I’m a big fan of white gold jewelry; however, seeing a colleague’s dirty white gold diamond ring almost changed that. That eyesore was proof that all beautiful things need maintenance.
4 Ways to Clean White Gold Diamond Ring
Below, I explain a few simple methods to clean your white gold diamond ring.
1. Wipe or Polish
Regularly wiping or polishing your white gold diamond ring will help maintain its gloss for longer. In addition, this method will remove any harmful chemicals or tarnish-inducing elements from your jewelry. I recommend polishing or wiping your white gold diamond ring at least twice every week, so the dirt doesn’t stick.
Microfiber or gold polishing cloth are two great options for cleaning your white gold ring. Microfiber won’t leave any strands, and polishing cloth works well to restore luster. Note that this cleaning method isn’t a replacement for thorough cleaning methods but to make it easier.
2. Soap and Toothbrush
You can use soap and a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean various jewelry types, including your white gold diamond ring. This method works effectively for cleaning rings that are not severely stained. I recommend washing your white gold diamond ring at least once a month if you polish or wipe it often.
This method requires that you have a few household items:
- Dishwashing liquid
- Soft-bristled toothbrush
- A bowl containing warm water
- Hairdryer
- Microfiber cloth
The steps to follow when you have the items are as follows:
Step 1— Mix some dishwashing liquid with the warm water and stir until it foams.
Step 2— Soak the ring in the warm lather for 20-30 minutes. When the time is up, scrub the ring with the toothbrush, targetting the tight corners around the gem.
Step 3— Rinse the ring with running water after washing it.
Step 4— Pat dry the ring with a microfiber cloth to dry it partially; then lay it on the cloth.
Step 5— Anchor the ring by putting the toothbrush into the ring hole to prevent it from flying away. Next, turn the hairdryer to the highest speed and temperature and blow on the ring for 1-2 minutes. The hairdryer steam will sterilize the ring and not leave any watermarks.
3. Ultrasonic Cleaner
Ultrasonic cleaners pass high-frequency sound waves through a liquid solution. This cleaning method is the most effective for removing accumulated grime and build-up on jewelry. The soap solution loosens dirt on your ring, while the bubbles and vibration remove the dirt from tight areas of the ring.
The first step to using the ultrasonic cleaner is to pour the cleaning solution into the machine and turn it on. Most ultrasonic cleaning solutions are antibacterial, which will disinfect your jewelry. Next, you place your ring into the cleaner and set the timer.
Take your jewelry out of the cleaner when the timer runs out and rinse it in running water. Finally, you can dry it with a microfiber cloth.
4. Use a Professional Jewelry Cleaner
Finally, you can pay the professionals to clean your white gold diamond ring. Many jewelers offer ring cleaning services around the $20 price range. However, some offer complimentary free cleaning if you buy from them.
I suggest you give your white gold diamond ring to a jeweler every 6-12 months. Six months if you don’t care for it often, and annually if you wash it at home regularly. Most professional jewelry cleaners go through the following process:
Step 1— They examine your ring under a microscope for any loose gemstones or bent prongs. They’ll let you know of any issues and fix them before cleaning starts. They do this check because the vibrations of ultrasonic cleaners can cause the loose gemstones to fall off.
Step 2— The jeweler will polish your ring thoroughly to remove any scratch marks.
Step 3— They’ll place your ring into an ultrasonic cleaner for a few minutes. When the timer runs out, they rinse it and put it under a steam blaster. The steam blaster’s forceful waves will dry your ring and sterilize it of any microorganisms.
Things to Note When Cleaning Your Ring
Below are a few tips to keep your white gold diamond cleaning hitch-free.
- Only clean your white gold diamond ring at reputable jewelry stores. Some dubious jewelers might switch your diamond ring for CZ or any other diamond lookalike. However, big stores would not risk their reputation over a single piece, no matter how expensive.
- Stay FAR AWAY from the sink to prevent your diamond ring from slipping down the drain.
- Household cleaners like bleach, acetone, or chlorine contain harsh chemicals that can ruin your white gold.
- Powdered cleaners are abrasive and can easily scratch your gold ring.
- Do not use moisturizing cleaners because they often leave a film on the ring.
- The vibrations produced by ultrasonic cleaners can cause the stones in your ring to come out, so only specialists should use them. Professional jewelers know how to look for loose stones and operate the devices safely.