Notice your engagement ring is losing its shine? It’s not damaged; you just need to give it a refresh. Luckily, learning how to clean a diamond ring is incredibly simple. While diamonds are stones that can maintain their shine for thousands of years, they can also temporarily lose their lustre from the buildup of grime on the stone and settings. Luckily, a quick DIY clean is all you need to get that gem shining again.
“Cleaning your ring at home is a great way to maintain its sparkle,” says Lauren Grunstein, vice president of Verstolo, a fine jewellery company that offers diamond rentals. “Engagement rings (and all rings) can get dirty quickly, but regular cleaning allows light to reach the stone, enhancing its sparkle and ensuring it looks its absolute best.”
Want to learn how to do a DIY clean that will actually make a major difference? Ahead, we ask jewellery pros to give us the inside scoop on how to clean a diamond ring at home.
Why do diamond rings lose their sparkle?
Does your diamond look cloudy? That loss of sparkle isn’t permanent. “Technically, diamonds never lose their sparkle. They are incredibly durable and rank a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale,” explains jewellery designer Jade Trau. “What does happen is that they attract oils from your skin, soap residue, moisture, and everyday grime. Once that builds up, dust and debris stick to the surface and dull the stone.” The good news is that this isn’t a death sentence for your ring’s brilliance. Integrating diamond ring care into your routine can help. “This is easy to fix as long as you clean your jewellery regularly and do not wait until it becomes a full SOS situation,” she shares.
Can you clean a diamond ring at home?
The short answer: yes. “Regular at-home cleaning is a great way to keep your diamond sparkling, just like it did when you first bought it,” says Megan Kothari, founder of bridal jewellery brand AARYAH. “Everyday wear can cause a buildup of oils, lotions, and dirt, which can dull your diamond’s brilliance. A gentle cleaning routine helps maintain its shine between professional cleanings—just be sure to use the right method and products to avoid any damage.”
DIY cleaning methods
Dish soap and warm water Now it’s time to learn how to get your ring shining. “The simplest and safest way to clean your diamond ring at home is with warm water, a drop of mild dish soap, and a soft toothbrush,” shares Kothari. After soaking your ring in the soapy water for 15 to 20 minutes, use a soft, bristled toothbrush to gently brush around the diamond and setting. After, rinse it with clean water and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.
Another ring cleaning method to follow is similar to the one above, yet you replace the soap with a window cleaning solution, like Colin. Grunstein advises using a solution that's three parts water and one part cleaner to get the best cleaning formula.
A final alternative is to create a solution that mixes one part rubbing alcohol with three parts warm water. This method allows you to soak your ring for a shorter time period. Just 10 minutes should do the trick.
You can also purchase jewellery cleaning solutions that can safely clean your ring in a pinch. “I believe the easiest option is to use products you already have at home, like dish soap and rubbing alcohol," says Grunstein.
Mistakes to avoid when cleaning a diamond ring at home
“While diamonds are the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth and fine jewellery is crafted for everyday wear, it’s important to remember that it’s not indestructible,” shares Kothari. “A common misconception is that jewellery can handle anything.” That means you should take special care of your engagement ring, especially when giving it extra attention while cleaning.
“To avoid damaging your precious piece, common mistakes to steer clear of [include] using harsh chemicals like bleach or household cleaners—these can damage both the metal and the diamond,” says Kothari.
“Scrubbing too aggressively with a stiff brush can loosen prongs, dislodge pavé-set diamonds, or scratch the metal,” recommends Kothari.
The jeweller also advises never cleaning over an open sink. “Always make sure you're in a secure spot to prevent your ring from slipping down the drain,” she says.
If your ring includes pearls or other gemstones, you might want to hold off on at-home cleaning. “Some gemstones and pearls are porous or treated with surface coatings that may not be permanent,” shares Kothari. “It’s best to check with the jeweler to ensure you’re cleaning it properly.”
While gold and platinum can easily follow the soap-and-water cleaning method, a silver band should be handled differently. “You can restore its luster using at-home remedies like a mixture of vinegar and baking soda or an at-home silver polishing kit,” says Grunstein.
How often should you clean your engagement ring?
Now that you know how to clean your ring, you might be wondering how frequently you should be doing it to keep your stone sparkling. “You can clean your ring as often as you like, but why not start the new year with a great habit? Aim to clean it every two to four weeks to keep it looking bright, beautiful, and sparkling at its best,” advises Grustein.
What about a quick polish?
A deep clean of your ring isn’t always necessary. There are other solutions you can do in a pinch. “I keep a simple plastic Tupperware, a soft toothbrush, and a mini bottle of Dawn dish soap under my sink. If I forget to steam or ultrasonic clean my jewelry at work and want my pieces to not just sparkle but really glisten, I add a drop of soap and some warm water and let the jewelry soak while I do my morning routine,” says Trau. “Then, I give it a gentle brush and rinse it before putting it on.” She adds, “One important tip is to make sure your rings are completely dry before wearing them to avoid irritation.”
When to seek the help of a professional jeweller
Just like you go for an annual checkup at the doctor, it’s recommended to take your engagement ring to a professional jeweller once a year to clean and check on the condition of the piece. “A professional cleaning will make your ring look brand new (there’s nothing quite like it!), and the jeweller can check for any loose stones or needed repairs,” says Grunstein. “Additionally, we encourage our clients to stop by for a cleaning anytime they’re in the neighborhood, everyone feels so much better with sparkling jewellery.” Kothari adds, if you ever feel like your stone is rattling in the setting, you should visit as well: “That’s a sign it’s loose and needs immediate attention to avoid losing it.”
How to keep your diamond ring clean for longer
Since use leads to the buildup of oils and grime, giving your diamond ring a break whenever you can will help maintain its cleanliness. “I keep little trinket trays everywhere—in my kitchen, bathroom, office desk, and nightstand—so it is easy to do,” advises Trau. “I always take my rings off for yoga, cooking, and I definitely leave them at home for the beach or anything involving sunscreen or moisturizer.” She adds, “Being mindful about when you wear your jewelry goes a long way in keeping it clean and sparkling.”
This story first appeared on Vogue.com
Also read:
A jeweller’s guide to building a gemstone collection that will outlast trends
