How to Clean Diamond Jewelry: The Ultimate Guide

Diamonds are among the most precious gems, known for their beauty, durability, and brilliance. However, they still require regular cleaning to remove contaminants and restore their sparkle. Clean diamond jewelry properly with the help of this guide.

Why Cleaning Diamond is Important

There are many reasons why cleaning diamonds is important for your jewelry’s appearance and longevity. Here are some of them:

Diamond’s Shine is Fragile

Diamonds are known for their exceptional light performance, which is the ability to reflect and refract light into a dazzling display of colors and brilliance. However, this shine is fragile and can be easily affected by dirt, dust, oil, and other substances that can accumulate on the surface and in the crevices of the diamond. These substances can interfere with the light passing through the diamond and reduce its sparkle and fire.

Frequent Use

Many people wear their diamond jewelry, especially their wedding rings, every day. This means that they are exposed to various elements and activities that can cause dirt and damage to the diamond. 

For example, cooking, gardening, exercising, and washing your hands can all leave traces of grease, soil, sweat, and soap on your diamond jewelry. These can not only make your diamond look dull, but also cause corrosion and wear to the metal setting.

Prevent Dirt and Cloud Formation

Cleaning diamond jewelry regularly can also prevent dirt and cloud formation, which are two common problems that can affect the quality and value of your diamond. Dirt is the accumulation of external substances on the diamond, such as dust, oil, and cosmetics. 

Cloud is the presence of internal inclusions or flaws in the diamond, such as cracks, bubbles, and crystals. Both dirt and cloud can make your diamond look cloudy, hazy, or milky, and lower its clarity and value.

How to Clean Your Diamond Jewelry

Now that you know why cleaning diamonds is important, let’s see how to do it properly. There are different methods and tools that you can use to clean your diamond jewelry, depending on the type, condition, and level of dirtiness of your jewelry. Here are some of the most effective and safe ways to clean your diamond jewelry at home:

Choose a Gentle Degreaser

Opt for a mild dish soap, gentle shampoo, or a specialized diamond cleaner to dissolve oil and grease. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or acetone to prevent damage.

Prepare a Formulated Cleaning Solution

Mix a few drops of the chosen degreaser with warm water in a bowl. Add a pinch of salt or baking soda for enhanced cleaning. Ensure the water is at a moderate temperature to avoid causing cracks in the diamond.

Steam Clean Delicate Jewelry (Rings, Earrings)

The third step is to steam clean your delicate jewelry, such as rings and earrings or thin tennis chains, by soaking them in the cleaning solution for about 15 to 20 minutes. This will help loosen the dirt and grime that are stuck on the surface and in the crevices of the diamond and the metal. 

After soaking, use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a cotton swab to gently scrub the jewelry, paying special attention to the prongs, the back, and the sides of the diamond. Rinse the jewelry under running water and pat it dry with a lint-free cloth.

Use an Ultrasonic Cleaner for Too Dirty Jewelry

For heavily soiled or long-neglected jewelry, consider using an ultrasonic cleaner. Fill it with water and degreaser, place the jewelry in the basket, and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Rinse under running water and dry with a lint-free cloth.

Dry with a Soft Cloth

The final step to clean your diamond jewelry is to dry it with a soft, lint-free cloth, such as a microfiber cloth or a jewelry polishing cloth. This will help remove any remaining moisture and polish your jewelry to restore its shine and luster. Avoid using paper towels, tissues, or rough fabrics, as they can scratch the metal and the diamond.

How Often You Should Clean Your Diamond Jewelry

The frequency of cleaning your diamond jewelry depends on how often you wear it and how dirty it gets. However, as a general rule, you should clean your diamond jewelry at least once a week if you wear it every day, or once a month if you wear it occasionally. 

You should also take your diamond jewelry to a professional jeweler for a thorough cleaning and inspection at least once a year. This will help ensure that your jewelry is in good condition and that the diamond is securely set.

Want to know how to clean gold jewelry? Learn more from our blog: "How to Clean Gold Jewelry: A Step-by-step Guide".

Common Diamond Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

Cleaning your diamond jewelry is not a difficult task, but it does require some care and caution. There are some common mistakes that you should avoid when cleaning your diamond jewelry, as they can cause damage or deterioration to your jewelry. Here are some of them:

Using bleach, chlorine, or acetone

Never use bleach, chlorine, or acetone to clean diamond jewelry. These harsh chemicals can corrode the metal, cause discoloration, and damage the diamond's surface.

Applying manual abrasives

Steer clear of manual abrasives like toothpaste, baking soda, or salt. They can scratch the metal and diamond (especially gold plated jewelry), leaving residues that dull the shine. Opt for a gentle degreaser with a soft brush or cotton swab.

Using rough clothes

Refrain from using rough materials like paper towels or tissues to dry or polish your jewelry. These may leave lint and scratches. Instead, use a soft, lint-free cloth, such as microfiber or a jewelry polishing cloth.

