How To Clean A Diamond Engagement Ring

Learning how to clean a diamond engagement ring doesn't have to cost any money. The best and easiest way to clean a diamond engagement ring is found in your bathroom cabinet. The biggest plus side to cleaning the ring at home is of course, safety. Once a woman has her ring, it's tough to drop it off at the jewelers for any length of time and it can be rather nerve-wracking to not know if the ring you get back will not become a cubic zirconia upon its return.

There are various jewelry cleaners you can buy over-the-counter at almost any drug store. There are two kinds: ultrasonic and sitting liquid. The ultrasonic costs more, but does a better job. The cost of the liquid isn't exactly prohibitive, but you're better off using this cheap, but effective method: toothbrush and toothpaste.

Items needed:

• Baby toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Warm water
• A bowl

1. Use a baby toothbrush because they have the softest bristles. Run the toothbrush under warm water so it will dry more quickly and not attract any dust or lint into crevices (which take longer to dry). Place a minute amount of toothpaste on the bristles. Run the toothbrush under warm water again.
2. Place the ring on your index or middle fingers. Keep the ring between the second and third knuckles. Brush the ring from all angles. Much of what causes a diamond engagement ring to lose its luster is what is behind the diamond, not on top. Be gentle with the brushing.  You can't hurt the diamond, but the metal of the ring can be scratched.
3. Drop the ring into a warm bowl of rinse water. Do NOT rinse under running water. Far too many plumbers have been called on rescue missions. That would effectively defeat your attempt to save money on ring cleaning. Remove the ring and place on a lint-free soft cloth to dry.

That's it. The ring will appear to have been in for a professional cleaning--at no cost to you.