Do you remember the first time you laid eyes on your engagement ring? The brilliant shine was overwhelming and in those first few weeks it was almost impossible not to look at it adoringly every five seconds. Unfortunately, as we all know, that sparkle doesn’t last forever and at some point you’ll want to polish it back to life. Ideally you would be getting your ring cleaned by a professional, but if you don’t want to go through the hassle there is an easy way to clean a diamond at home that will do the trick.
It doesn’t matter what type of metal your engagement ring is – silver, gold, platinum, or white gold – this simple solution will keep it looking good as new. There’s no obscure ingredients needed, just a mixture of warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap.
You can let your ring soak anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes depending on how dirty it is. After letting it soak use a clean, soft toothbrush to gently scrub away any remaining dirt and then rinse it under warm water. When drying your ring try to avoid paper towels and other harsh cloths. Instead opt for lint free cloth made of cotton or just let it air dry.
While cleaning your ring makes it look its best, you don’t want to over do it. Ideally you should be cleaning your diamond engagement ring at home once a week at the most. Anything more than that can end up doing more harm than good. You should get your ring cleaned professionally at least twice a year. If you’re particularly active and your ring tends to accumulate buildup it would be wise to go into the jeweler more often.
It’s not uncommon for your ring to lose its sparkle due to your day to day activities. Oil, dirt, sweat, cosmetics – they all build up and cause your ring to look dull over time. Here are some tips on things to avoid when wearing your ring, and how to give it proper care.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Whether you’re doing a deep clean of your kitchen or just scrubbing the counters, it’s smart to take off your ring when dealing with the chemicals often found in household cleaners.
Remove Your Ring When Cooking
Food and oils can easily get stuck in your ring and even discolor it slightly. If food gets lodged in your setting, it can be extremely difficult to remove.
Visit the Jeweler
Like we mentioned, you should get your ring professionally cleaned at least 2-3 times a year. If you have a warranty make sure to keep up to date on your appointments. Your jeweler can spot issues that may cause a crack, chip, or stone fallout.
Not only does your engagement ring hold a high sentimental value, but it’s easily one of the most expensive pieces of jewelry that you own. That being said, it’s important to keep it looking its absolute best. Frequent at home cleanings will help keep your diamond ring sparkling, and help extend its longevity.