How to clean your diamond engagement ring

Your rings have been crafted to last a lifetime, and with a little TLC you can keep them looking their best for years to come.

Many customers ask us, is it safe to clean my engagement ring? The answer is yes, it’s easy to maintain and clean your rings from home. Below we break down the best way to gently cleanse your diamond jewellery and have it sparkling like new in just a few minutes.

Pair this process with an annual cleaning at a professional jeweller to protect your diamond ring’s longevity. As a Taylor & Hart customer, you’ll get a complimentary professional cleaning every year!*

How do I clean my diamond ring at home?

Use a small drop of washing up liquid and warm water to gently scrub your jewellery with a soft toothbrush.
Rinse with warm water to remove any residue.
Pat dry with a soft cloth or microfibre towel.

We recommend the same cleaning process for items of diamond jewellery, too.

If your ring contains coloured gemstones, we recommend you only clean your ring in this way as gemstones, especially emeralds, can crack when used with other devices such as an ultrasonic cleaner.

If your jewellery item contains pearls, please visit our Pearl Guidance page as these gemstones require a rather different care process altogether.

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Professional Cleaning

Everyday wear can cause a build up of residue on your jewellery, which is why we offer a complimentary annual professional clean.* This service is part of our guarantee and it also gives us a chance to check that all your diamonds/gemstones are secure and well set.

How to prevent scuffs and dullness

Metals

Clean your wedding ring in the same way as your diamond ring. Avoid using baking soda or very hot water when cleaning gold and platinum, as these can corrode the porous structure of these metals. Just a bit of mild soap will do the trick.

Remove your jewellery when swimming or in spas, handling sharp/coarse objects, or using abrasive products or harsh chemicals, like those found in cleaning products. Platinum and gold are durable, but that doesn’t mean they’re invincible!

Activities & Cosmetics

Remove your jewellery during hands-on exercise, and avoid direct contact with cosmetics, lotions, and sprays (such as hairspray or perfume) as these products leave a residue that can build up on your diamond ring, collecting dirt and dust.

If you think one of your diamonds/gemstones may be coming loose (e.g. it’s sitting at an angle or wiggling) stop wearing your ring and take it to a jeweller. We know nobody likes to part with their rings, but it’s better safe than sorry.

Cleaning your engagement ring once a month makes a huge impact on your diamond’s sparkle. Above shows the difference between diamonds that have been worn while gardening and cleaning before and after a professional cleaning.

A clean diamond ring has all the shimmer and shine of a brand new ring. This is especially important for a white gold or platinum diamond ring as residue is more pronounced on a colourless metal.

There’s no material difference between lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds, so follow the same cleaning routine on matter which type you have. Once you’ve learned how to clean a diamond ring, it’s best to keep this up roughly every month to avoid excessive build up. Read our diamond education page for a deep dive into what makes diamonds so special, and how to best care for your diamond engagement ring.

*We offer this for UK, EU & US customers only.