How To Clean Diamond Earrings & Rings At Home

Shiree Odiz, our Founder and Head Designer brings over 20 years of experience in design and an intimate understanding of jewelry care. As a third-generation jeweler, Shiree combines traditional expertise with modern techniques to ensure your diamond earrings and rings remain as dazzling as the day they were crafted.

This guide, drawn from Shiree's extensive knowledge, serving 26,000+ customers since 2006, offers detailed insights into easily and safely maintaining the brilliance of your precious diamond jewelry at home or with a local professional.

Why You Must Clean Diamond Earrings

Diamond jewelry, like all precious items, collects dust and residue over time. Everyday products like sunscreen, lotions, and even natural oils from our skin can leave a film on diamonds, dulling their shine. It's not that anything is damaging your diamonds, but after paying for them to sparkle, you don't want them to be hidden under a layer of oil and dust.

This is true regardless of the jewelry's metal type, be it gold, silver, or platinum. Regular cleaning is essential, not just for aesthetic reasons but also to prevent potential bacterial build-up, especially in newly pierced ears. The build up of dirt specifically in diamond earrings can cause swelling and painful infections.

You should clean diamond earrings at least once every few months and rings, bracelets and necklaces can be cleaned once or twice a year. Of course, if you want to keep your diamond jewelry looking sparkling at all times, once a week is perfectly okay!

5 Steps: Cleaning Diamond Earrings & Rings at Home

Preparation:

Inspect your jewelry for loose stones before starting the cleaning process. Gather necessary items: a bowl, soft cloth, liquid soap, a soft brush (like a toothbrush), and warm water.

Cleaning Process:

• Step 1: Soak the earrings or rings in a bowl of warm water on a flat surface.
  
  
• Step 2: Add a little unscented liquid soap (dish soap is ideal) to the bowl.
  
  
• Step 3: Gently mix and let the jewelry soak for about 30 minutes, allowing dirt to loosen.
  
  
• Step 4: Rinse the jewelry in clean water to remove soapy residue, then gently pat dry with a lint-free cloth.
  
  
• Step 5: If dirt remains, use a soft-bristled, child's toothbrush to gently brush the jewelry, ensuring that you're not scratching your gold or platinum, as these are soft metals.

What Not To Do At Home

Things to avoid in cleaning include potential damage to the metal, coating the diamond or other undesirable outcomes.

Ammonia or extreme heat: Can damage clarity-enhanced diamonds.
Bicarbonate of Soda (Baking Soda): Abrasive and can scratch the metal.
Hydrogen Peroxide: May tarnish certain metals.
Rubbing Alcohol: Can dull the diamond's shine.

Professional Cleaning Methods

If you're still not confident about cleaning your own diamond earrings, rings or other jewelry at home, it's strongly recommended to get into the habit of visiting your local jeweler for a check up and professional clean.

Ultrasonic Cleaners:

Ultrasonic cleaning is the most common and effective way for professional jewelers to clean jewelry. A bath of soapy water is gently vibrated at high waves to remove any build up of oil and dirt. 

This method should, however, be used carefully to avoid loosening settings, and on a lower intensity for clarity enhanced diamonds. It's not uncommon for small diamonds to come loose in the process, but on the bright side, these stones would likely have come loose over time. At least here you know where they are!

Steam Cleaning and Polishing:

High-pressure steam cleaning and specific polishing compounds are used for deep cleaning. A professional jeweler can also manually polish your jewelry to remove any surface scratches over the years and re-dip in rhodium if you have white gold jewelry.

Just as we take pride in creating meticulously crafted, timeless jewelry designs at Shiree Odiz, we believe in the value of maintaining those pieces for a lifetime. Cleaning, professional care, and vigilant maintenance play a crucial role in that process, allowing your diamonds to shine as brightly as the day you first wore them. Contact us if you need any advice or maintenance and ensure your everyday luxury keeps on sparkling.

FAQs

Q: Can you clean fine jewelry with vinegar?
A: Yes, vinegar can help remove dirt and restore shine to diamond jewelry. However, it should not be used for pearls or gemstones as the acidity can damage them.

Q: Can you use baking soda or toothpaste to clean diamonds?
A: While baking soda and toothpaste can be used in a pinch, they are not recommended for regular use. Both can be abrasive and potentially scratch the metal setting.

Q: How can I clean clarity enhanced diamonds so I don't damage the enhancement?
A: For clarity enhanced diamonds, avoid any harsh chemicals and heat. Use a soft brush, warm water and mild soap. Never use ultrasonic cleaners unless you have experience and know how high to dial up the vibrations.