Easy Tips for Sparkling Diamonds

I know I’ve published jewelry cleaning tips before, but here are specifics on cleaning diamonds. I publish this with the reminder that clients can bring your diamonds to me for a steam cleaning and prong check every year for no charge. See #5.

1) Dishwashing Soap: This household staple mixed with lukewarm water is perhaps the quickest way to clean your ring. Away from the sink drain, swish the ring in the warm soapy water for a minute. While the ring is wet, use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub underneath the diamond and in the grooves of the setting. Rinse with warm water and dry carefully.

2) Vodka: Yes! Drop your ring into a shot glass filled with a clear hard alcohol like vodka or gin. Allow the ring to soak for several hours. Do not add olives. The ethanol content is a natural solvent that dissolves dirt molecules attached to the diamond. Rinse and dry carefully.

3) Baking Soda: One of the most versatile natural minerals, its chemical properties work wonders to clean hard substances like diamonds. Combine baking soda with water to create a paste. Use a toothbrush to gently scrub the diamond and setting. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. We don’t want any vestiges of baking soda to remain on the metal. This is also a great way to clean silver jewelry.

4) Windex (no bleach-based products!): Restore your diamond's sparkle by soaking it in Windex overnight. Rinse and wear.

5) Every Year: Bring me your important sparklies and let me do a prong check and steam cleaning.