When you first browse engagement rings online or at your local jeweler, you are seeing them in their best condition under the best possible lighting. This brings out the sparkle and brilliance of diamonds. Once you the rings, you may end up wearing them daily, causing them to become worn down or dirty. To keep your precious jewelry in tip-top shape, maintain it monthly with a simple wash and visual inspection.
Engagement rings that are made of 18K gold can easily wear down. The prongs can start to fade and the solitaire can then become loose. When you are first inspecting your diamond, see if the gold around the prongs has worn down significantly. You want to keep the stone securely in the setting. Make sure it’s not loose before you attempt to wash the ring.
To wash the ring, you will need a toothbrush and some mild liquid detergent. This will get rid of accumulated dirt and skin oils that may be marring the brilliance. Make sure the sink is stopped, in case the stone becomes dislodged from the setting while cleaning. Wash the stone and rinse it under warm running water. Then, pat it dry with a lint-free cloth.
If you want it professionally cleaned, many jewelers have sonic cleaners that can really make the sparkle come back to old engagement rings. You can also buy jewelry cleaner at most retail stores, which is specifically made to clean fine jewelry. By keeping your jewelry clean and in tip-top shape you will be able to get the setting replaced should it become too worn, and your diamond will always be clean and sparkly.