Your diamond ring is more than a beautiful accessory, it’s a symbol, a story, a daily companion. But over time, even the most brilliant stones lose their luster to lotions, dirt, and everyday wear. The good news? You don’t need fancy tools or harsh chemicals to bring back the sparkle. Just a little know-how, the right materials, and a few expert tips from our team.
Whether it’s an engagement ring, wedding band, or an everyday heirloom, regular care keeps your jewelry shining and helps protect the integrity of the setting. For engagement ring clients, we walk through these essentials during a celebratory champagne toast, complete with a complimentary diamond ring cleaning kit to take home.
When it comes to the care of your precious jewelry, it's crucial to prioritize proper maintenance. That's why we have Christina Gandia Gambale, co-owner and master gemologist of G.St, on board. With an impressive 18 years of industry expertise, Christina leads the way at Greenwich St. Jewelers.
In this guide, we’ll cover the safest at-home cleaning methods, common mistakes to avoid, expert maintenance tips, and what products we recommend for long-term care.
Why Cleaning Your Ring Matters
Besides keeping your ring sparkly and bright, regular cleaning is also important to helping maintain its integrity. When you take the time to care for your ring, you will have more opportunities to notice if something is amiss, such as a loose stone, the ring being bent out of shape, or damage to the prongs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Diamond Rings
Cleaning your ring at home can be easy, as long as you avoid a few key missteps:
Using Harsh Chemicals
Bleach, chlorine and other harsh chemicals can break down metals and cloud your diamond. Stick to gentle, non-abrasive cleaners.
Scrubbing with the Wrong Tools
Stiff brushes and rough cloths can scratch metal and gemstones. Use a baby toothbrush and a lint-free cloth instead.
Skipping the Rinse
Soap residue can dull your diamond. Always rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water—in a bowl, not over a drain.
Ignoring the Setting
A buildup of grime under prongs or around the base can loosen stones over time. Clean these areas carefully.
Cleaning Over a Sink (Without Protection)
Avoid the classic mistake: dropping your ring down the drain. Always clean over a secure bowl or towel.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Your Diamond Ring at Home
Basic Soap and Water Method
What You’ll Need:
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Mild dish soap (unscented, non-abrasive)
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Warm water
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Soft-bristled toothbrush
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Lint-free cloth or microfiber towel
Steps:
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Mix a few drops of dish soap into a small bowl of warm water.
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Soak your ring for 15-20 minutes.
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Gently brush around the stone and setting.
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Rinse thoroughly in a bowl of clean water.
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Pat dry with a lint-free cloth. Let it air dry fully before wearing.
G.ST Tip: This is the same method we demonstrate in-store.
Vinegar and Baking Soda Method (For Heavy Grime)
What You’ll Need:
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White vinegar
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Baking soda
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Soft toothbrush
Steps:
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Place your ring in a bowl and cover with vinegar.
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Add 1–2 teaspoons of baking soda (it will fizz).
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Let it soak for 2–3 hours.
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Gently scrub, rinse thoroughly, and dry.
Note: Avoid on vintage or delicate settings. Spot test if unsure.
Cleaning Tips by Metal Type
Platinum and White Gold
Use the soap and water method. Avoid abrasives or ultrasonic cleaners at home, which can loosen stones over time.
Yellow Gold
Soft and warm-toned, yellow gold benefits from gentle brushing and limited soaking.
Rose Gold
Rose gold is sensitive to harsh chemicals due to copper content. Stick to mild cleaners.
Mixed Metals
Always default to the gentlest method. Avoid chemical combinations.
How Often Should You Clean Your Ring?
At home, clean your ring once a week to prevent buildup. Done gently, this won’t damage the piece and helps you stay ahead of wear. Professionally, we recommend a deep clean and inspection at least twice a year.
What are some mistakes you should avoid when cleaning your ring at home?
Many clients are dazzled by our store's ability to clean their rings so well with our workshop's equipment, which includes an Ultrasonic and steamer. They often wonder if they can purchase one for their own home to get the same level of sparkle anytime they want. While purchasing an at home ultrasonic and steamer can seem like a good idea, you have to be careful when using these tools. An ultrasonic relies on heat and vibration, so if you have a ring with a lot of pave set gemstones, prolonged exposure to the vibration can actually loosen those stones. Putting a diamond too close to the nozzle of the steamer may also loosen your stone if the pressure is too strong. It is important to speak with your jeweler on how best to care for your ring if you are using home tools such as these to ensure you're using them properly. Tip: When getting a quick steam clean, you or the jeweler assisting you should always tap the ring next to their ear and listen to hear if there's a jingle-like noise. If so, it's an indication that a stone is loose. That needs to be addressed and tightened before exposure to any steam or pressure that could further loosen the stone to the point of falling out.
Any other tips on ring cleaning that the average person may not know?
If you do not have a diamond cleaner, warm water and an ammonia-based cleaner will work just fine. Use a small, soft toothbrush to gently clean inside grooves or under the prongs. You don't need to get fancy or overcomplicate the process to help your ring shine its brightest.
Best Products to Use for Cleaning
What We Recommend:
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Mild Dish Soap: Fragrance-free, like Dr. Bronner’s Baby Unscented.
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Soft Toothbrush: Ideal for cleaning around prongs.
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Lint-Free Cloth: Microfiber works best.
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G.St Cleaning Kit: Included with all engagement ring purchases—tools plus expert instructions.
What to Avoid:
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Ultrasonic cleaners (unless approved)
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Ammonia-based or bleach cleaners
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Paper towels or abrasive cloths
