Did you know that every white Lightbox lab-grown diamond has been measured as near colorless? That bright white is what gives each of our lab-grown diamonds that pop, wow-factor, and OMG-ness. But everyday wear can contribute to a less-than-ideal finish. Thankfully, a few simple steps is all it takes to maintain that iconic sparkle. Here are the dos and don’ts of how to clean diamond rings.
How to clean diamond rings at home
The eye-catching sparkle of a Lightbox diamond can be wonderfully addictive, so it makes sense that you’d want to take care to keep the stone clean and shiny. Alas, some buildup from the skin’s oil, cosmetic residue, and environmental debris can often dirty your beloved lab-grown diamond. Here are a few tips for maintaining the sparkle between professional cleaning and service appointments.
After each wear or as-needed, use a soft polishing cloth (sometimes called a silver polishing cloth) and firmly rub it on the diamond ring band. This will help restore some shine to the band.
How often to clean diamond rings at home
This will depend on the wear and your lifestyle but once a week is good cadence for diamond jewelry that is worn daily.
For a deeper clean that really hones in on the diamond, fill a small bowl with lukewarm water and a splash of mild dishwasher soap. Allow the diamond jewelry to soak in the liquid for 20 minutes, give or take.
Remove the ring and use a soft bristle toothbrush to lightly scrub around the diamond, paying special attention to the prongs and basket. The toothbrush helps remove dirt and buildup from aerosols, lotions, makeup, and soap. Our tip: If you’re not sure if the toothbrush you have is a soft bristle one, use a baby toothbrush to be sure; rinse and save it for cleaning next time. And definitely don’t use it on baby’s teeth.
After using the toothbrush, rinse the ring and, if necessary, repeat. And trust us when we say this: always, and we mean always, make sure the drain on the sink is plugged before you start cleaning.
Satisfied with the cleaning? Be sure to completely dry the ring with the soft polishing cloth or lint-free cloth. If you don’t have the proper cloth, opt to let the jewelry air dry to avoid scratching the metal band or setting.
What not to use when cleaning a diamond ring
Almost as important to understand how to clean diamond rings is understanding how not to clean them. Never use harsh or household chemicals on or near your ring. They could strip away or chip the metal plating or damage the stone. An example of chemicals to avoid includes chlorine, bleach, and acetone; always remove jewelry before removing nail polish. Pinterest might tell you toothpaste is great for cleaning diamonds but it’s a bad idea. Of course, we know you’re too smart to believe everything you read on the internet.
How to store diamond jewelry at home
When you’re not wearing your beloved jewelry, it’s best to store it in a dry, cool, and safe place. A jewelry box is ideal, but if you don’t have a closed container, make sure jewelry isn’t placed in a high-moisture part of your home, like a bathroom. The damp climate will speed up the unwanted tarnishing process.
Proper care and storage will also help prevent tangling, so be mindful to fasten clasps on necklaces and bracelets once you take them off.
When we talked about the differences between lab-grown and natural diamonds, we touched on the fact that diamonds are the hardest material in the world. In fact, did you know they can scratch metals and other diamonds? To keep this from occurring, store pairs of earrings slightly apart from each other and try to give each piece of jewelry its own dedicated spot in your jewelry box—or return the jewelry to a soft travel pouch or the original box it came in.
Jewelry care tips everyone should know
The best care tips are preventative, and these quick reminders will help the out-of-the-box sparkle of Lightbox jewelry last a little longer.
Always remove your jewelry before doing any athletics or sport. Things like holding heavy weights or flowing into Downward Dog could bend the band of a ring. Dinging your jewelry could knock a prong loose and possibly cause a diamond to fall out.
Consistent exposure to chlorine will erode plating and metals over time—and salt water isn’t great either. If your swimwear needs accessorizing, might we suggest sunglasses or storing your baubles while you take a dip?
Jewelry should be the last thing you put on once you’re dressed. This will help to minimize the contact with lotions and perfumes, which can have a detrimental effect on plating and tarnishing.
Should you sleep with your jewelry on?
Sure, you can sleep with your jewelry on, but we don’t exactly recommend it. Prongs could snag on your hair or bedding, which could damage your sheets or cause the stone’s setting to come loose. Don’t get into the habit of sleeping in your earrings, either. Posts could easily bend as you toss and turn, or the back could pop off, causing the earring to get lost or damaged as well.
Remember, diamonds are precious stones, and it’s important to treat them as such.
When to see a professional jeweler
Any prong-set jewelry that is regularly worn should get a “prong check” from a professional jewelry shop about once a year. Here at Lightbox, our team hand-sets each prong to ensure our prong mountings are secure. The everyday bumps and friction can occasionally knock a prong loose, and the pros can quickly check to make sure everything is snug.
If you want peace of mind at home, look and listen to your jewelry. To do this, hold the prong-set jewelry between two fingers and hold it close to your ear. When you shake it, do you hear anything? Perhaps a rattling noise or a faint click? These sounds are signs you need to have the prongs tightened by a pro.
