How to clean a diamond ring at home

GIA says: "Dirt won't break or chip your diamond, but it will dull its appearance." A gentle routine at home and a regular check by a jeweler keep a ring looking clean. Start with any care instructions from the jeweler or maker of your ring, since they know the setting, the metal, and any treatment. This guide follows GIA's published care advice and names no cleaning products.

What do you need to clean a diamond ring?

GIA says: "You can clean your diamond by using a lint-free cloth or washing it with warm water, mild soap and a soft toothbrush." It suggests a new toothbrush kept only for jewelry. Set out these items before you start:

• A small bowl of warm water with a few drops of mild soap
• A soft toothbrush used for nothing else
• A lint-free cloth
• A towel or rubber mat to work over

How do you clean it, step by step?

The order of these steps is ours. The methods in them come from GIA's care pages.

1. Work away from an open drain. GIA says to avoid cleaning jewelry in or near the sink, and to cover the drain if a sink is the only option.
2. Wash the ring in the warm, soapy water.
3. Brush gently, including under the diamond. GIA says the back of the stone tends to collect oil and dirt.
4. Rinse the ring in clean warm water.
5. Dry it with the lint-free cloth.

GIA also says you can briefly dip a diamond in a store-bought jewelry cleaning liquid. Read its label first, and keep it away from other gemstones in the ring unless the label says they can take it.

What should you keep away from the ring?

GIA says: "Chlorine (as in household bleach) or abrasives (such as household cleansers or toothpaste) should never be used when cleaning diamonds, especially those set in jewelry." It explains that these can erode some setting metals and may loosen prongs.

GIA's care guide says harsher methods are not recommended at home, and names powdered abrasive cleansers, ultrasonic cleaners, and steam cleaners. It says: "Ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners can loosen gemstones in their settings." One GIA article calls ultrasonic cleaners fine for untreated diamonds but says treated diamonds can be damaged by them. We follow the more cautious care guide and leave both machines to a jeweler.

Are other gems or older settings different?

Yes. GIA says not every gemstone is as hard as diamond, and some can be scratched with a toothbrush. It says to check the right cleaning method for each gemstone in the piece. It also warns that delicate settings and old estate pieces can suffer from hard scrubbing, so use a soft touch.

GIA's durability article warns that pearls and other soft, porous gems can be harmed by chlorine, perfume, and makeup. Our birthstone and diamond rings guide lists GIA's cleaning notes for each birthstone.

When should a jeweler clean or check the ring?

GIA says: "It's a good idea to get the prongs in your engagement ring checked every six months for potential damage." It suggests a yearly anniversary as a reminder if that feels too frequent. To spot a loose stone, GIA says to push the stone gently and see whether it moves, and to look for gaps between the diamond and the setting.

A jeweler can clean more deeply. GIA says jewelers use steam or ultrasonic cleaners, and that they check each piece for loose stones before putting it in one. GIA suggests a professional cleaning from time to time.

How do you keep it cleaner between cleanings?

GIA says to take the ring off for exercise, gardening, and washing dishes, since prongs can shift and a ring can slip off. It says diamonds can scratch other diamonds, so store each piece on its own in a padded box or soft pouch. GIA's durability article adds that wearing fine jewelry while cooking can expose it to heat and spattering oils.

Sources: GIA 4Cs blog, How to Protect Your Diamond Engagement Ring; GIA 4Cs blog, How to Clean Your Diamond Jewelry; GIA, Diamond Care and Cleaning Guide; GIA 4Cs blog, More than the Mohs Scale: Understanding Gem Durability; FTC Consumer Advice, Buying Gemstones, Diamonds, and Pearls.