It is vital to clean your engagement ring safely in order to keep it sparkling and clean, during the Coronavirus pandemic and beyond…
You may think diamonds will last forever, but you might be surprised just how dirty your ring can get from daily wear and tear. With the presence of Covid-19 and the importance of washing our hands more regularly, we have to think about the things we wear on our hands and how to clean them too.
Photo by Sincerely Media
It is recommended to always take off your engagement ring (and other rings) when washing your hands in order to not only clean your hands properly, but also to protect your jewellery, however this may not be practical in every situation.
Diamonds and gemstones love the oils that are in soaps and hand creams so with regular washing and applications of cream, these oils build up on the surface of the stones making them appear dull and lifeless. Not to mention that bacteria can live in your engagement ring if you’re not careful.
Diamond’s sparkle originates from the light entering the diamond, travelling to the bottom and reflecting back to the eye. If it is dirty, light will be restricted. This guide covers everything you need to know about cleaning your diamond rings at home, regardless of the metal type. So read on if you are wondering how to clean your engagement ring be it in gold, white gold, rose gold or platinum with ease.
Photo by Bridget Flohe
Clean Your Engagement Ring at Home
CHECK IF THE ENGAGEMENT RING IS IN GOOD CONDITION
It is important that before you start cleaning them, you look closely at your ring and check the state of it. Are the claws firm? Are the diamonds moving in their settings? If so, we recommend you take the ring to a jeweller who will be able to clean it without causing any damage. They will know how to clean it properly, and they will also be capable of fixing any issues that may arise.
BEGIN CLEANING THE RING USING WASHING UP LIQUID
Rings get dirty for various reasons, the use of cosmetics being the most common one. Lotion, makeup or even perfume can make your diamond look dull. To bring that stone back to life, fill a small bowl with warm water and add washing up liquid. Let it soak for 20 to 40 minutes and brush the stones with the help of a soft-bristled toothbrush. The best one would be one that doesn’t have any rubber bristles. Usually, kids toothbrushes are softer which makes them perfect to clean diamonds. Keep this toothbrush separate and use it only to clean your jewellery. This way, it will stay softer and clean.
Photo by Jose Martinez
GENTLY BRUSH THE RING USING A TOOTHBRUSH
When you brush your engagement ring, make sure you brush the lower part of the diamond. A lot of dirt can build up at the base where the diamond is mounted.
RINSE THE RING UNDER RUNNING WATER
Rinse your diamond ring under warm running water (don’t forget to put the plug in to avoid your ring from dropping down the sink!) If needed, repeat until you are happy with the appearance.
SAFELY DRY THE RING
To dry off your rings, you can use a cotton or linen cloth. These materials will not scratch the metal as paper towels would. You could also let it air dry.
POLISH THE RING
If you have a polishing cloth, you can rub your ring over it to make the metal shine. Don’t forget to store your cloth in a re-sealable bag to avoid getting dust on it.
Photo by Abby Savage
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CLEAN YOUR RINGS?
This process can be repeated once a week to help you keep those oils and products from building up. However, it is recommended that you take your ring twice a year to get professionally cleaned by a jeweller. A professional has all the necessary equipment and the skills needed to leave your precious item like new. They will also be able to check if your ring is broken or has any damage that needs urgent repair.
HOW TO STORE YOUR RINGS SAFELY
It is also good to clean your ring before you store it. This will avoid any dirt or debris of getting encrusted into the setting, which will make it harder to remove it later. You should store your diamond ring in a microfibre or felt bag. Store it inside your jewellery box until you wear it again.
Been busy in the garden during lockdown & your ring is filthy? There are many suggested ways of to clean your engagement ring with harsher chemicals, solutions and even vodka! But we don't want to suggest anything here that could potentially damage your ring. So put safety first and contact your jewellery shop/supplier and ask for their advice on how to clean it if you need a deeper clean. Oh! And avoid purchasing an ultrasonic cleaner for home as may be amazing at dislodging stubborn dirt but can also move your stones and make them actually fall out of your ring. Your diamond jewellery, especially your engagement ring, holds a lot of sentimental value so it is important to take good care of it.
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