Did you know that proper care of a diamond ring is absolutely vital to its appearance and splendor, even in normal conditions? It’s true. Over time, even a once-shiny and sturdy diamond ring can be negatively impacted by elements you’d probably never even think about; things like dish soap, household cleaners and even hand lotion can eventually have a cumulative effect on your diamond’s facade. Therefore, to prevent this from happening to your treasured keepsake, you’ll need to learn to properly care for it.

Just as your clothes and skin can become oily, dirty and even caked from the dirt and muck you encounter each day, so too can your diamond ring. In fact, your diamond ring acts as a sort of magnet for oil and dust particles, even if you can’t immediately see the effects. Many women think they can solve this dilemma by simply taking their ring off before engaging in messy activities, but as most experts will attest to, dirt will find its way to the diamond nonetheless. While you can’t avoid the effects of dust and oil altogether, you can set up a regular cleaning schedule.

A proper diamond cleaning routine can either involve taking the ring into a jeweler - a great idea, especially if the service is free - or self-cleaning the ring at home. If you choose the latter, you may be surprised by how easy self-cleaning can be. All you need are a few things to get started: water, liquid soap and a rag or small brush of some kind. Combine the water and the soap and fully dip your cleaning instrument into the sudsy solution. Remove the brush or rag and use it to completely scour both the band and the diamond stone. After the ring is rinsed and dried you will invariably be reintroduced to a sheen you thought you had lost forever.

If your diamond ring does not seem clean after using simple soap and water, don’t panic; it merely means you need something stronger. One suggestion is to add a small amount of ammonia to your soap and water solution and allow the ring to soak an additional 30 minutes. This will help dissolve some of the caked on dirt that mere soap cannot clean. As before, rinse the ring thoroughly with clean warm water, being careful not to hold it over a drain where it can slip from your hand and disappear.

Along with cleaning your ring regularly, there are some other important steps you should take to ensure the ring is cared for properly. Remember to store your ring in a soft, fabric lined box and avoid directly touching the diamond portion of the ring. Occasionally, have a jeweler check the prongs and mounting of your ring to ensure they have not worked themselves loose. Taking the time to properly care for your ring can ensure it will remain a cherished part of your life for many years to come.

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