How to Clean an Antique Diamond Ring
Whether you have inherited your great-grandmother's engagement ring or you are an avid collector of antique jewelry, chances are you want to preserve the beauty and integrity of your pieces for future generations. Your best bet is to have antique jewels professionally cleaned, but for those who'd prefer an at-home solution, here's how to safely restore or maintain the brilliance of your antique diamond ring.
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Things You'll Need
- Small bowl
- Clean water
- Very soft toothbrush
- Ivory dish soap (if desired)
- Clean soft cloth
Instructions
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Prior to cleaning, be certain to check the security of the stone's setting. You certainly don't want to dislodge the stone during cleaning, so hold the ring in one hand while using the other to gently touch the diamond. If the stone moves or rocks, take it to a professional jeweler for repair and cleaning.
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Once you've determined that the stone is secure, place the ring in the bowl of water. Unless the piece is very dirty, use plain water. If you feel the ring needs a more thorough cleaning, you can use Ivory dish soap. Should you use soap, be sure to put the ring back in plain water following the initial cleaning to rinse the piece free of any soap residue that could leave the metal and stone looking dull and flat.
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Using a very soft toothbrush, gently clean the stone and the setting. Be especially cautious during this step as the brush can mark the softer metal band and setting.
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Place the ring back into a bowl of clean water to rinse any remaining dirt.
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Gently dry the ring with a soft, clean cloth, being careful not to get any strings or thread caught in the prongs of the setting. Be sure that the piece is thoroughly dry, as excess moisture promotes pitting of plated metals, rust and verdigris.
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Finally, re-check the security of the stone. In some cases, the dirt lodged in the setting is the only thing holding the stone in place. Once you've removed that dirt, make sure that the stone does not rock or wiggle in the setting. If necessary, take the ring to a professional jeweler for repair.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not use any cleaning agent that includes ammonia, vinegar, other acids, or alcohol. Use of those products can permanently damage your ring.
Do not use ordinary hand or bar soap to clean your ring. The ingredients may be too harsh for the finish on many antique pieces and can leave a residue that dulls both the metal and the stone.
Always use a bowl to clean your jewelry instead of the sink. Why risk the loss of something so precious when it can easily be avoided by using a bowl?
