Diamonds are the hardest material on earth. They're also the only thing about your ring that is. The metal, the setting, and the delicate structure that holds your stone together are all far more vulnerable than people realize — which is why "clean it in a bowl of ammonia" advice floating around online makes our jewellers wince.
Here's the safe, honest version of at-home diamond cleaning, plus when to stop DIY-ing and bring it to a professional.
Why Your Diamond Gets Dirty
Diamonds are naturally grease- and oil-loving. Every time you wash your hands, cook, or put on lotion, a thin film of oil builds up on the facets. That film dulls the sparkle and makes a brilliant stone look flat — not because the diamond is damaged, but because light can't get through the gunk.
The good news: it's fixable in minutes with the right routine.
The Safe Daily Routine
- Remove your jewelry before the sink. Seriously — the drain is the #1 way people lose diamonds.
- Mix a few drops of mild dish soap (Dawn or similar — no ammonia, no abrasive cleaners) into a small bowl of lukewarm water.
- Soak for 10–15 minutes. This loosens the grease film that brushing won't touch.
- Brush with a soft baby toothbrush. Gentle circles around the stone and under the setting head. Never use a firm brush or anything metal.
- Rinse thoroughly under lukewarm running water — with the drain plugged and a strainer in it.
- Pat dry with a lint-free cloth. Not a paper towel — microfibers catch on prongs.
What NEVER to Do
Don't use ammonia, bleach, or harsh chemical cleaners. They can weaken cementing in some settings and damage certain metals.
Don't soak into the drain. We said it once, we'll say it again — plug the sink.
Don't use steam cleaners or ultrasonic machines at home unless your jeweller specifically says your setting can handle it. Ultrasonic cleaners can loosen stones that are already worn, and can wreck settings with softening.
Don't clean rings with loosened stones. If your stone wobbles even slightly, skip the soak and go straight to your jeweller. A loose diamond is an emergency, not a cleaning job.
When to See a Jeweller Instead
Bring your jewelry in for a professional clean and inspection — honestly, once a year is plenty — and immediately if:
- The stone feels loose or makes a click when you tap it.
- Prongs look worn, bent, or thin.
- You notice scratches or cloudy patches that home cleaning doesn't fix (that can be metal contact or a damaged facet).
- You want a full ultrasonic or steam clean done properly.
Our Honest Bottom Line
Ninety percent of diamond sparkle comes back with ten minutes of soapy water and a soft brush. Keep it simple, keep it gentle, and get it professionally checked once a year — that's the entire maintenance plan. Your ring will out-live fashion and trends if you do.
Need more? Read our full jewelry care guide, or shop our collection — every piece is made to be worn every day.
