Diamond Ring Care and Cleaning Tips

Elegant, scintillating and still as eye-catching as the day Prince Phillip proposed over 65 years ago, Queen Elizabeth's magnificent square cut, diamond engagement ring is without doubt the star of her extensive fine jewellery collection. Of course, the secret to the unfailing sparkle and shine of Her Majesty's engagement ring is that it has been well looked after, maintained until recently by the world's oldest established jewellers, Garrard of Mayfair. Coupled with the fact that the Queen employs a large team of housekeeping staff to maintain Buckingham Palace, it's not difficult to understand how the 3 carat sparkler has remained remarkably untainted after 65 years of daily wear.

Naturally your own engagement ring is likely to be subjected to a host of potentially damaging chemicals and situations over the years, however, there are a few things you can do to minimise the risk of it becoming dull and worn with age. Follow our helpful guide to cleaning, storing and caring for your diamond ring, ensuring it will look it's best not only for your wedding photos, but for an entire lifetime!

Protecting Your Investment

A diamond ring is, essentially, a life-long investment, so it's only right you should take precautions when wearing it on a daily basis, and when you take it off. By following these simple rules and tips, you'll be less likely to misplace your ring, or lose the diamond itself due to an insecure prong setting!

When To Take Off Your Ring:

·       You should always avoid wearing your ring when taking a trip to the spa or swimming baths, or visiting a sauna at the gym. Both cool temperatures and steam from the sauna can cause your fingers to shrink, making it more likely to fall off.

·       Remove your ring prior to participating in sports or workouts that might lead to the ring being knocked or bashed accidentally. 

·       Avoid wearing your ring when applying make-up, moisturiser or lotion, as product buildup can dull the stones.

·       Take off your ring when engaging in housework or other chores that necessitate use of corrosive chemicals, tools or power equipment.

Avoid Losing Your Ring:

• Store your ring in the same, secure place every day to avoid losing it.
• Do not set your ring down beside a basin or bathtub where it could accidentally be knocked off and lost.
• If you plan to store your ring in a jewellery box, it should ideally be lined with a soft velveteen or silk material to minimise the risk of damage. Keep in mind that a jewellery box is likely the first place a thief might look, so you may want to conceal it in a safe, or other less obvious place.
• Invest in a safe deposit box with combination or digital lock.

Ring Maintenance:

• Avoid handling or fingering your ring as much as possible, since the oils from your hands can transfer onto the stones causing dullness and dirt buildup.
• Store your ring in the same, secure place every day to avoid losing it.
• Never store your diamond ring with other loose items of jewellery. Strong as they are, even diamonds can be scratched and nicked by other sharp objects.
• Further minimise the risk of scuffs and scratches by wrapping your ring in soft fabric and placing it into a padded bag when it isn't being worn for long periods of time.
• Always store your ring away from corrosive substances such as bleaches, hair dyes and acidic solutions.
• Adopt a regular cleaning routine; clean your ring at least once a week to keep it in tip-top condition.  Read on to see cleaning tips from England Diamond.
• Be sure to have your ring inspected at least once a year to ensure the setting hasn’t worked loose or weekend.

Insure Your Ring

• Have your ring appraised every year and update your insurer in case of loss.

• Make sure your insurance policy covers loss, theft and accidental damage.

Diamond Ring Cleaning and Care

Keeping your diamond clean and free of grime is integral to its aesthetic brilliance. A clean diamond will emit the same brilliance, fire and sparkle as the day it was first purchased, whereas a diamond that hasn't will be dark and dull due to the concentration of grime on the surface. Beautiful as they are, diamonds are renowned for their ability to attract grease, and can quickly become cloudy when immersed in soapy dishwater, or when you use a moisturiser. The build up of natural oils from the skin can also cause your diamond to lose its lustre, which is why it's so important to maintain a regular cleaning regime. Whether you choose to do it yourself, or rely on the expertise of a professional jeweller, diamond cleaning should be as much of a priority as obtaining insurance!

DIY Ring Cleaning

Do-it-yourself ring cleaning is a recommendable way of keeping your ring in prime condition between visits to a professional jeweller. Experts recommend using warm, soapy water with a mild liquid detergent – approximately 1 part detergent to 16 parts water, however, you may also use ethyl alcohol or ammonia (to three parts waters) if you are particularly concerned about water spots. Soak the ring for 5-10 minutes, which should be enough time for any residue and grime build-up to loosen of its own accord. If, after soaking, there is still grime visible around the setting or prongs, use a tooth pick or unwaxed dental floss to gently loosen it. You can also use a toothbrush, however, you should ensure the bristles are soft to avoid scratching gold mountings. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently dry your ring as thoroughly as possible. This will help to prevent water marks and spots.

Numerous brands have developed liquid jewellery cleaning solutions for specific metals, which usually include a small cup in which to soak the ring, and a small brush to access hard to clean areas. Where possible, always buy a recognised brand name, and ensure the solution is marked suitable for precious metals. Travel-size foam dispensing jewellery cleaners are also effective.

Diamond Cleaning Precautions

Care should be taken when cleaning fracture-filled diamonds. Always make sure the solution you are using is both acid and ammonia free, since both substances can cloud, discolour and dislodge the filling material.  England Diamond do not sell fracture-filled diamond, so you need not worry about this if you bought the diamond from us.

Professional Cleaning

DIY cleaning is a great way of keeping your diamonds free of clogged dirt and built up residue, but, it cannot always restore your ring to an 'as new' state of cleanliness. At England Diamond, we know all too well the detrimental impact dirt and grime can have on the beauty of diamonds, which is why we recommend getting your ring professionally cleaned at least once a year. Your jeweler will likely use an ultrasonic or steam cleaner to break down residue build up, or, if extremely dirty, a sulfuric acid bath. You should, however, report any serious defects to your jeweler prior to any cleaning work being arranged. This is because certain cleaning techniques have a tendency to exacerbate cracks and flaws in the stone, making the overall structure weaker and far more liable to chipping.

With the right attitude and a regular routine, maintaining the condition of your engagement ring needn't be complicated or expensive. By following our simple steps to cleaning and caring for your ring, it will continue to appreciate in value long after the marriage celebrations are over, and remain as lustrous and brilliant as the day your partner asked you for your hand!