JEWELRY CARE GUIDE
Keep your ring shining for a lifetime. This guide shows you how to clean each metal and your diamond at home, how to clean your ring step by step and how to look after it every day.
BEST WAYS TO CLEAN YOUR JEWELRY
Everyday dirt, dust, oils and cosmetics can dull metal and make a diamond look less brilliant, so regular gentle cleaning is the best care you can give your ring.
Each metal has its own habits, so the guides below cover yellow gold, white gold, rose gold and diamonds one by one. Most engagement rings and wedding bands need only warm water, mild dish soap and a soft brush. If your ring feels loose after cleaning, please see our ring size guide.
Consider a professional clean for a ring that you wear every day. A professional clean once a year is enough for most rings, and twice a year suits a ring that is worn daily, such as an engagement ring. For repairs, please see our Warranty and Repairs Policy.
YELLOW GOLD RING CARE
Yellow gold is the classic choice for rings and is easy to care for at home. Pure gold is very soft, so jewelry is made from 14K or 18K gold, mixed with other metals for strength. These alloys do not rust, but oils, lotion and soap can build up and make the gold look dull.
To clean it, soak the ring in warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap for five to ten minutes. Brush gently with a soft toothbrush, rinse under warm water and pat dry with a lint-free cloth. Avoid abrasive cloths and chlorine, store the ring apart from other jewelry, and ask a jeweler to polish away light scratches.
WHITE GOLD RING CARE
White gold has a cool, silvery look that suits diamond rings. It is made by mixing yellow gold with white metals, and most rings are coated with a thin layer of bright white rhodium for a mirror-like finish.
Clean it with warm, soapy water and a soft brush, paying attention to the setting where dirt gathers around the diamond. Rinse and dry completely. Rhodium plating wears down gradually, and a slightly warmer tone may show through. This is normal, and most white gold rings can be re-plated every few years. Keep the ring away from chlorine and harsh cleaners.
ROSE GOLD RING CARE
Rose gold has a warm, romantic color that comes from the copper mixed into the gold, and the pink deepens with the amount of copper. The copper also adds strength, so rose gold tends to resist scratches better than other gold colors.
Clean it in the same gentle way as yellow gold: soak in warm, soapy water for five to ten minutes, brush softly, then rinse and dry fully to prevent water spots. Over time a soft patina may develop, which many owners love, and a polishing cloth can restore the original color. Avoid chlorine and harsh cleaners.
HOW TO CLEAN YOUR RING AT HOME
You can clean your ring at home in about ten minutes, using only warm water, mild dish soap, a soft toothbrush and a lint-free cloth. We recommend cleaning your ring every few weeks, or once a week if you wear it every day.
1. Prepare the solution. Fill a small bowl with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap. Use a bowl rather than the sink, so that your ring cannot go down the drain.
2. Soak the ring. Place the ring in the bowl and let it soak for five to ten minutes. This loosens the dirt, oils and lotion that dull the stone.
3. Brush gently. Use a soft toothbrush to brush the stone and the setting, paying attention to the prongs and the underside of the stone.
4. Rinse well. Rinse the ring under warm running water, with the drain plugged or a bowl underneath, until all the soap is gone.
5. Dry and polish. Pat the ring dry with a soft, lint-free cloth, and let it dry fully before you store it or wear it.
