There’s truly nothing more dazzling than a fresh, clean engagement ring. Even years later, you want your ring to sparkle the way it did on the day of your proposal. If your ring could use a little love right now, don’t panic! We’ve compiled some best-in-class tips to help keep your ring shiny and new.
Why Should You Clean Engagement Rings?
Over time, your engagement ring can lose its sparkle and luster due to daily wear and exposure to various elements. Grime from things like skin oils and lotions can discolor the stone.
Dirt and debris can build up in the crevices, causing scratches or damage to any diamond or gemstone ring. Dirty rings can even cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. Regular engagement ring care can help to preserve the value by keeping your ring in pristine condition.
How Often Should You Clean Diamond Jewelry?
You should be cleaning diamond jewelry more often than you think. Cleaning engagement rings at home can be done weekly and monthly, while a professional cleaner should do biannual cleanings.
Weekly and Monthly Engagement Ring Cleanings
Your weekly engagement ring cleaning can be quick and easy. Using a soft toothbrush, a little warm water, and mild soap to gently clean the diamond and band is enough to restore the sparkle.
On a monthly basis, it’s a good idea to invest a bit more time in engagement ring care with a thorough at-home clean of your ring using these steps.
- Fill a bowl with warm water and mild dishwashing soap
- Soak the ring for 20 to 40 minutes
- Use a soft toothbrush to remove any buildup
- Rinse the ring under warm water
- Dry the ring off with a microfiber cloth
Cleaning Diamond Jewelry at Home: Things to Avoid
When cleaning an engagement ring at home, it’s essential to be mindful of certain techniques and substances that can potentially cause damage. Be sure to avoid both overly rigorous scrubbing and submerging your ring for any longer than the suggested time. You will also want to steer clear of certain household cleaners and products as they can harm the metal and gemstones.
5 Products to Avoid:
- Bleach
- Chlorine
- Acetone
- Ammonia in high concentrations
- Toothpaste
Twice-a-Year Professional Jewelry Cleaning
Every six months, you should invest in professional diamond jewelry cleaning services and an inspection. A professional cleaner will safely remove stubborn layers of dirt and grime while ensuring there is no damage to your engagement ring. With something as valuable as your diamond, it’s better to be proactive about engagement ring care and inspection rather than spending on pricey repairs.
Top Benefits of Professional Jewelry Cleaning
- Identify Repair Areas: While cleaning diamond jewelry, your jeweler can conduct additional inspections on your ring to catch any potential issues before they become detrimental. With a better eye for fine jewelry, they can spot things you may not have even known were a problem. If you have jewelry repair questions, a professional can easily answer them and handle any necessary services on site.
- Polishing As Needed: If your ring needs to be polished to remove any additional tarnish or buildup, a professional cleaner can take care of that right on site.
- Proper Tools for Safe Cleaning: A knowledgeable jeweler will ensure they use the proper tools and products for cleaning engagement rings. This will ensure that the setting stays in place to protect the gemstone and that the metal remains in the best shape.
- Prolonged Longevity: When you leave your ring to the experts for a deep, thorough clean, you improve the quality and give it a longer life.
Fink’s Lifetime Diamond Guarantee
When you buy any diamond jewelry from Fink’s you benefit from our Lifetime Diamond Guarantee. As long as you bring your diamond engagement ring or wedding band in every six months for cleaning and inspection, our lifetime guarantee covers the replacement of your diamond, whether lost or damaged. Since our jewelers always inspect rings during cleaning, following the six-month recommendation for cleaning engagement rings will ensure you remain eligible for our guarantee.
Scheduling your Engagement Ring Cleanings
If you have a special occasion coming up and need your ring cleaned, let your jeweler know so they can make sure it’s done in time. Sometimes, cleaning engagement rings can be taken care of right then and there. Other times, if you’d also like your ring inspected or any maintenance done, you may need to leave your jewelry.
We recommend adding your engagement ring care into your calendar so you stay on top of the maintenance. You can schedule an appointment with us directly on our website.
5 Tips for Caring for your Engagement Ring Between Cleanings
A big part of caring for your engagement ring comes down to knowing when to take it off and where to store it when you do. There are a few situations in which you should always take your engagement ring off to protect its longevity. With these five tips, you’ll know when and how to store your ring so it stays safe:
Tip 1. Remove when Showering: While the water itself won’t damage your engagement ring, certain shampoos, conditioners, and soaps can cause buildup on the ring or under the stone. Wearing it in the shower once or twice won’t cause an issue, but you should avoid doing so regularly.
Tip 2. Take it Off at the Gym or While Playing Sports: If you are doing cardio at the gym, feel free to leave your ring on! But once you reach for those weights, it’s time to remove your engagement ring, as the pressure from the weights can bend the band or damage the diamond. As for sports, you should always take your ring off if contact is involved.
Tip 3. Set Your Ring Aside Before Swimming: The swimming pool's chlorine can cause discoloration to both your band and stone. If you jump into the pool (or are pushed!) with your ring on, you can grab a product like Diamond Drunk to reverse any adverse effects.
Tip 4. Slip Off Your Ring Before Using Certain Products: Harsh chemicals in products like certain cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer, hairspray, and lotions can damage your ring, so you should always play it safe and remove your ring when using them.
Tip 5. Safely Store Your Engagement Ring: When you do take your engagement ring off, make sure that you are storing your jewelry properly. So you don’t lose your ring or cause damage when you remove it, consider investing in a jewelry stand or a travel ring holder. That way, you’ll always know where your ring is.
You want your engagement ring to be as everlasting as your love. With regular maintenance both at home and with the pros at a reputable jeweler, you can ensure it stays sparkly.
