How to Clean Your Engagement Ring

Your engagement ring is meant to last a lifetime, but like all nice things, it needs a little love and attention to keep it looking sparkly forever. Here's how to clean your engagement ring and guarantee it looks loved, always.

Photo by zelle duda

Like any good marriage, engagement rings are made of strong stuff. Diamonds and precious metals are difficult to ruin, but to keep them in the best condition, they do require regular care – like a good marriage!

It’s important to keep your diamond engagement ring clean. Not only from an aesthetic or hygienic perspective, but because diamond jewellery is an investment and needs protecting to hold its value.

How to Clean Your Engagement Ring

The UK’s leading Hatton Garden jewellers, Diamonds Factory, have compiled a jewellery care list, regardless of the metal type, to ensure your diamond engagement ring looks and feels as good as the day you received it.

• Always check the engagement ring is in good condition

• Begin cleaning using dishwashing liquid

• Gently brush the diamond using a toothbrush

• Rinse the diamond under running water

• Safely dry the piece of jewellery

• Polish the piece of jewellery

• Handle with care!

1. Check if the ring is in good condition

Before you start cleaning your engagement ring, it is essential to check the state of the ring to ensure there's no loose diamonds that may come off during the clean or everyday wear. You can do this by inspecting the claws of the ring or by using a safety pin to check how secure each stone is. If the diamond is moving in the setting, we recommend taking it to a jeweller to have it professionally cleaned and re-set.

2. Begin cleaning using dishwashing liquid

Fill a small bowl with warm to hot water and add washing up liquid. Leave the engagement ring to soak for 20 to 40 minutes, depending on how dirty the piece is. You can also try cleaning your diamond with vodka – yes, you read that right! The distilled spirit can dissolve the dirt attached to the diamond thanks to its ethanol content.

Photo by Sincerely Media

3. Gently brush the diamond using a toothbrush

After leaving it to soak, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to give the stone a light brush. We recommend using a children's toothbrush because they are generally softer. Remember to only keep this toothbrush for cleaning jewellery only, don't mix it with any others.

Pro-tip: remember to brush the base of the lower part of the diamond, as a lot of dirt can build up at the base where the diamond is mounted.

4. Rinse the diamond engagement ring under running water

Rinse the piece of jewellery under warm running water and repeat until you are happy with the appearance. Remember to use a plug to avoid your diamond engagement ring dropping down the sink! Imagine…

5. Safely dry your engagement ring

To dry off your jewellery, use a cotton or linen cloth, as these materials will not scratch the metal, whereas paper towels could. You can also let the ring air dry.

6. Polish the piece of jewellery

If you have a polishing cloth, you can rub it over the jewellery to make the metal shine. Don’t forget to store your cloth in a re-sealable bag to avoid getting dust on it.

Photo by Brandon Cormier

How Often Should I Clean My Diamond Engagement Ring?

The process above can be repeated once a week, or month, to help keep oils and products from building up! However, it is recommended that you take your diamond engagement ring to be professionally cleaned twice a year. Ultrasonic cleaners are also a great way to remove encrusted dirt and can be bought fairly reasonably these days. These cleaners use cavitation bubbles induced by low-frequency sound waves, so they are quite gentle. But the process can shake any loose stones, so it’s important to use one with caution, making sure that everything is firmly attached.

How Should I Store My Engagement Ring?

It’s a good idea to clean your engagement ring before you store it, as this will avoid any dirt or debris from getting encrusted into the setting and causing any permanent damage. You should store your diamond engagement ring in a microfibre or felt bag, and leave that somewhere safe and dry.

Now your engagement ring is sparkly clean, it's time to find your dream wedding dress! Click here and start your bridal browse.