How to Clean Your Engagement Ring Properly

Knowing how to clean your engagement ring properly is an important responsibility of owning such a special piece. It’s also important for both your personal hygiene and for the protection of your lab created diamond or gemstone, so we tapped Christina Gandia Gambale, expert gemologist and owner of Greenwich St. Jewelers in New York City, for her tips on how to keep your ring looking like it did on the day you got engaged.

Daily wear and activities build up oil, lotions, and cosmetics on the surface of your ring and on the stones that surround them. Not only does this make the ring look dull, but it can also become a breeding ground for germs that can cause irritation to your skin and discoloration of the metal.

It’s recommended that you clean your ring at least once a week to prevent the buildup of oil and dirt, but twice a year is ideal to ensure your ring is sparkling and beautiful! Taking your ring to the jeweler for a professional cleaning can remove deep, compacted layers of dirt and oil that regular at-home upkeep cannot.

There are many at-home jewelry cleaners available on the market, but we recommend that you stick with a gentle solution that’s chemical-free and non-abrasive. Most importantly, don’t use household cleaners or sanitizers on your ring, as they can damage the gemstones and break down the base metals used in many rings.

To start, we recommend soaking your ring in a bowl of warm (but not hot) water and a bit of mild dishwashing soap or shampoo for about half an hour. You can also try gently brushing the ring with a soft toothbrush before rinsing it off with warm water. Afterwards, dry your ring thoroughly with a soft cloth or towel.

In addition to regular at-home cleanings, it’s a good idea to remove your ring before using heavy chemicals or machinery, such as a lawn mower, dishwasher, or oven. We also recommend removing your ring before swimming in a pool or engaging in certain sports that can chip, knock, or scratch the ring.

If you want to ensure your ring is always shining bright, it’s a great idea to set up recurring reminders in your phone or on your calendar for these tasks, as well as any other recurring maintenance you have to do. This way you’ll be more likely to remember and stay on top of these important maintenance tasks. We also recommend that you visit your REEDS jeweler for a professional, in-depth cleaning at least twice a year to ensure your ring is always sparkling and beautiful. Our jewelers are equipped with high-quality ultrasonic cleaning machines and are familiar with the specific care requirements of your ring. They can help you choose the best cleaners and techniques to make sure your ring sparkles like the day you got engaged! how to clean engagement ring