How to Clean a Diamond Ring? -

This guide shows you the safest at-home methods, what to avoid, when to see a jeweler, and where Peter Norman fits in with free lifetime cleanings and inspections

Fast at-home clean

Soaking jewelry in warm water with a drop of mild dish soap, brushing gently with a soft toothbrush — Warm water plus a drop of mild dish soap, soft toothbrush, and a bowl over a counter. Method is the same for diamond rings ¹. Image: W. Carter, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Make a mild bath. Fill a small bowl with warm water and add a little mild dish soap. Let the ring soak for 15–20 minutes.
Brush gently. Use a soft toothbrush reserved for jewelry. Focus on the underside of the diamond and around the prongs, where oil and lotion build up.
Rinse and dry. Rinse in clean water, then pat dry with a lint-free cloth. If you rinse at a sink, close the drain or use a strainer for safety.

What to avoid

No harsh chemicals. Household cleaners that contain chlorine or bleach can attack karat gold and weaken prongs. Acetone can be too aggressive on some finishes.
No abrasives. Skip toothpaste, scouring powders, or baking soda, which can scratch metal and dull polish.
Lotions and sanitizers. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer does not harm diamonds or gold, but residues can leave a film that dims sparkle. Wipe or rinse after use and avoid chlorine-based cleaners on your hands while wearing your ring.

Ultrasonic and steam cleaners

White gold solitaire ring with loose round brilliant diamond before setting — Deep cleaning can reveal issues like loose prongs before they become problems. Image: Mauro Cateb, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Most natural diamonds tolerate ultrasonics and steam well, but settings and other gems may not. Avoid ultrasonics for fracture-filled or heavily included diamonds, and for rings that include emerald, opal, pearl, or other sensitive gems. When in doubt, ask your jeweler first ⁶.
Pre-check the setting. Before any machine cleaning, have prongs and micro-pavé inspected so vibration does not shake a stone loose ⁶.

Simple care schedule

Weekly: Quick soap-and-water clean as above ¹.
Monthly: Deeper at-home clean plus a careful look at prongs and the underside for debris.
Every 6–12 months: Professional cleaning and inspection to check the security of stones, wear on prongs, and overall condition.

Storage and handling

Store pieces separately in soft pouches or individual slots. Diamonds can scratch other gemstones and metal.
Remove for impact-prone activities like gym work, gardening, or moving heavy objects. Diamonds can chip with a sharp blow at a cleavage plane, and metal can bend.
Handle by the band, not the stone. Skin oils quickly film facets and mute brilliance.

Peter Norman clients

Peter Norman clients enjoy free lifetime cleaning and inspections, and we recommend a yearly check of settings to ensure your gemstones remain secure. Every day bumps can loosen stones, so regular inspections are a smart safeguard.

Bonus pro tips

Using a soft sponge and bowl to rinse jewelry during cleaning — Rinse thoroughly and dry with a lint-free cloth to avoid soap haze ¹. Image: W. Carter, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Avoid open drains. Clean over a bowl or a strainer, not an open sink.
Mind delicate or antique pieces. Foil-backed settings and certain treated stones should not be soaked. Ask a jeweler first.
Use the right cloth. Finish with a soft, lint-free cloth. Skip paper towels, which can micro-scratch metal.

Polishing clean jewelry with a treated cloth — A treated polishing cloth restores luster to clean metal surfaces. Use lightly. Image: W. Carter, CC BY-SA 4.0.