Expert Advice on Cleaning Your Engagement Ring and Keeping it Sparkling

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If you want your engagement ring to continue turning heads, proper maintenance is key. In this post, we’ll delve into the most effective methods for cleaning and caring for your ring, so you can enjoy its beauty for a lifetime.

I have checked the prongs of thousands of engagement rings over the years.

First, I make certain that the main diamond and side diamonds are secure. Once that passes my inspection,
I let the ring soak in an ultrasonic cleaner and then professionally steam clean it. Most of the time this takes less than 10 minutes.

Sometimes though, the mounting will be caked up with hand cream and grease. This causes me great disappointment and makes me wonder “Why isn’t this ring being kept clean?”

After all, an engagement ring typically costs thousands of dollars. An engagement ring is the most sentimental purchase of a woman’s life. It’s an endearing symbol of one’s love and commitment to one another and is the only purchase you will ever make that is intended to last a lifetime.

How to keep your diamond looking like new

Get in the habit of cleaning your engagement ring every week at home. I recommend that you purchase a container of jewelry cleaner. It will usually include a basket to soak your ring and a soft brush to clean between the prongs. Look for loose diamonds that spin or rock in their setting. Look for prongs that are missing or bent out of place. Many times a weekly check will enable you to spot a potential problem before you lose a diamond.

Do not wear your ring if you notice a diamond is loose. Have it tightened and repaired immediately by a reputable jeweler. I have met women who had lost their engagement diamond because they continued to wear their ring after they noticed the diamond was loose (It’s really heartbreaking to see this)!

Hand cream can make your diamond appear dull and lifeless. Diamonds naturally attract grease and oils. When you apply hand cream and rub it into your skin, some may get onto your engagement ring. It will harden between the prongs. Don’t let this happen. Simply remove your engagement ring before you apply hand cream. Put your ring back on when you are done.

Remove your engagement ring before showering and washing dishes. The soap or detergent will form a film on your diamond and cause it to appear dull. Keep a ring holder near your sink. Put your ring on it while you are washing your hands. A ring holder will also be handy because it will prevent you from accidentally throwing your ring away (I’ve personally heard sad stories about this too).

Try not to touch your diamond when you are removing your engagement ring. Hold your ring by the sides to keep your diamond sparkling.

Avoid having your diamond ring resized often because it causes the metal to become fatigued. If you are pregnant, remove your ring and store it in a safe place until you are able to rear it again.

White gold rings develop a yellowish color over time. This is because gold is yellow in its natural form. White gold is alloyed with other metals and then plated with rhodium to make it brilliant white and shiny.

It’s easy to make your white gold ring look “brand new” again by having your jeweler rhodium plate it. This will also help your ring be resistant to scratching. Rhodium plating will make your ring hypoallergenic. This is particularly important if you have a nickel allergy.

I am not a fan of home ultrasonic cleaners (machines that shake dirt loose using high-frequency sound waves). It’s best to have your ring professionally cleaned by a reputable jeweler. Loose diamonds are often shaken out of their settings when you use a home ultrasonic machine. They often will end up down the drain when you dispose of the cleaner.