how to clean your
‍Diamond Jewellery

Cleaning diamonds is an important part of maintaining their beauty and value, and it doesn’t have to be intimidating. Here’s a step-by-step guide to cleaning your diamonds with ease. Whether you have loose diamonds or diamond jewellery, proper care and cleaning will help keep them looking as beautiful as the day you purchased them.

Step-By-Step Cleaning Process

Step 1: Gather The Supplies
‍Start by getting a mild cleaner, such as mild washing up liquid, or a special diamond cleaner that is free of acids and harsh chemicals. You will also need a soft brush, such as a new toothbrush, as well as a soft lint-free cloth to use when drying. If you plan to steam-clean your diamonds, you will need a steamer and a steamer basket that is designed to hold jewellery.

‍Step 2: Soak The Diamond
‍Place your diamond jewellery in the bowl of cleaning solution and let it soak for about 20-30 minutes. This will help loosen any dirt or residue.

‍Step 3: Gently Brush
‍After soaking, take a soft-bristle toothbrush or a jewellery brush and carefully scrub the diamond ring, paying attention to the areas around the diamond and underneath the setting. Use gentle, circular motions to remove any dirt or grime.

‍Step 4: Rinse Off Any Excess Product
‍After removing any dirt or debris, you should rinse off the diamond under lukewarm, running water to remove any substance and leftover soap. This is a crucial step to leave your diamond looking its best, as even products such as soap, makeup, shampoo and hand lotion can leave residue that can make the gemstone appear dull.

‍Step 5: Dry Your Gemstone Down
‍Properly drying a diamond helps to rid the stone of any moisture and excess cleaning agents. The best way to dry a diamond after cleaning is to use a soft, lint-free cloth. Start by gently dabbing the stone with the cloth to remove any excess liquid, and then buff the diamond with the cloth to a shine. It is important to avoid using paper towels or tissues, as they can leave behind fibres or light scuffs on soft metals.

‍Step 6: Optional Ultrasonic Cleaning
‍If you have access to an ultrasonic jewellery cleaner, you can further enhance the cleaning process. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to use the ultrasonic cleaner safely and effectively. This step is optional and not recommended for all types of diamond jewellery, so exercise caution.

‍Step 7: Carefully Inspect
‍After you’ve thoroughly cleaned the diamond, inspect the diamond under a magnifying glass to make sure the stone is set safely. If the setting of the diamond has some worn-out prongs/claws, you may need to get it professionally repaired to prevent losing the diamond.

‍Step 8: Store Properly
‍Once the piece of jewellery is clean and dry, store it in a safe and secure place. Consider using a soft pouch to protect it from dust, scratches, and potential damage.If you have a lot of pieces, however, a better option for you might be a jewellery armoire which is specifically designed to hold rings, necklaces and more. This ensures that everything has a place and won't come into contact with each other, therefore preventing damage and simultaneously keeping your dresser tidy.

Cleaning Diamond Earrings

Diamond earrings are exquisite pieces of jewellery that can add elegance and sophistication to any ensemble. As with any precious gemstone, diamonds require regular maintenance to retain their brilliant sparkle and shine.  As for the cleaning of the actual diamond, you should follow the same steps outlined above.

‍Inspect The Prong Of The Earring
‍Inspecting the prongs of your earrings is a crucial step in diamond earring maintenance and ensuring their secure attachment. The prongs, or claws, which hold the diamond in place, can wear down or become loose over time due to regular wear. By regularly examining the prongs, you can identify any signs of weakness or damage that might jeopardise the diamond's security. A loose or damaged prong increases the risk of losing the diamond from your earring. Look for any visible signs of wear, such as thinning or bent prongs. Also ensure they are tightly gripping the diamond. If you notice any weaknesses, promptly seek professional assistance to re-tip or repair the prongs to prevent the diamond from becoming dislodged.

‍Cleaning Earring Backings
‍When it comes to cleaning earring backings, it is essential to address tarnish that can accumulate on silver or gold. For silver tarnish removal, you can utilise readily available household products. Begin by creating a thick paste by combining ¼ cup of baking soda with 2 tablespoons (29.6 ml) of water. Using a damp sponge, gently rub the paste onto the silver, ensuring to cover the tarnished areas. Rinse the earring backing thoroughly and dry it to restore its lustrous appearance. Similarly, gold can be polished using baking soda. Apply a light coating of baking soda over the gold and then pour vinegar over it. Afterward, rinse the earring backing and admire its renewed brilliance.

