Since the engagement ring is emotionally the most valuable and probably the most precious jewelry piece in your collection, you should appropriately take care of it. It is not too complicated, but you need to be careful to prevent any possible damage.
Basically, the method you use will depend on the metal your ring is made of and the embedded jewel type. It is crucial to clean hand cream, shampoo, and moisturizer residues that blur the gem’s sparkle and decrease its glow over time. Let’s see how to clean an engagement ring in the best possible way.
How to Clean the Ring Safely at Home
No matter which cleaning agent you choose, it is necessary to follow the required procedure. Only that way, your ring will stay clean and sparkle as when you purchased it.
Check the ring condition
It is necessary to check settings before starting with cleaning. Pay attention to whether the claws are firm and the diamond is well attached. If the gem can move, you should ask a jeweler to check it and solve the problem.
Clean the ring
Use any of the recommended cleaning solutions and make your ring clean. Your goal is to remove perfume, lotion, and makeup residue and prevent your gem looks dull.
Brush the ring
When the ring is particularly dirty, you should use a soft brush or baby toothbrush. Use it to clean the gemstone, band, and settings, including hard to reach places.
Rinse the ring
Always rinse the ring under warm running water after finishing the cleaning process. That way, you will remove the remaining impurities and soapsuds.
Dry the ring
The best option is air drying. However, you can use a soft cotton cloth for that purpose. Never use paper towels since they may scratch the metal.
Polish the ring
In the end, use a polishing cloth to rub the platinum and white gold ring to get an attractive metal shine.
How to Clean a Wedding Band
Platinum, yellow gold, white gold, and silver rings
1. Soap and water
The best option to clean your band regardless of the type of metal it is made of is soapy water. Soak the ring for approximately 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the soiling level. Use a soft toothbrush to remove any residues and rinse the ring under warm running water.
2. Chemical-free, non-abrasive agent
These are the only chemical jewelry cleaners and polishers entirely safe for cleaning the band, especially if it features a diamond. Otherwise, you may face a discolored piece of jewelry.
Solid gold rings
3. Beer
When noticing that your solid gold band is not luster anymore, you can solve the problem with light beer. Pour it onto a soft cloth and rub it gently over the gold band surface, but avoid soaking gems. Use a clean cloth or towel to dry the ring.
Gold and silver rings
4. Hydrogen peroxide and Windex solution
Prepare a solution of Windex and hydrogen peroxide in a 50:50 ratio. Soak the ring in it for at least 10 to 15 minutes to entirely clean and sterilize it. If necessary, use a soft toothbrush to remove any stubborn residue, rinse the band with lukewarm water, and dry it at the end.
Silver rings
5. White vinegar and baking soda
This combination is an excellent solution to clean your silver ring. Mix 0.5 cups of vinegar with 2 tbsp baking soda and let it entirely dissolved. Soak your ring for two to three hours, depending on the soiling degree. After rinsing it under cold water, use a soft cloth to dry it thoroughly.
6. Ketchup
It is an unusual but efficient way to clean your tarnished silver ring. Place it into ketchup for several minutes and then clean with a soft toothbrush. In the end, rinse it with lukewarm water and dry with a clean cloth.
How to Clean a Diamond Engagement Ring
7. Mild dish soap and warm water
Prepare the cleanser by mixing a teaspoon of mild dish soap in four cups of warm water until start foaming. Place your ring in that solution for about 10 to 20 minutes, then rinse and dry it with a microfiber cloth. Use a soft toothbrush to clean your ring when necessary.
8. Dishwashing detergent and hot water
It is my method of choice for cleaning a heavily soiled ring. Mix mild detergent in boiling water and let it sit for approximately 3 to 5 minutes. Clean the space around the settings with a soft toothbrush when necessary, rinse the ring thoroughly, and use a soft cloth to dry it.
9. Washing up liquid and a baby toothbrush
Soak the ring in a water solution of washing up liquid for 30 minutes. Then, gently brush the stone with a baby toothbrush and rinse the jewelry under warm running water. The best way to dry complicated settings is with a hairdryer on medium heat.
10. Vodka
This booze is a popular option to clean your diamond ring. Put it in the glass of vodka for a few hours and air dry it afterward. The question is whether it makes sense to spend vodka for these purposes since you can finish cleaning with any other pure alcohol efficiently.
11. Floor cleaner
If you heavily soil your engagement ring by coincidence, try to solve the problem with floor cleaner. Place the ring in the glass filled with this agent and leave it to sit overnight.
12. Steam cleaner
If you already have a steam cleaner in your home, use it to clean the ring. The high-pressure steam will remove any oil and grime residue inside the diamond settings. This method’s advantage is that it lasts only a few seconds, but be careful while working with hot steam.
13. Ultrasonic cleaner
Professional ultrasonic jewelry cleaner can free dirt from the tiniest surfaces around the diamond, making it looks new and sparkle. However, some gemologists don’t recommend applying this method ay home since the cheap consumer-grade machine can push the expensive stones out of their setting.
14. Professional cleaning
You should have your ring professionally cleaned at least once a year. Even though removing impurities from hard to reach places with an ultrasonic cleaner costs $25 to $50, most qualified jewelers offer this service free of charge.
Be careful if you have an antique or highly valuable ring, and bring it to the experienced jeweler with good recommendations. Only an expert won’t ruin a hundred-year-old patina.
What Not to Use for Cleaning the Ring
Once deciding to clean your ring, you should take care not to damage the embedded gem. Even strong diamonds are not invincible. Therefore, make sure not to use harsh cleaning chemicals to clean the ring.
Some usual cleaners can damage the metal your ring is made of. The only way for it to stay sparkle and attractive is to avoid using:
- Harsh cleaning agents – Always avoid chlorine, bleach, and acetone when cleaning your ring to prevent possible damage.
- Abrasive powdered products – Even baking soda and toothpaste can scratch gold when applied directly.
- Cloudy ammonia – In the past, jewelers used a rouge, a red polishing paste that stuck to the gold. So, they used the cloudy ammonia to remove that paste. Nowadays, there is no reason for using such a chemical since you can find more refined compounds available on the market.
Tips for Engagement Ring Care
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Clean the ring regularly
It is crucial to regularly take care of your ring to prevent oil and dirt buildup from blocking the light through the stone. Consequently, it will cause a dull ring appearance.
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Keep the diamond safe
Even though this gem is hard, it is possible to fracture, chip, or bruise under the aggressive knock.
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Check the prongs regularly
Go to the jeweler at least once a year to have the prongs and settings checked. That is the only way to prevent losing the diamond.
Resizing the diamond ring is always tricky, and you shouldn’t do that except as a last resort. If you have a brand model, you should bring it to the jewelry house where you bought it and ask their experts to resize the band without disrupting the signature.
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Don’t often take the ring off
There is no need to take the ring off the finger whenever washing your hands. Get used to wearing it while you are outside to prevent leaving it behind in the restaurant or someone’s house.
However, never wear your ring while spending a day at the beach or in the gym and playing tennis or golf, especially if it is delicate or with small stones.
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Buy engagement ring insurance
If you have a ring with a precious gem, you should insure it as soon as you leave the store.
Summary
If you wear your ring daily, you should clean it with warm soapy water twice a month to keep it shine. Try to spend more time cleaning it at least once a month and let it submerged in liquids a bit longer.
In the end, visit your jeweler once a year to have your band professionally cleaned. Plus, he or she will check if prongs are stable and the gem safe and sparkle.
