How To Clean A Diamond Engagement Ring: The Complete Guide

If you’re reading this blog, you’re likely the proud owner of a diamond engagement ring, a piece that symbolises love, commitment, and life’s joyous moments. Naturally, you’ll want to keep that brilliance alive, as fresh and radiant as the day you first put the ring on your finger. At Alicia J Diamonds, we understand this sentiment perfectly and are here to guide you in preserving the beauty of your diamond engagement rings.

This guide will help you navigate the landscape of diamond care, designed to help you maintain your engagement ring in the coming years. We’ll delve into the essentials of cleaning, sharing tips and tricks that align with the standards of our jewellery expertise.

We believe that every diamond, like the love it symbolises, should be allowed to shine to its fullest potential. So, let’s get started.

How Often Should You Clean Your Diamond Rings?

The frequency of cleaning your diamond rings is an act that balances preservation and radiance. Too often, you risk potentially compromising the setting; too little, your diamond may lose sparkle. So, where is the balance?

As a rule of thumb, cleaning your diamond rings once a month is recommended. This cleaning schedule offers a blend of care and clarity, ensuring your diamond continues to glimmer brilliantly while maintaining the integrity of its setting.

Cleaning Your Diamond Ring: Step By Step

The path to clean diamond rings is through a series of simple steps. These carefully curated steps have been designed to uphold the shine of your diamond long-term:

1- Check the Condition of the Ring

The first step is assessing the condition of your ring. With a keen eye, inspect your diamond ring, paying attention to the stone, the band and any other sections. Ensure no loose stones or weakened prongs are damaged or lost during cleaning.

Remember, understanding your ring’s condition isn’t just the first step; it’s a pivotal foundation. It allows you to adapt your cleaning process to your ring’s unique needs.

After examining your ring, you can confidently continue the actual cleaning process when you’re satisfied with its condition.

2- Begin Cleaning Using A Diamond Jewellery Cleaner

In this step, we recommend using a specialised diamond jewellery cleaner, as it’s specifically crafted to accentuate the sparkle of your diamond while being gentle on its setting.

To start, immerse your diamond ring in this cleaner, designed to softly dissolve any traces of dirt or oils. A mild washing-up liquid can be a substitute if you don’t have access to a diamond jewellery cleaner. However, at Alicia J Diamonds, we advocate using specialised cleaners to provide your ring with the most comprehensive and gentle care possible.

In both cases, remember to be gentle and honour the integrity of your diamond ring. The result? A diamond that gleams with the depth of your affection and countless cherished moments.

3- Gently Brush Using a Toothbrush

As your ring soaks in the cleansing solution, you’ll want to begin gentle brushing. For this, we suggest a soft toothbrush or any brush provided with the cleaner.

Dip it into the cleaning solution and lightly brush your ring, focusing on the diamond and the areas around the setting. Pay special attention to the underside of the diamond, a space that often stores the most hidden grime through day-to-day build-up!

The toothbrush’s soft bristles are perfect for this task. They provide the gentle touch necessary to preserve the integrity of your ring while effectively dislodging accumulated dirt. This step is about more than cleaning; it’s about rekindling your diamond ring’s brilliance, ensuring it continues to symbolise love.

4- Rinse The Ring Under Warm Running Water

Your diamond ring has been thoroughly brushed, so it’s time to improve its radiance. Ensure the water is lukewarm – neither too hot nor too cold and run it under for a few seconds. During this process, ensure the drain is securely closed to prevent unfortunate accidents!

As you hold your ring under the water, you’ll see the final traces of dirt and soap swirl away, revealing the untarnished beauty of your diamond.

5- Safely Dry

For this task, we recommend using a cotton or linen cloth. Gently wrap your ring within this cloth, and apply soft pressure to pat the ring dry, being careful not to tug or pull at the diamond or the setting.

Watch as the cloth soaks up the moisture; the diamond slowly emerges, shining as bright as the day you received it. Please note that these steps can be applied to other diamond products, such as a diamond tennis bracelet or diamond earrings. If you handle them with the same care you show your ring, they’ll surely come out looking brand new.