‍Be Sure To Read Care Instructions
‍While it can be useful to submerge jewellery in solutions to allow for the grime to naturally begin to dissolve from the piece, some pieces specify that the jewellery should never be placed completely underwater.

‍Reduce Frequent Wear
‍Reducing frequent wear of your diamond earrings is a wise practice to protect the metal from wearing down and accumulating dirt and dullness from your skin and hair. Constant exposure to natural oils, sweat, and beauty products can gradually build up on the metal surface, diminishing its shine and lustre over time. By limiting the frequency of wearing your earrings, you give the metal a chance to breathe and prevent excessive contact with these elements.

Cleaning a Diamond Tennis Bracelet

Different types of jewellery require specific cleaning methods, and tennis bracelets, with their multiple diamonds and prongs need extra special care.

The process for cleaning them is very similar to the step by step process above, but there are some slight divisions from this process that are worth considering.

First of all, let the bracelet soak for approximately 15 minutes in a container of warm water with a small amount of washing up liquid.

Afterward, using a soft toothbrush, such as a children's toothbrush, gently scrub the diamonds. Ensure you reach between the diamonds, but exercise caution around the prongs. This cleaning method does not cause diamonds to become loose. However, if any diamonds were already loose without your knowledge, cleaning could potentially dislodge them.

Afterwards, rinse the bracelet under warm water, preferably using a mesh strainer. This method allows you to capture any diamonds that may become loose and fall out during the cleaning process.

Pat the bracelet dry with a lint-free cloth, taking care to avoid getting any fabric on the prongs.

Cleaning a Diamond Ring

A diamond engagement ring holds immense sentimental value, and it's important to keep it clean and radiant. While the general cleaning steps mentioned earlier apply to engagement rings as well, there are a few additional considerations to ensure the ring's longevity and brilliance.

Given that an engagement ring is typically worn daily, it tends to accumulate more dirt, oils, and residue compared to other jewellery pieces. Therefore, it is advisable to soak an engagement ring for a slightly longer duration. Allowing the ring to soak for about 20-30 minutes provides ample time for the cleaning solution to penetrate and loosen any stubborn dirt or debris that may have settled on the diamond and metal setting.

You should also be very mindful of the metal setting. When gently brushing the ring, pay extra attention to the areas around the diamond and underneath the setting. However, be cautious not to apply excessive pressure or scrub too vigorously, as it may affect the metal setting or any delicate detailing.

Remember to steer clear of household cleaners like bleach and acetone, as they can deteriorate the base metals in your ring. Similarly, abrasive substances like toothpaste and baking soda should be avoided, especially when cleaning gold, as they can potentially scratch the metal. It's essential to choose cleaning agents that are gentle and specifically formulated for jewellery to ensure the longevity and beauty of your ring.

How Often Should A Diamond Engagement Ring Be Cleaned?
‍The frequency of cleaning a diamond engagement ring depends on various factors, including how often it is worn and the wearer's lifestyle. Generally, it is recommended to clean a diamond engagement ring every few weeks to maintain its sparkle and brilliance.

Professional Cleaning

As well as cleaning your diamonds regularly at home, getting your diamonds professionally cleaned every so often is a great way to keep them looking their best.

Experts are trained to identify specific cleaning requirements and address any unique considerations related to your jewellery piece, such as delicate settings or intricate designs. They also have access to specialised equipment and techniques that may not be available at home. They utilise advanced tools like ultrasonic cleaners and steamers, which provide a deeper and more thorough cleaning than what can be achieved at home. These cleaning methods, coupled with their gentle and safe cleaning solutions specifically formulated for diamonds and precious metals, help retain the brilliance of your diamonds and preserve the integrity of the metal settings.

Buying & Selling Pre-Owned Diamonds

As explained above, it is important to carry out the appropriate steps to ensure your diamond’s brilliance. Making sure your diamond is properly cared for will open up options to sell your jewellery. Here at Rich Diamonds we purchase and sell luxury, branded and non-branded jewellery and watches. We make sure that all items purchased from us meet our rigorous standards of inspection and quality control. We check all jewellery personally and provide a guarantee of authenticity on every jewellery piece we sell. Browse our pre-owned, luxury jewellery today.