How to Clean Your Diamond Ring at Home

After a while, even the most sparkling diamond ring can gather dirt on it. Your ring won’t lose any of its sparkle, but it will look dull and dirty. There are several ways to clean your diamond ring. The method you choose depends on your condition – if your diamond ring is brand new or if this is something you’ll have to do periodically. 

From round to oval engagement rings, diamonds are forever, but your ring isn’t. If you haven’t been paying attention to how much time you’re spending with your hands in the dirt, you might be surprised at how dirty your ring can get. Before you realize it, the beauty of your diamond can become dulled by grease and grime. To avoid this, here are some ways to keep your jewelry sparkling—even when you’re not wearing it.

If you have a ring that’s been collecting dust in your jewelry box for months, it might be time to give it a good cleaning. There are three things to consider about the best way to clean your ring: the material it’s made from, what kind of dirt or grime it has on it, and how much you’re willing to invest in getting it clean. Sometimes, all it takes is a little soap. First, Mix 1/2 cup warm water with a few drops of mild dishwashing soap. Place your ring into the mixture and let sit for one minute. Take it out and gently wipe away dirt and grime with a soft cloth. Depending on the cut, this might make it easier or harder to clean. Oval engagement rings have easier surfaces to polish while emerald cuts can be trickier. 

When you’re dealing with a diamond ring, there are a number of materials you have to watch out for: gold and platinum are relatively easy to clean because they don’t react with any chemicals, but rings made from other precious metals like silver or titanium might turn colors if you use the wrong cleaning product. If your ring is gold or platinum, start by soaking a cotton ball with warm water and a few drops of mild dishwashing soap—you can use liquid hand soap instead if you don’t have any around. Then rub the ring gently with the cotton ball until any visible dirt or grime is gone. If you are trying to get something off your ring that won’t come off with water and soap alone (like crayon or wine), consider an at-home ultrasonic jewelry cleaner. 

One of the easiest ways to clean your diamond ring at home is by using a soft-bristled brush and warm water. Use the brush to gently scrub all surfaces of the ring to remove any built-up grime. Fill your sink, place your ring on a washcloth inside the basin and add some warm water and mild liquid dish soap and let it soak for a few minutes. 

After you’re done cleaning your diamond ring at home, there are a few tips you should keep in mind when storing it. First, don’t leave it in direct sunlight or heat—both of these things can affect the stone’s clarity and sparkle. Whether it’s a round or oval engagement ring, all diamonds still need care. Store it separately from any other jewelry that could scratch the surface through friction—you can find special cloths that are made for keeping rings protected when being stored away. 

The best way to avoid getting your ring dirty is to take it off before washing your hands or doing any other potentially dirty activities with your hands. You should also avoid wearing it while cleaning or doing yard work. You should try to take off your ring while you’re cooking or preparing food, or when you’re handling raw meat (or fish). No matter the cut, from emerald to oval engagement rings, the various edges can catch food and build up. Wearing your ring while exercising also isn’t advised: sweat and oils from your skin can tarnish the diamond and make it dull over time.

Taking care of your jewelry, whether a round to an oval engagement ring, means that the pieces can last for decades, allowing you to pass this on to future generations. Try to clean your ring at least once a month to avoid extensive build-up. Doing so will allow your jewelry to remain vibrant and sparkling. If your ring is beyond a little home cleaning, take it to a licensed jewelry store to have it professionally cleaned. Taking a little extra time and care to look after your pieces will pay off in the long run.