How to Clean Your Diamond Engagement Ring

A clean diamond is a bright diamond. Everyday life, soap, hand cream and dust, dulls a ring surprisingly quickly, and a gentle clean at home can make it sparkle again in minutes. With antique rings, though, a little extra care is needed.

Georgian 15ct Gold & Silver Old Mine Cut Diamond Cluster Ring

Cleaning your ring at home

1. Soak. Mix warm (not hot) water with a few drops of mild washing-up liquid in a small bowl, and leave the ring in it for ten to twenty minutes.

2. Brush. Use a very soft toothbrush to clean gently around the stones and under the setting, where grease collects.

Soft toothbrushes in a cup — A soft toothbrush is the only tool you need. Photo: Towfiqu barbhuiya / Unsplash.

3. Rinse. Rinse in a bowl of clean warm water, never over an open sink.

4. Dry. Pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.

What to avoid

Harsh chemicals. Bleach, chlorine and abrasive cleaners can damage metal and some stones.

Toothpaste. It is abrasive and can scratch gold and softer stones.

Ultrasonic cleaners. They can loosen stones in older settings, and damage opals, pearls, emeralds and foiled stones. We never recommend them for antique rings at home.

Warm soapy water and a soft brush is all an antique ring ever needs at home. Anything stronger is a job for a jeweller.
Olly Gerrish, AJC Founder

Special care for antique rings

Closed-back settings. Georgian and early Victorian stones were often set with closed backs over foil. Never soak these; water can get behind the stones and damage the foil. Wipe them with a barely damp cloth instead.

Georgian 15ct Gold & Silver, Rose Diamond Oval Cluster Ring

Mixed stones. If your ring includes pearls, opals, emeralds or turquoise, don’t soak it; clean with a soft damp cloth.

Antique rings set with pearls, opals, an emerald and turquoise — Pearls, opals, emeralds and turquoise: wipe these, never soak them. Rings from our collection. See more

Worn claws. While you clean, look for claws that are thin or catch on fabric. They are a sign it’s time for a check.

Checking an antique diamond cluster ring — Look closely at the claws while you clean. Photo: Turnando Alzaman / Unsplash.

How often?

A quick clean every couple of weeks keeps a diamond bright. Once a year, have a jeweller check the setting and give it a professional clean.

A jeweller with magnifying glasses at the bench — Once a year, let a jeweller check the setting. Photo: Caden Norcott / Unsplash.

Our view

Gentle and often is the rule. A regular soak and a soft brush will keep an antique diamond ring looking its best for decades. For more on caring for jewellery, see how to look after and clean your jewellery.