How To Store Your Engagement Ring Safely

The ideal location to store your jewellery should be a box with a delicate fabric lining. Be mindful that extreme temperatures and excessive humidity won’t help your ring’s condition in the long term.

In the periods when your engagement ring isn’t elegantly resting on your finger, careful attention is important. Don’t let it lie scattered, especially when travelling, as this introduces an additional risk factor. In these situations, invest in a travel-designated jewellery box to keep your wedding rings and engagement rings safe.

If there are times when the ring must be tucked away for a long period, consider stronger security alternatives. A personal safe nested within your home or a safe deposit box tucked within the solid walls of your bank can act as protectors of your jewellery.

How Not To Clean Diamond Rings

Now that we’ve explored some of the best ways to clean your diamond, here are some things we’d recommend avoiding.

General Ring Cleansers

Though hailed as cleaning miracles, general ring cleaners are often considered counterintuitive. Unless they’re specialised towards diamonds, they could be your diamond’s unseen enemies, eroding the shine of your diamond and reducing its brilliance.

Ultrasonic Cleaners

Whilst the promise of advanced cleaning technology may seem alluring, beneath this promise lies potential damage to your ring. The high-frequency waves it uses to dislodge dirt can also dislodge your diamond, compromising its integrity. Also, these waves can generate heat, which might damage the settings. Instead, have your ring professionally cleaned; they’ll have the right tools and experience to ensure your ring looks brand new in no time.

In conclusion, preserving the brilliance and beauty of your diamond engagement ring is a rewarding process that requires both diligence and patience. Whether through regular gentle cleaning using a specialised diamond jewellery cleaner, or safe storage and handling, caring for your diamond ring is an intimate act of love and commitment.

Keeping your bespoke engagement ring clean isn’t just about enhancing its aesthetic value; it’s about nurturing its emotional significance. As you navigate this journey, let the love your ring symbolises shine through in every step.

At Alicia J Diamonds, we’re committed to helping you achieve this, offering expert advice and practical solutions that uphold the highest standards of jewellery care. The process may require time and effort, but when you witness the revived sparkle of your diamond ring, you’ll see that it’s undeniably worth it. Please feel free to get in touch with us for more information.

How to Clean Engagement Ring FAQs:

We’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about how to clean engagement rings below:

How can I make my engagement ring sparkle again?

Using a specialised diamond jewellery cleaner, you can make your engagement ring sparkle again. Soak the ring in the solution, then gently brush it with a soft toothbrush, focusing on the diamond and its setting. Rinse the ring under lukewarm water and then pat it dry with a cotton or linen cloth. This process should help to restore the original sparkle and clean a diamond ring.

Can I wash my engagement ring with water?

You can wash your engagement ring with water during the cleaning process. After brushing your ring with a diamond jewellery cleaner or mild washing-up liquid solution, you should rinse the ring under lukewarm running water. Be sure to securely close the drain to prevent accidental loss, and remember to pat the ring dry with a soft cloth afterwards.

Can I clean my ring with fairy liquid?

Yes, you can clean your engagement ring with a mild washing-up liquid, such as Fairy Liquid, if a specialised diamond jewellery cleaner is unavailable. Add a few drops of the washing-up liquid to a bowl of warm water, and soak your ring for around 20-30 minutes. Then, gently brush the ring, particularly the diamond and setting, with a soft toothbrush, rinse it under warm running water, and pat it dry.

How do Jewellers clean rings?

Jewellers can access professional cleaning tools and solutions that help them clean rings efficiently without damaging them. They typically use a professional-grade ultrasonic cleaner with sound waves to dislodge dirt and grime. However, this process should be done by professionals only as the high-frequency waves can also dislodge the diamond if not used correctly. For everyday cleaning, it’s recommended to use the method detailed above – soaking, gentle brushing, rinsing, and drying.