The Need to Polish your Diamond Ring
Often, a diamond ring is one of the most important, even if not the most expensive, purchases a husband makes for his wife. If you wear your diamond ring regularly to parties and on social occasions, it can get dull over time. The sparkle of the diamond is largely dependent on its transparency - which can be adversely affected when the ring gathers residues of lotions or oils, as well as specs of dirt and grime.
For someone with an active social life, it can be a bit of a trouble having to rush to a jeweller every time you want your diamond to sparkle. So here's a quick guide to easy polishing and cleaning of your diamond ring, all by yourself - whenever you see the need. You don't need any exotic chemicals; just everyday materials that you are very likely to have at home.
The Facts and Myths About Diamonds
Diamond is the hardest substance known to man but however, this doesn't mean you can disrespect your diamond and use anything to clean it. Natural diamonds may sometimes be coated with materials to enhance their sparkle. Harsh scouring chemicals can remove such materials and affect the sparkle of the diamond. Another point to keep in mind is to ensure the metal setting around the diamond doesn't get scratched.
A common misconception many people have is that having your ring on while washing your hands is enough to clean it. On the contrary, this can be one of the causes of making the diamond dull.
Ways to Polish your Diamond Ring
You can clean and polish your diamond ring easily using different household materials. Irrespective of the materials used for washing, a lint-free cloth should be used to dry and polish the ring.
Diamond Polishing Tip #1 - Using Baking Soda
Make a paste of baking soda with a few drops of water. Rub the paste gently around the diamond and the metal setting. Baking soda is a mild and non-abrasive cleanser. This is useful for a ring that is mildly dirty.
Diamond Polishing Tip #2 - Using a Detergent
Make a solution with one part dishwashing liquid and three parts warm water. Dip the ring in the solution and gently scrub the stone and its setting with a soft-bristled toothbrush (a baby toothbrush is ideal). If your ring has collected lotions, oils or general grime, this is a very effective method. If your ring is quite dirty, you might need to soak it overnight.
Diamond Polishing Tip #3 - Using Ammonia
Make an ammonia solution using a quarter cup ammonia in a cup of warm water. Let your ring soak in the solution for at least 20 minutes. Remove the ring with gloved hands and then use the detergent method mentioned above.
Other Methods of Polishing
Stronger methods of cleaning using acids, steam or ultrasound techniques may be available at the jewellers'. These are extreme methods to be used for extremely dirty rings.
Avoid bringing your precious diamond ring in contact with abrasive materials and strong chemicals like chlorine. Take the time off to clean it regularly and you should be able to preserve its sparkle life-long - reflecting the sparkle of your relationship!
