Australia is one of the leading producers of diamonds in the world. Touted for their brilliance, diamonds are loved for their jaw-dropping beauty and unmatched elegance. They are shaped into various forms, like rings, necklaces, and bracelets.
Although their crystalline carbon structure makes them one of the hardest substances on earth, diamonds can tarnish over time. Their lustre can dim when worn on the skin for a long time. This happens because of the oil debris released from dead skin and the daily use of lotions and moisturising creams. Therefore, diamond care is crucial to retain its shining appearance.
Cleaning rings and other diamond jewellery helps remove greasy debris and restore sparkle. So, if you’re wondering what is the best diamond cleaning solution or asking yourself, “How do jewellers clean diamond rings?”, read on to find out.
Best Ways to Cleaning Rings & Other Diamond Jewellery
Here are the best tips to help you keep your diamond jewellery looking enviable even after many years:
Method#1- Detergent Bath
Hands down, this is the easiest and most convenient way to clean your jewellery at home. A detergent bath makes cleaning as simple as it can be. Also, you can do it frequently at home once a month without any hassle. All you need are a few household items, and you’re good to go.
Here’s a simple list:
- A small bowl
- Warm water
- Mild liquid detergent (such as dish soap)
- A soft-bristled toothbrush
- A soft, lint-free cloth
Steps for Cleaning
Here are the steps to get started:
- Assemble the Solution - Take a small dish and fill it up with lukewarm water from the tap. Add a few drops of the detergent and swirl to stir up the suds.
- Stick It In The Sink - Put the diamond jewellery in the bowl and stir it gently so it is immersed in the suds. Let this sit for 20-30 minutes to loosen the dirt and grime.
- Brush lightly - After soaking, brush the jewellery lightly with a soft-bristled toothbrush, then rinse with water. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush the back of the diamond and the setting—places where dirt is prone to getting stuck.
- Rinse With Warm Water and Dry - Rinse the jewellery under warm running water thoroughly. This helps remove any soap residue that might be left behind. If you have a sink drain, now’s a good time to catch what you are rinsing away or place a filter in the sink. This will save you a lot of that-isn’t-gold search time or needing to call a plumber because you’ve drowned your platinum, diamonds, and rubies. Once rinsed with water, gently pat dry.
Detergent baths make cleaning rings and other statement pieces with diamonds easy soap, which is gentle on the diamonds and doesn’t damage them. Additionally, the process is convenient and doesn’t require any professional expertise.
Method#2- Get a Jewellery Cleaner Kit
Another best diamond care method is to opt for a jewellery cleaner kit. This provides an instant and super-easy clean. The kits are available at jewellery stores and are formulated to carefully clean and protect the jewellery.
To get started, you will need the following items:
- Liquid jewellery cleaner
- A small container or the container provided in the jewellery cleaner kit
- A soft brush (often included in the kit)
Steps for Cleaning
Make sure to read and follow the instructions carefully. Your jewellery cleaner may be slightly different, but it will have its instructions on it. In general, here’s how these kits are used:
1. Soak Your Jewellery
Place your jewellery in the container and pour over the jewellery cleaner. Your piece of diamond jewellery should be submerged in the diamond cleaning solution. Leave your precious diamonds soaking in the solution for the recommended period, usually a few minutes.
2. Brush & Rinse
Use the brush to scrub the jewellery with the provided cleaning liquid. Make sure to pay attention to detail work and settings. Wash the jewellery thoroughly with warm water.
Method #3- Ultrasonic Cleaners
Dirt from diamond jewellery is often difficult to remove when it gets stuck in hard-to-reach and small areas. This is where ultrasonic cleaners are best.
Jewellery workshops and manufacturers have long employed ultrasonic cleaning tanks as standard equipment. They mix ammonia and detergent solution, and the ultrasonics provide agitation to speed up the cleanup process.
Small home-ultrasonic sets are now available at jewellery stores. So, you can also use ammonia to clean diamond ring if you want. Here’s a quick review of how this process works:
The ultrasonic cleaning process relies on high-frequency sound waves around 40kHz, which aggregate the liquid solution. This frequency results in the cavitation of the molecules in the diamond-cleaning solution. The generated cavitation bubbles move through the liquid solution, and the immersed jewellery is cleaned from dirt, oil, dust, and grease.
The process lasts about three or six minutes. However, it can take longer if the object needs deep cleaning. Also, it is vital to understand that diamonds are variable in strength and quality. Hence, not all diamonds can withstand ultrasonic vibrations. For example, ultrasonic waves can easily affect diamond jewellery with many inclusions. These waves can crack the stone and affect its internal flaws.
This method is not best for clarity-enhanced diamonds, as they are more likely to break and crack because of high-frequency vibrations. Therefore, you are highly recommended to contact an experienced local diamond specialist to determine the best cleaning method for your diamond jewellery. They can provide the best service and ensure your jewellery is clean and damage-free.
Diamond Cleaning FAQs
When cleaning rings at home, can I pat dry diamonds with a paper towel after a detergent bath?
No. Never use a paper towel to clean diamonds as it can scratch the jewellery and leave fibres behind. Always pat dry with a lint-free cloth.
Can I use ammonia to clean the diamond ring?
Yes, ammonia is a good agent for cleaning diamonds. However, caution should be exercised because ammonia can remove the colour from most metals. So, if your diamond ring is set with precious metals, consider professional cleaning to restore the sparkle of your diamonds.
What are the best tips for diamond care?
Below are some of the most tried-and-tested diamond care tips:
- Store diamond jewellery in soft bags or padded boxes
- Keep it separate from your other jewellery
- Clean diamonds at least once a month
- Get your jewellery examined by an experienced diamond jeweller to maintain its integrity and beauty.
Is the diamond cleaning solution in jewellery cleaning kits safe?
Not all kits are made equal. Therefore, do some legwork before you purchase one, and follow the instructions on the kit to reduce the damage risk. In general, they contain anti-tarnish agents that polish and protect your jewels. They apply a protective tarnish coating to delay tarnish from returning- keeping your diamonds sparkling.
How do jewellers clean diamond rings?
Most professional jewellers use ultrasonic cleaners to deep clean diamond jewellery. The high-frequency sound waves pull dirt to the surface, making cleaning the jewellery easy and restoring its shine.
Wrapping Up
In a nutshell, diamond care is imperative to keep your diamonds sparkling. However, it is vital to contact a reliable and experienced diamond jeweller for quality guidance and assistance in cleaning these precious jewels.
Moreover, it’s always best to shop for diamond jewellery from a trusted jeweller so you can rest assured that the quality of the jewels you buy is top-notch. Contact us for more information or to determine the best diamond care method for your jewellery. Varoujan Jewellers has been providing impeccable-quality diamonds to buyers for more than four decades. We are a name you can trust and expect to provide stunning pieces and expert guidance on how jewellers clean diamond rings to maximise durability.