How to clean your engagement ring at home (and what a gemmologist would never put in the sink)
Your favourite jewellery goes everywhere with you, from everyday errands to special occasions and unforgettable holidays. But over time, hand cream, perfume, and everyday wear can leave your treasured pieces looking a little less brilliant.
The secret to bringing back their sparkle? A little care and knowing what each gemstone needs.
The safest way to clean most engagement rings is warm water, a drop of mild washing-up liquid and a soft baby toothbrush. Soak for a few minutes, brush gently behind the stone, rinse and dry with a lint-free cloth. But not every gemstone likes water. Emeralds, opals, pearls and lapis need a gentler touch.
I'm a Gem-A qualified gemmologist, and I see a lot of rings that have been loved a little too hard. Here's how I'd clean yours.
How do I clean a diamond or sapphire ring at home?
Clean diamond, sapphire and ruby rings with warm water, a few drops of washing-up liquid and a soft toothbrush. Soak for 5–10 minutes, then brush gently underneath the stone, where hand cream and soap collect. That's what dulls the sparkle. Rinse in a bowl and dry with a soft cloth.
Which gemstones should I be careful with?
For a truly professional sparkle, an ultrasonic cleaner can be a lovely investment. Diamonds, sapphires and rubies are generally happy in one, as are amethyst, citrine and aquamarine. A few stones need a gentler touch, though, and should never go in: emeralds, opals, pearls, tanzanite, tourmaline and topaz. The same goes for softer or porous stones such as lapis lazuli, turquoise and malachite, as the vibrations can cause cracks, dull the surface or loosen a stone from its setting. If you’re ever unsure, warm soapy water and a soft toothbrush are kind to everything, or bring your piece to us and we’ll clean it for you.
What should I never use on my jewellery?
Toothpaste. It's abrasive and scratches gold and softer stones. Skip bleach, baking soda and household cleaners too. Chlorine in swimming pools and hot tubs can weaken gold over time, so take rings off before you swim.
When should I take my ring off?
For the gym, gardening, cleaning, swimming and putting on hand cream. A knock against a weight or a door frame is how most stones get chipped or loosened.
How often should my ring be checked by a jeweller?
Once a year, or straight away if a stone moves or catches on your jumper. Claws wear thin with daily wear, and a loose stone is usually found before it's lost.
Little Habits, Lasting Sparkle
Apply perfume first. Put on your jewellery after skincare and beauty products.
Store pieces separately. Keep them in a jewellery box or soft pouch to prevent scratches and tangles.
Remove jewellery before swimming or exercising. Chlorine, knocks, and pressure can damage delicate settings.
Arrange a yearly check. A jeweller can inspect clasps and settings before a loose stone becomes a lost one.
A Little Love for the Pieces You Treasure
Jewellery holds memories, marks milestones, and becomes part of our everyday stories. With the right care, your favourite pieces can continue to shine beautifully for years to come.
Find your next treasured piece and let it shine for years to come.
FAQ
For a solid diamond ring in good condition,
usually yes. For emeralds, opals, pearls, tanzanite, tourmaline or any treated
stone, no. The vibration can crack or loosen them.
Soak it in warm soapy water and brush behind the stone. Dullness is almost always
grease and lotion on the underside, not the diamond itself.
Only a very quick, lukewarm rinse. Most emeralds are oiled to improve clarity, and
soap and heat remove it. A soft damp cloth is safest.
Wipe them with a soft, slightly damp cloth
after each wear. Never soak them or use any cleaner.
A gentle clean every week or two keeps it
bright. A professional check once a year keeps it safe.
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