Restaurant-Clean Sparkle at Home
A dirty diamond can lose up to 30% of its sparkle. Oils from your skin, lotions, soap residue, and everyday grime coat the diamond's surface and block light from entering and exiting properly. Regular cleaning at home restores full brilliance in minutes. Here is the safest and most effective method.
The Recommended Method
- What you need: A small bowl, warm water (not hot), a few drops of mild dish soap (like Dawn), and a soft-bristled toothbrush (a new, unused one)
- Step 1: Fill the bowl with warm water and add 2-3 drops of dish soap. Stir gently
- Step 2: Place your diamond jewelry in the soapy water and let it soak for 15-20 minutes. This loosens oils and grime
- Step 3: Gently brush the diamond with the soft toothbrush. Pay special attention to the back (pavilion) of the diamond and the area where the diamond meets the setting — this is where grime accumulates most
- Step 4: Rinse under warm running water. Important: plug the sink drain or rinse over a bowl. Rings can slip off wet fingers
- Step 5: Pat dry with a lint-free cloth or let air dry. Do not use paper towels (they can leave lint in settings)
How Often
- Engagement rings and daily-wear pieces: Clean every 1-2 weeks for optimal sparkle
- Earrings and pendants: Clean monthly
- Occasional-wear pieces: Clean before wearing
- After exposure to lotions, cooking, or cleaning: Clean promptly
What NOT to Use
- Ultrasonic cleaners (at home): While jewelers use professional ultrasonics, home versions can loosen stones from their settings. Avoid unless you are confident the settings are tight
- Bleach or chlorine: Damages gold alloys and can discolor the metal
- Toothpaste: Too abrasive. Can scratch gold and dull the surface
- Boiling water: Thermal shock can crack diamonds (very rare) and damage certain settings or treatments
- Abrasive cloths: Fine for polishing plain gold, but can scratch settings and leave residue on diamonds
Professional Cleaning
Even with regular home cleaning, a professional cleaning and inspection once a year is recommended. A jeweler uses professional-grade equipment and also checks prong tightness, clasp security, and overall condition.