it in its box. Take it to your jeweller to check that the stones are intact and secure in the setting.
Engagement Ring Cleaner Guide: How To Get It Professionally Cleaned
It’s a good idea to get your engagement ring cleaned by a jeweller about once a year. Their products will restore the lustre of your stones in no time. Plus, they’ll check over the ring for any loose stones or damage. If you can, take your ring to the jeweller it was purchased from, as they may have included regular cleaning as part of the warranty, or they may recommend someone local who they trust.
For a more thorough clean, you can also ask your jeweller to use an ultrasonic cleaning machine. This vigorous cleaning process really makes a ring sparkle. This is also one to leave to the experts (even if you have access to a machine). As a jeweller will spot any loose stones during the process.
We can wholeheartedly recommend the engagement ring cleaning service from Custom & Co, in Kent. Their goldsmiths have been crafting jewellery for decades. The experience they have working with the fine materials that make up your jewellery item, and making pieces from scratch, means that no one is better equipped to advise and care for your item than they are.
Find out more about Custom & Co. via their website, and if you like to get in touch with them to get your engagement ring professionally cleaned, we’ve put a link here.
There you have it! Keep your Engagement Ring looking as sparkly as the day it was placed on your finger with our cleaning guide!