A diamond ring meant to be worn, admired and enjoyed every day, so it's only natural that yours might pick up a little wear along the way. From hand cream residue to cooking grease, sweat from working out and general everyday life, it's surprising how quickly grime can build up, even when you're being really careful!
The good news is that keeping your ring looking its best is much more straightforward than you might imagine. In just a few minutes of gentle care with products you'd already have at home, you can restore it to maximum sparkle in no time. A regular clean is also a good opportunity to check for loose stones, and make sure the fit is still secure.
In this guide, we'll show you how to clean your diamond ring safely at home:
What you'll need:
A small bowl of warm (not hot) water
A few drops of mild washing-up liquid
A soft-bristled toothbrush (or jewellery brush if you’ve got one, but this isn’t necessary)
A lint-free or microfibre cloth
The 77 Diamonds step-by-step guide
Prepare the cleaning solution
Mix a few drops of mild washing-up liquid into a bowl of warm water, not hotter than bath water.Soak your ring
Leave your ring to soak in the solution for 15–20 minutes. This will loosen oils, lotions and everyday dirt.Brush gently
Using a soft toothbrush, carefully clean around the diamond and the setting, paying particular attention to underneath the stone (this is often where the most dirt builds up). Be gentle, especially if your ring has delicate claws or pavé-set diamonds.Rinse thoroughly
When you’re satisfied that you’ve cleaned everywhere, rinse your ring under lukewarm running water. It's a sensible idea to put a plug in the sink, or rinse the ring over a bowl, to prevent it from accidentally going down the drain.Dry and polish
Pat the ring dry with a lint-free cloth, the kind of material you’d use to clean a pair of glasses. Avoid paper or kitchen towels, as they can leave fibres behind or even cause fine scratches on some metals.
What to avoid
Harsh chemicals such as bleach, chlorine or acetone.
Abrasive cleaners. Toothpaste or baking soda are both exfoliants, and can scratch precious metals like gold and platinum.
Ultrasonic jewellery cleaners if your ring contains emeralds, opals, pearls or other delicate gemstones, or if you're not sure whether the setting’s secure.
How often should you clean a diamond ring?
At home: Every 1–2 weeks if worn daily. Every month if worn on special occasions.
Professional cleaning and inspection: Ideally every 2 years. A jeweller will be able to deep clean the ring and check that the claws and setting are secure, helping to prevent stone loss.
Tips to keep your ring sparkling
Remove your ring before gardening, weightlifting, swimming or using household cleaning products.
Don’t sleep in your jewellery! It’s a good habit to remove it as part of your nighty routine, and only put it on after you’ve finished your bathroom routine the next morning.
Apply hand cream, perfume and hairspray before putting your ring on, as these products can leave a film on your diamond.
Store your ring separately in a soft jewellery pouch or lined box to prevent scratches.
With a little regular care, a diamond will maintain its brilliance for many many years to come. Taking a few moments to clean your ring is a small effort that really does make a remarkable difference. You'll be surprised how quickly the original sparkle returns, leaving it looking every bit as striking as the day you first wore it.
