Regular home cleanings of your diamond ring can avert heavy build-up, making professional cleanings easier and more cost-effective. Surprisingly, everyday items found in your cupboard can help create a homemade jewelry cleaner. To keep your diamond shining, steer clear of harsh bristles and abrasive chemicals that may damage your ring. The method for cleaning your ring varies depending on the metal: gold, silver, platinum, tungsten, and other metals each require specific care to maintain their luster.
Simple Tips for Home Ring Care:
Keep Your Warranty and Insurance Up to Date
Regular visits to your jeweler can ensure that your settings are intact, preventing loose stones or cracks.
Handle With Care
Treat your wedding ring as an investment by avoiding activities that might damage its prongs or settings. If unsure, remove your ring before engaging in tasks involving chemicals, tools, or equipment that could potentially damage it.
Be Careful in the Kitchen
While working in the kitchen, food particles might lodge between stones and settings, making them difficult to remove. Dishwashing liquid can also cause your ring to slip off and fall down the drain or into the garbage disposal.
Avoid Oil, Grease, and Heavy Lotions
Platinum, white gold, or silver rings can become discolored from build-up. Remember to remove your ring before using heavy lotions, oil, or grease to prevent residue buildup that makes the surface dull or tarnished.
Cleaning Jewelry
Wondering how to keep your jewelry clean? Soap and water, believe it or not, are effective for cleaning various types of jewelry including gold, white gold, platinum, and silver. Soak your ring in warm water mixed with a bit of dishwashing liquid for about 20 to 40 minutes to dissolve residue. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently remove any stuck-on substances. Thoroughly rinse with warm water to ensure all soapy residue is removed.
How to Clean Silver Jewelry
Make a paste using half a cup of white vinegar and two tablespoons of baking soda. After dissolving the baking soda with water, soak your tarnished ring in this solution and rinse with cold water.
An unconventional but effective cleaner for tarnished silver is ketchup. Submerge your ring in ketchup for a few minutes, brush gently with a soft toothbrush, and then rinse thoroughly with warm water before drying.
How to Clean Gold Jewelry
A mixture of 50% Windex and 50% hydrogen peroxide can be used to clean your gold or silver diamond ring. Windex removes dirt and oily residue, while hydrogen peroxide acts as an antibacterial agent. Soak your ring for 10 to 15 minutes, use a soft brush for stubborn residues, and rinse well with warm water.
To restore the luster of your gold ring, beer can be surprisingly effective. Apply it using a soft cloth exclusively to the gold part of your ring, avoiding dark ales. Dry your ring with a dry, soft cloth afterwards.
Things to Avoid When Cleaning Your Engagement Ring
Avoid using harsh chemicals such as chlorine or bleach, which can tarnish and discolor your ring.
Be cautious with jewelry cleaners as some can tarnish your ring’s surface. Opt for chemical-free, non-abrasive cleaners. Consult with your jeweler or research online to find the most suitable cleaners.
Regular cleaning is key to maintaining your ring’s beauty. Take proper care of your diamond engagement ring to enjoy its sparkle and shine indefinitely.
