Keep your diamonds sparkling with the right cleaning habits
July 12th, 2013 by Noam Flint
Diamonds certainly are a girl’s best friend, and even if your stunning princess, emerald or round engagement ring once caused people to put on their sunglasses, over time the brightness can fade with the build-up of dirt and other everyday grime. While you might assume you can just drop your rings into jewelry polish to shine them up, diamonds need a bit more TLC to go from drab to fab. Here are a few at-home remedies to help your diamond sparkle and shine like it did the day you first got it:
Dipped in detergent
A great way to help remove oils, smudges, grease, dirt and other common problems that can dull your diamond is to grab a small bowl and fill it with warm water and mild household liquid soap. Prior to creating the mixture, check the label of the soap to ensure it’s free of chlorine, as this chemical can damage the stone and its setting.
After you’ve ensured the soap is safe, drop the ring in and let it soak for a few minutes. Next, grab a soft brush and use it to create a lather on the ring. When it looks as good as new, place it on a metal or plastic strainer and rinse it off under warm water. However, make sure to either clog the drain or place a stopper in it to prevent an accident.
When the diamond is clean, let the ring dry on a soft, lint-free cloth. The results will be blinding!
Store-bought jewelry cleaners
Even though it might be best to clean your rings with household soap, certain jewelry cleaners can also do the trick. The key in selecting a good cleaner is to figure out exactly what your diamond is set on (platinum, 14-carat gold, rose gold, etc.) and then checking the labels of each cleaner to ensure it’s safe for your jewelry.
After you’ve selected a suitable cleaner, follow the directions provided for best results. While you might be tempted to pull the ring out as soon as it’s clean, the most important thing to remember is to avoid touching the clean stone with your fingers. Human hands are full of oils and can instantly smudge a clean gemstone, so instead, pick up the ring with a utensil and then let it air dry before putting the piece back on.
Other home cleaning remedies
While these options can help repair your dingy diamond, there are plenty of other ways to help your white or colored diamond sparkle once again. According to Reader’s Digest, a great option for instantly enhancing your ring can be found right in your medicine cabinet.
Dropping your dull, dirty diamonds into a glass of water with an Alka-Seltzer tablet can help repair your gorgeous pieces in just a few minutes. Simply let the rings or other diamond jewelry sit in the mixture for a couple minutes and then take the jewels out and let them air dry for best results.
Another fabulous DIY way to add some life back to your diamonds is to purchase plain club soda. Place your diamonds, rubies, sapphires and other gemstones into a full glass of club soda and let them soak overnight. Doing so will result in brighter, clearer stones in a flash.
While you might not need denture tablets just yet, you might want to keep a package around the house to help improve the glow and sparkle of your diamond. According to Reader’s Digest, drop one of these tablets in a tall glass of water and add in your diamond rings, bracelets and other jewelry. Let the jewels sit for a few minutes and then remove them, allowing them to air dry. The results are sure to impress.
