Your engagement ring holds a special place in your heart and is undoubtedly your most treasured piece of jewellery. However, daily wear can make it challenging to keep that sparkling new look forever.
Engagement rings can lose their lustre with time because of the build-up of products such as hand lotion, moisturizer and shampoo. As a result, they need regular at-home cleaning not only to restore their shine but also to keep them free of bacteria. Now, don’t stress about your eternal symbol of love! We’ve got simple, effective tips to help your ring sparkle for a lifetime.
Tips to Prevent Your Engagement Ring From Losing Its Shine
-
Never clean your ring with chemicals or hard toothbrushes
Cleaning your ring with chemicals such as bleach, chlorine or acetone might damage the stones as well as the metal. Similarly, brushes with firm bristles might harm your engagement ring.
To clean your ring, it’s best to use mild dishwashing soap and water or chemical-free alternatives along with a soft toothbrush.
-
Remove your ring while cooking
Elements like spices, oils and food particles can stick to your ring. Prolonged periods of such exposure can not only tarnish your ring but can also lodge dirt in areas difficult to reach. So, next time you go into the kitchen to cook up a storm, be sure to take off your sparkler.
-
Remove your ring before engaging in any hands-on activity
Before indulging in any hands-on activity, remove your ring. For example, keep it away while gardening, cleaning dishes, moving furniture or exercising to avoid dirt or scratches.
Tips to Restore the Shine of Your Engagement Ring
While each engagement ring is unique and beautiful in its own way, some of them require added care and maintenance. If your ring is embellished with coloured gemstones that are vulnerable to scratches and discolouration, it is advisable to be extra careful while cleaning them at home.
Fortunately, all it takes is a little time and the right products to restore the original lustre. The good news? Some of these products will be usually available within arm’s reach, right at home. Listed are some easy and commonly used methods on how to clean engagement rings.
-
Dishwashing soap and warm water
Regardless of the setting, the stone or metal type, the best way to clean a diamond ring is using a solution of mild dishwashing soap and water. In a small dish, mix some soap and warm water and let your ring soak for 20 to 40 minutes.
To remove the debris, use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Finally, rinse the ring thoroughly under warm running water to remove any soapy residue and pat dry with a soft cloth.
-
Chemical-free cleaning solution
If you opt to clean your engagement ring with a jewellery cleaner or polish, ensure you know how to do it correctly. Pro tip: Use a solution that’s free of chemicals. This is because solutions that contain harsh chemicals may prove to be abrasive and cause discolouration of your engagement ring.
-
Seek professional guidance
It’s preferable to have your ring cleaned from where you bought it. Alternatively, you can also get it cleaned by any jewellery cleaning professional who has experience cleaning fine jewellery.
Are you a proud owner of a lab-grown sparkler? If yes, then you might be wondering how to clean lab-grown engagement rings at home? Well, you’ll be happy to know that a lab-created engagement ring is also easy to clean. It is generally done using similar methods to cleaning a natural gemstone engagement ring, as both types of stones share similar physical and chemical properties. So, you can definitely use the above-mentioned steps for your lab-grown dazzler.
However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
- Some lab-grown diamonds may be set in materials that require special care. For example, if the ring contains other gemstones or delicate materials, you may need to adjust your cleaning approach to keep your sparkler safe from damage.
- Some lab-grown diamonds may come with specific care recommendations that should be followed for optimal maintenance.
Also Read: How To Properly Take Care Of Your Engagement Ring?
How to Get Your Ring Professionally Cleaned?
Once a year, have your engagement ring cleaned by a jeweller. They will be able to thoroughly and safely clean it and remove compressed grime and debris in hard-to-reach areas. Not only will they restore the lustre of your ring but also inspect your ring for any loose stones or damage.
You can also request your jeweller to use an ultrasonic cleaning machine for a more thorough cleaning. Having said that, even if you have access to a cleaning machine, this job is best left to the pros.
How Often Should You Clean Your Engagement Ring?
Certain elements in our day-to-day routine can quickly dull the lustre of a beautiful engagement ring. This includes shampoo, hairspray, hand lotions, hand soaps and kitchen grease amongst other things. As a result, cleaning your ring once every two to three weeks is recommended to keep it in good condition.
It is also advisable to take your ring to the jeweller for a professional deep clean once a year. If you have a busy lifestyle or if you’re involved in rigorous physical activities, you may want to have your ring cleaned more frequently.
An engagement ring is a statement piece meant to dazzle the wearer and everyone who sees it, so knowing how to clean an engagement will ensure that the sparkle and beauty never fades.
Engagement rings need to be cleaned regularly regardless of how well you take care of them. If you have been recently engaged or want to show off your special ring at all times, clean it at least once a week. Regular cleaning can keep your engagement ring looking brand new even decades later.
FAQ
1. How to clean your engagement rings safely at home?
Mix dishwashing soap and warm water in a basin and fill another basin halfway with cool water. Then soak the ring in the soapy solution for 20-40 minutes. Scrub the ring gently using a toothbrush while paying particular attention to the nooks and crannies. If required, repeat the process. Finally, rinse it in cool water and dry it with a soft towel until your ring gleams.
2. How can I make my engagement ring sparkle?
Here are five suggestions for keeping your ring gleaming:
- Remove the ring when applying lotions and creams
- Have it professionally cleaned
- Do not wear it while cleaning
- Store your ring correctly
- Do not resize it more than once
3. Can I clean my engagement ring with soap and water?
Yes, soap and water solution is one of the most effective ways to clean your engagement ring, regardless of the metal type or the stone on your engagement ring. However, you must remove any soap residue by rinsing your ring thoroughly after cleaning.
4. How do jewellers clean engagement rings?
Professional ring cleaning usually starts with a microscope inspection that ensures no stones are dislodged and the item is still in good shape. The ring is then immersed in ultrasonic cleaning equipment with a special solvent. This machine generates vibrations that assist in shaking up dirt and dust away from the ring without hurting it. The procedure takes roughly 15-20 minutes on average.
5. Where to get your engagement ring professionally cleaned?
It’s advisable to have your ring cleaned from where you bought it. If you purchased your ring from a local jeweller, expert cleaning is likely included as a lifelong bonus. Also, most online jewellers provide cleaning services as well, so it is best to look into those for the maintenance of the ring.
