An engagement marks such a special milestone in a couple’s love story. Not only is an engagement ring a promise of a lifetime filled with companionship, love and happiness, these sparklers are probably your most prized possessions – which is why it’s especially important to keep your diamond rings in excellent condition.

At Blue Diamond Jeweler, we believe it’s a privilege to be a part of the engagement ring process. We pride ourselves on creating a piece of jewelry that’s unique to the couple and the love it symbolizes. While having your ring polished and cleaned by a professional jeweler is the best way to care for your diamonds, we’ve put together a few expert tips for cleaning your engagement ring from home.

How to clean your ring at home

Natural oils and daily grime can diminish and dull the sparkle of your diamond ring. Products like hairspray, lotion, makeup, and perfume can leave a thin residue behind, which affects how light performs when it hits the diamond (the part that makes it really sparkle!).

If you can’t make it into your jeweler for a proper cleaning, the safest way to clean and care for your diamond engagement ring at home is to make a simple water-based solution. To start, fill a bowl with warm to hot water with a few drops of mild dishwashing soap. Avoid using dish soaps that have a moisturizing component as these types of cleaners tend to leave a thin film behind (much like the layer you’re trying to remove). Soak your diamond ring for 20 to 40 minutes. After your ring has soaked, take it out of the solution and gently brush it with a clean toothbrush. This toothbrush should solely be reserved for cleaning your jewelry, and nothing else.

When brushing your ring, make sure to get into the hard-to-reach places like the back of the diamond and prongs – these areas tend to collect the most dirt. The key is to gently brush the ring in a soft and sweeping motion, so the ring does not sustain any damage or scratches.

After it’s been brushed, rinse the ring under warm water. We suggest using your bathroom sink and closing the drain for this part, since you do not want it falling down the garbage disposal. The process can be repeated to your satisfaction.

Once you’ve soaked and (very gently) scrubbed your diamond ring, you can dry it off with a soft cloth — we suggest using something that’s lint-free of the cotton variety, or letting it air dry. Avoid using paper towels because they can scratch the metal of your ring.

 

 

When to clean your ring

If you want to keep your sparkler looking its very best, we suggest cleaning your diamond engagement ring once a week. By cleaning your ring on a regular basis, you’ll prevent a build up of everyday oils and debris, and keep your diamond shining like new. If you lead a more active life, work outdoors, or in a kitchen you should get your ring professionally cleaned on a regular basis.

Have we mentioned we offer free cleanings? That’s right! At Blue Diamond Jeweler, we offer free in-store cleanings – whether you purchased your rings from our store or not. Come by any time during our normal business hours for a free cleaning and inspection.

 

What to avoid using on your ring

You should always remove your rings before using harsh household cleaners like bleach, chlorine and acetone – and never try to clean your diamonds with any of these products (and we mean never!). The chemicals can breakdown and deteriorate the metal of your ring. We also suggest avoiding cleaning solutions like toothpaste, baking soda or other similar powdered cleaners because these materials can scratch the metal, especially gold.

Finally, save the ultrasonic cleaning for a trained jeweler. These machines, when used at home, can cause the stones to become loose … and sometimes fall out. Plus, when you bring your ring into a professional jeweler, he or she will inspect the ring and its settings and secure any loose stones before performing an ultrasonic cleaning.

In addition to at-home maintenance, we recommend having your jeweler clean and inspect your engagement ring and/or diamond wedding band every six months. At Blue Diamond Jeweler, we offer complimentary cleanings in-store, with an option to purchase a more extensive deep cleaning for removing scratches and other signs of wear and tear. Our detailed cleaning and inspection process uses ultrasonic heat in a special cleaning solution, along with gentle hand brushing and high-pressure steam. We’ll make sure your jewelry comes out secure and sparkling!