How to Clean Your Engagement Ring Safely
The first step is to make sure you're using a cleaning solution that's safe for all the materials that make up your ring. A lot of standard solutions are not safe for delicate stones like turquoise and opals, so be sure to check. You should also find a soft surface before you begin cleaning, just in case you drop something.
What to Clean Your Engagement Ring With
You'll need a soft, bristled brush (if the brush is rough, it can scratch!) and the cleaning solution that's right for your ring. Forget what you've heard about toothpaste, bleach, chlorine, and ammonia. If you clean your bathroom with it, it's off limits. Products like diamond dazzling sticks are great for durable diamonds and sapphires but wouldn't be good for more delicate stones, including pearls, emeralds, turquoise, and opals. If you take your ring to the jeweler for a cleaning, they'll likely use ultrasonic cleaners that use vibrations to ensure a smooth clean, but it's better not to try this at home. Cleaning at home should be done regularly in between servicing at your jeweler.
When to Clean Your Engagement Ring
For most people, a weekly cleaning is ideal. However, you should be taking your ring to the jeweler to be serviced and/or polished annually to ensure your ring's longevity. If your ring design is more intricate, consider going every six months. If you let your ring go too long without being cleaned, a buildup of gunk or dirt behind the setting could require demounting your stone, and that could cause damage.