Are your diamond rings cloudy? Here’s how to clean them safely.
Diamond rings are among the most stunningly beautiful pieces money can buy. A diamond engagement ring is virtually a must-have for couples who want to get married. Given the investment of a diamond ring, you would want to maintain its beauty for a s long as possible. Keeping a diamond ring clean is one aspect of this investment. To help you, our team has listed some helpful tips on how to clean a cloudy diamond ring, without damaging its value.How to Clean Diamond Rings
Most people prefer bringing their diamond pieces back to the shop for jewelry cleaning. While this is perfectly acceptable, this is difficult to do when you have a formal or family event coming up, you may not have time to head to a jewelry store for a cleaning. It’s a good to know how to clean your ring at home. Anyone can perform proper diamond care by following these simple steps:1. Fill a small container with warm water. A small bucket or a cup will do. Make sure the water is not too hot to the touch so you can safely perform the task without scalding your skin. Also, make sure the drain is blocked so your ring would not fall into the hole in case you drop it.
2. Dissolve some detergent into the water, enough to make it slightly soapy. Mix it well to ensure the solution is homogenous.
3. Soak your diamond ring in the mild detergent solution for five minutes. This time should be enough to soften up any dirt and grime that has accumulated on the ring so it can be easily removed.
4. Prepare a second container, fill it with warm water, and add an ammonia-based glass cleaner. Do not use chlorine-based cleaners, which could react with some of the metal parts of your diamond ring.
5. After soaking your ring in the detergent solution, transfer it to the second bucket.
6. After a few minutes in the second bucket, remove the ring and gently brush it with a soft bristle. Make sure that you get all sides of the diamond ring, especially the edges and the backside, where dirt and grime usually build up.
Be careful if the stone has a prong-based setting. The bristles could get snagged on its crevices, and if you pull too forcefully to free it, the stone could get dislodged.
7. Once you are done brushing the ring, put it back in the mild detergent solution and continue brushing. The liquid will wash off the grime and dirt loosened by the brush.
8. Rinse your diamond ring using clean running water. Again, make sure that the drain is covered, so you don’t lose your ring if it slips from your grip.
9. After rinsing, wipe the ring dry with a clean piece of lint-free cloth. The key is to not let the water evaporate from the ring by itself, as this will leave watermarks.
10. Check the ring for any damages, especially if it has a prong-type setting.
These steps are just general tips on how to clean a cloudy diamond ring. It is important to note that each piece has a unique design, and the cleaning method used must be equally flexible. For instance, diamonds mounted on a bezel or halo are more delicate and must be handled with extreme care.
You should use very soft bristles and avoid dropping the ring while washing it. In some cases, you can skip the soaking part and go directly to brushing the ring while it is submerged in the mild detergent solution.
Additional Tips on How to Clean a Cloudy Diamond Ring
Aside from the above instructions, take note of the additional tips below on how to clean a cloudy diamond ring and help keep it brilliant and clean.Diamond pieces with prongs are among the more difficult ring types to clean. In some cases, the dirt and grime stick to the prong stubbornly even after you have soaked it and brushed it with a soft bristle. If this is the case, you might need to poke the grime free using a toothpick or something similarly thin. Just be careful that you do not apply too much force that could dislodge the stone.
Make sure that you are not using abrasive chemicals to clean your ring. This includes bleaching agents, vinegar, and even witch hazel. These are either corrosive or acidic and could damage the metal band of the ring.
When preparing the warm water for soaking, make sure that it is not too hot. Aside from being dangerous to your skin, the sudden increase in temperature could cause the weak part of the stone (such as those with inclusions) to shatter.
If all the steps outlined above fail to clean your diamond ring, it might be better to bring it to your jeweler. You can have it done along with a scheduled jewelry repair or routine checkup.
With the emotional and monetary value of diamond rings, performing the above steps regularly is a small price to pay to keep your investment in great condition. What is more, it can show you sides of the ring that you have not seen before. This will give you more reasons to appreciate it even more.
Les Olson Jewelers Will Help with Your Diamond Rings
If you want to know more on how to clean a cloudy diamond ring, talk to our staff here at Les Olson Jewelers! We offer free diamond education to our customers, helping them enjoy their jewelry even more.If you want customized jewelry pieces or want to explore other options, give us a call at 727 785 9624 or drop by our jewelry store in Palm Harbor. We also serve the Clearwater area as well. Our staff will be happy to help you with all your jewelry needs.