How to Clean a Diamond Ring from Jewelry Professionals
Are you in search of immediate sparkle from your diamond engagement ring? We are pleased to offer these professional tips on how to clean a diamond ring on your own (in-between visits to your professional jeweler like MJ Gabel).
Tried and true: soap and water
The simplest and safest way to clean your diamond ring is probably how your great-grandmother did: with good old soap and water.
A caveat to this method is that you must be careful to use the correct soap. We recommend mild dishwashing soap (like Dawn). It is important to avoid dishwasher detergent, which is too harsh and could damage your diamond.
Follow these simple steps:
- In a small glass or cup (a shot glass works well) combine warm water and one drop of dish soap. Stir the concoction with a spoon, and then gently place your diamond ring in the bottom of the glass.
- Put the glass somewhere safe and let your diamond ring soak in it for about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Use a soft toothbrush to gently brush away any debris from your ring. Should debris seem to be sticking, you can place the ring back in the solution for a few more minutes and then repeat.
- Rinse your ring with lukewarm water and finish with a short polishing using a soft, lint-free cloth (the small cloths used to clean camera lenses, sunglasses or cell-phone screens work well).
Kitchen staples: baking soda and vinegar
Who knew that two common kitchen items – baking soda and vinegar – were also powerhouse diamond ring cleaners when mixed together? Combining baking soda and vinegar created a mixture that deep cleans your ring via a chemical reaction.
A caveat to this method is that you must not rub or scrub your ring with the mixture as it could scratch the surface of your diamond.
Follow these simple steps:
- In a small shallow bowl, combine ½ cup white vinegar and 2 tablespoons of baking soda.
- Let your diamond ring soak in the solution for two to three hours.
- Rinse your ring under cold tap water and pat dry with a soft cloth.
Sanitary and sparkly: Windex and Hydrogen Peroxide
If you’re looking for a way to get the sparkle and disinfect your diamond engagement ring from bacteria, the Windex and Hydrogen Peroxide method is for you. The Windex (or other ammonia-based cleaners) will remove typically dirt build-up to enhance sparkle and the hydrogen peroxide will kill any bacteria on the ring.
A caveat to this method is that it is not recommended for vintage diamond rings or rings with colored stones, porous stones or treated gems. For these rings, it’s safest to stick with the soap and water method.
Follow these simple steps:
- In a small dish, mix together a 50/50 solution of Windex and hydrogen peroxide.
- Gently place your ring in the dish and let soak for about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Rinse your ring with lukewarm tap water.
- Use a soft toothbrush to gently clean any remaining residue of your ring.
While these tips are great at home strategies nothing compares to seeing your professional jeweler. To learn more about cleaning your jewelry or strategies in selling your diamond jewelry please feel free to call us at directly at (585) 598-1090 or email us at info@mjgabel.com
