Even if a diamond is the hardest stone, it does not mean that you can neglect its care and maintenance. It can accumulate dust and dirt over time, which dulls its sparkle. To prevent losing its allure, clean your diamond ring at home!
The good news is that cleaning a diamond ring is an easy DIY task. You do not need to pay a jeweller to do the job for you. With basic cleaning materials and a bit of time to spare, you can do it yourself. Read on and learn from the things we’ll share.
8 Tips for Cleaning a Diamond Ring at Home
Taking care of your jewelry is crucial in keeping its value and beauty. Fortunately, it is quite straightforward if you have the right knowledge. Aside from the steps, you must also be well-informed of the materials to use and avoid to help preserve the quality of the diamond over time.
As you will find out at Learning Jewelry here, diamonds are relatively easier to clean compared to other gemstones, such as white sapphire. Despite this, do not ignore its maintenance. Below is a quick rundown of some of the best things to do.
1. Start with the Inspection of the Ring
The first thing to do is to inspect the ring before you start cleaning. A meticulous inspection of the diamond thing will reveal any problem that you will need to fix before cleaning. Plus, it will also give you an idea of the extent of cleaning to be done, as well as the best cleaning materials you can use.
Even jewelry made from the finest materials can be prone to damage, so make sure that there is no other problem beyond being dirty before cleaning. In some instances, you can have a ring with claws that are no longer as firm as they should be.
Additionally, the diamonds can be moving from their setting. When such happens, you should take it to the jeweler to be fixed. Otherwise, you might cause more damage as you clean the ring, which can also end up being costlier to fix.
2. Use Warm Water and Dish Soap
Cleaning a diamond engagement ring does not have to be expensive or complicated. You can do so only with mild dishwashing soap and warm water. This is especially effective if the dirt on the stone is from cosmetics, such as perfume, makeup, lotion, and hairspray.
Mix warm or almost hot water with your choice of mild dishwashing soap. Soak the ring for 20 to 40 minutes. This should be more than enough time for dirt to dissolve. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles to clean the stone. Rinse with warm water. Repeat if necessary. Once it is time to dry, use a soft towel. Avoid paper towels.
3. Opt for Commercial Jewelry Cleaners
If you have tried mild soap and water and it did not work, another alternative is to use a commercial cleaner. Chlorine bleach is one that you should avoid. Stay away from those that contain ammonia.
When using a commercial cleaner, follow the instructions from the manufacturer. In most cases, you will have to create a solution using commercial cleaner and warm water. Some can also exist in the form of a spray that will require a direct application.
4. Dip in Vodka
Photo by Charlotte Harrison from Unsplash
Cleaning with vodka might seem like a crazy idea, but it works. From kitchen counters to mirrors, you can get rid of dirt in many places with this booze. At the same time, it is equally effective when cleaning diamond rings.
All that you have to do is pour vodka into a shot glass and put your ring in it. Wait a couple of minutes, take the ring out, and rinse with warm water. It is also a great choice for green cleaning because it has no toxic chemicals.
5. Soak in Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is known for its many health benefits. It has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. From reducing skin irritation to fighting acne, it has many uses. You can also use it for cleaning your diamond engagement ring.
Add a drop of tea tree oil to one cup of witch hazel. Soak your diamond ring for several hours. Use a toothbrush to clean the ring and rinse in warm water. Some would suggest using baking soda as well, but it is best to avoid such since it is abrasive.
6. Use an Ultrasonic Cleaner
An ultrasonic cleaner is a great investment for jewelry lovers. It is not just for cleaning diamond engagement rings, but also for necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, among others. It uses ultrasound waves and chemicals for the removal of impurities in the diamond. Through high-frequency waves that range from 20 to 400 kHz, such a device can quickly pull unwanted particles.
Nonetheless, observe caution. It can cause excessive vibration, which can cause the stone to loosen. This may not be the best choice if the setting is already damaged or if you are worried that the diamond will fall.
7. Avoid the Sink
When cleaning a diamond ring, most people will probably be doing it in a sink. Nonetheless, this can be a bad idea. It is possible that the ring will slip off your hand and it can fall on the drain. This is a nightmare that you do not want to experience.
If you insist on doing it in a sink, see to it that the holes are blocked. Otherwise, it is best to clean it in a basin or container where there is no risk of accidentally losing the ring.
8. Invest in a Gem Cloth
Reduce the frequency of cleaning your engagement ring by investing in a gem cloth. It is a fabric especially designed for cleaning gemstones. It can reduce dirt like oil, such as when you are cooking. Wipe the ring as often as you could so that it will not easily attract impurities.
Conclusion
Diamonds are not only beautiful, but these hard stones are long-lasting. Despite this, care and maintenance are important. For regular cleaning, you can use materials like mild dishwashing soap, commercial cleaner, vodka, ultrasonic cleaner, and a gem cloth.