Cleaning and Caring for Your Diamond Engagement Ring

The eventual loss of lustre is one of the main problems owners of a diamond engagement ring, or any other piece of diamond jewellery, face on a regular basis. Clear diamonds in particular have a beautiful brilliance that can easily be dulled by contact with skin oils, cosmetics or soap – all substances the average human tends to use on a daily basis on the course of their everyday life. As such, it is very easy for a diamond to lose its shine over time, unless certain precautions are taken to ensure that does not happen.

Fortunately for owners of this type of jewel, there are many ways to clean your diamond engagement ring at home by using simple household objects, detergents and tools. Below is a brief overview of the different ways in which this task can be carried out.

How To Clean Your Ring

Liquid jewellery cleaner, available from most good jewellery stores, will keep your diamonds as brilliant as ever. Just follow the instructions on the packaging and see how your diamond sparkles.

You don’t need to rely on store-bought cleaner to keep your diamonds as gleaming as new; using a half and half mix of cold water and household ammonia in a small cup is a cheaper alternative. Simply soak the ring in the cup for half an hour, take it out and use a small soft brush to remove any remaining dirt and grime. Finally, dip the ring in the solution once more and pat it dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.

Another similar method for cleaning your diamond engagement ring also works well if you do not have any household ammonia lying around. Fill a small bowl with warm suds, using any mild liquid detergent (for example, washing-up liquid). Then use a small soft brush to gently wash your diamond in the suds. Rinse thoroughly with water and pat dry once more with a lint-free cloth.

How To Prevent Damage

These methods should keep your diamond engagement ring looking clean and sparkly and good as new. If you want to avoid damaging your precious stone, then do not wear your engagement ring whilst doing rough work. Diamonds are very durable but will chip if they are hit hard enough. Diamonds scratch other diamonds and jewellery when they rub together, so storing diamonds and other jewellery separately is definitely worth considering. To avoid damaging the setting, you should ensure your diamond does not come into contact with chlorine bleach. It’s very corrosive.

"A diamond is forever", as the old adage goes, so prolong the appeal of your engagement ring by keeping it clean and safe.

Laura L Bolick is the founder of the F&L Designer Guides, compiled and written to help consumers choose a unique engagement ring design. From diamond engagement ring to princess cuts and engraved bands, we have ideas and opinions covering all the options. Offering advice, tips and suggestions on how to choose that perfect ring, F&L will accompany you on every stage of your search to find the right designer.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.