J is for Jewelry!
Being engaged is like being semi-famous. Everyone is super excited when you mention your upcoming nuptials. For the majority of your engagement, people will constantly be asking to see your ring. We called up our friends at Kay Jewelers and got some quick tips on how to keep your bling sparkling and they did not disappoint!
The best way to clean a diamond ring, no matter what setting or metal type, is to make a solution with warm water and dishwashing soap. After soaking your ring for about a half hour, gently brush the stones with a very soft toothbrush. Finish up by thoroughly rinsing under warm, running water with the drain plugged. Repeat if necessary. Be sure to take your time because intense brushing can loosen or damage diamonds. When you’ve got your ring looking perfect, dry with a cotton towel, NOT a paper towel, or allow it to air dry. It’s suggested to clean your ring a couple times a month. That’s enough to keep everyday grime at bay and sparkle at its max. It’s also a good idea to take it to your jeweler twice a year for a pro cleaning.
Okay now for some things to avoid: Most lotions leave a film over the stones, which is what we’re trying to get rid of. So slip the ring off before you moisturize. When making your cleaning solution, avoid common household cleaners like bleach, chlorine, and acetone because they can break down some of the base metals in your ring. The last things to avoid are toothpaste, baking soda, or powdered cleaners. These can scratch metals, particularly gold. Not a good look.
Note that this recommended cleaning method does not kill germs. It’s designed specifically to make your gems and metal shine. The good news is that hand sanitizer is safe for all hard stones and precious metals such as silver, platinum, titanium, and other plated rings. But if you have soft stones, like pears or opals, take your ring off before sanitizing your hands. If you’ve got diamonds, rubies, and/or sapphires and you’re looking to kill bacteria without using hand sanitizer, try making a 50/50 solution of window cleaner and hydrogen peroxide. After soaking for 15 minutes, gently scrub with a soft brush.