Professional Results at Home
Regular cleaning keeps your diamond jewelry sparkling like new. Diamonds attract oils and dirt from skin, lotions, and daily activities, which creates a film that dulls their brilliance. The good news is that you can safely clean most diamond jewelry at home with simple household items. Here is how to do it correctly.
The Warm Soapy Water Method (Safest)
- What you need: Warm (not hot) water, a few drops of mild dish soap, a soft-bristle toothbrush, a lint-free cloth
- Steps: Fill a bowl with warm water and add a small amount of mild dish soap. Place your jewelry in the solution and let it soak for 15-30 minutes. Gently brush around and behind the diamond with the toothbrush, paying special attention to the back of the setting where oils accumulate. Rinse under warm running water. Pat dry with a lint-free cloth
- Frequency: Every 1-2 weeks for daily-wear pieces like engagement rings and studs
- Safe for: All diamond jewelry in gold, platinum, and silver settings
The Ammonia Solution (For Extra Sparkle)
- What you need: One part household ammonia to six parts warm water
- Steps: Soak for no more than 10 minutes. Brush gently. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. Dry completely
- Frequency: Monthly or when soap and water is not restoring full sparkle
- Caution: Ammonia is safe for diamonds, gold, and platinum but can damage some gemstones. Only use on diamond-only pieces
What NOT to Do
- Never use bleach or chlorine: Can damage metal alloys, particularly gold
- Never use abrasive cleaners: Baking soda paste, toothpaste, or abrasive powders can scratch metal settings
- Never use ultrasonic cleaners at home without caution: The vibrations can loosen stones if prongs are worn. Professional jewelers inspect settings before ultrasonic cleaning
- Never clean over an open drain: Always plug the sink or use a bowl. Losing a ring down the drain is more common than you think
- Never use hot water: Thermal shock can stress some settings. Warm water is always sufficient
When to See a Professional
- Annual professional cleaning and inspection is recommended for engagement rings and high-value pieces
- A jeweler will check prong tightness, look for worn settings, and use professional ultrasonic and steam cleaning
- If you notice a loose stone, stop wearing the piece immediately and take it for repair
Prevention Tips
- Remove jewelry before applying lotion, sunscreen, or hairspray
- Remove rings before cooking — food oils and dough are the worst offenders for dulling diamonds
- Store each piece separately to prevent scratching
- Put jewelry on last when getting ready and take it off first when undressing