Using thick lotions and creams

Avoid applying thick lotions and creams, like moisturizers or sunscreen, while wearing diamond jewelry. Residues can attract dirt, dull the diamond's sparkle, and cause clogging in pores and crevices. Apply these products before wearing jewelry and ensure they are fully absorbed.

Bonus Diamond Maintenance Tips

Besides cleaning your diamond jewelry regularly and properly, there are some other tips that you can follow to maintain your diamond jewelry and keep it in good shape. Here are some of them:

Handle the jewelry sparingly

Minimize direct contact to keep your diamond jewelry clean. Hold it by the edges or chain, avoiding the transfer of oil, dirt, and sweat. Store in a jewelry box or pouch when not in use.

Take the jewelry off while handling grease and grime

Remove jewelry during activities involving grease, like cooking, gardening, or exercising, to prevent staining, scratching, or tarnishing. Also, take it off before bed, swimming, showering, or exposure to chemicals.

Don’t store in extreme temperatures

Avoid extreme temperatures to prevent metal expansion or contraction. This safeguards against loose prongs, setting issues, or damage to the diamond. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Icecartel’s Moissanite Diamond Jewelry

ICECARTEL offers luxurious moissanite jewelry that combines stunning beauty with ethical and responsible sourcing. Our moissanite diamonds are conflict-free, providing a guilt-free alternative to traditional diamonds. 

Constructed with 14K gold and 925 silver for durability and daily wear, each piece displays D-color VVS grade moissanite stones for an exceptionally brilliant iced-out look. With diverse products like chains, rings, pendants, and customizable designs, we invite you to explore exquisite jewelry crafted with care. 

Every ICECARTEL purchase includes official certification and diamond grading reports, adding credibility to our commitment to transparency and fair pricing. 

Here are some wonderful statement pieces that you might want to take a look at :

Black Moissanite Tennis Chain 14K Black Gold 

This luxurious black moissanite tennis chain by Icecartel radiates sophisticated style. Crafted in 925 silver with 14K black gold PVD plating, it sparkles with 2mm, 4mm, or 6mm black moissanite stones. Customizable 16-24" lengths. Free 4-day shipping and 30-day returns. A stunning black gold and moissanite chain.

30MM Moissanite Cross Link Bracelet 14K Gold 

This luxurious 30mm moissanite cross bracelet by Icecartel radiates brilliant shine. Available in 14K white, yellow, or rose gold plating over sterling silver. Sparkles with flawless D-color VVS moissanite. Adjustable 6-10" length, lifetime warranty, free shipping and returns. Unmatched brilliance and value.

Moissanite Templar Cross Ring 14K Gold 

This exquisite moissanite Templar cross ring by Icecartel radiates elegance. Available in 14K gold plating over sterling silver. Intricate cross design with flawless moissanite stones. Ships free the next day. Luxury, brilliance, and meaningful design.

Conclusion

Properly cleaning your diamond jewelry requires care and attention, but is not difficult. Follow the tips in this article to keep diamonds shining for years. Prevent dirt buildup that can affect quality and value. 

For an affordable, ethical, and durable diamond alternative, consider Icecartel's stunning moissanite jewelry. With the same brilliance as diamonds but more fire and sparkle, moissanite makes a perfect substitute. Icecartel offers diverse moissanite designs from rings to necklaces, plus customization. Enjoy their lifetime warranty and 30-day returns.

Whether choosing diamonds or moissanite, rely on Icecartel's quality and service. Discover your perfect piece today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use vinegar to clean diamonds?

No, using vinegar is not recommended for cleaning diamonds. Vinegar's acidic nature can damage both the metal and the diamond, leading to discoloration, pitting, or cracking. It may also etch the diamond's surface and alter its color.

What is the best cleaner for diamond jewelry?

The ideal cleaner for diamond jewelry is a gentle degreaser, such as mild dish soap, a gentle shampoo, or a specially formulated diamond cleaner. These options effectively dissolve and remove oils and grease that may dull the diamond's shine without causing harm to the metal or the diamond.

Can you clean diamonds with toothpaste?

No, using toothpaste is not recommended for cleaning diamonds. Toothpaste is abrasive and can scratch both the metal and the diamond, diminishing the sparkle and clarity. Additionally, it can cause damage to the metal, leading to corrosion and wear.

Does lemon clean diamonds?

No, lemon should not be used to clean diamonds. Similar to vinegar, lemon is acidic and can corrode the metal, causing discoloration, pitting, or cracking. It can also etch the diamond's surface and alter its color.

How to maintain a diamonds shine?

The best way to maintain a diamond's shine is through regular and proper cleaning. Use a gentle degreaser with a soft-bristled toothbrush or a cotton swab. An ultrasonic cleaner can be used for heavily soiled jewelry. Professional cleaning by a jeweler is also recommended. After cleaning, use a soft, lint-free cloth, such as microfiber or a jewelry polishing cloth, to dry and polish the jewelry, restoring its shine and luster.