Diamond rings can be traced all the way back to Ancient Rome, where rings were often exchanged as tokens of love and affection. However, diamonds were still relatively rare and expensive all the way through to the Renaissance and subsequent centuries, where they were seen as a symbol of wealth and status and were only really available to the aristocracy and to royalty. It wasn’t until the discovery of diamond mines in Brazil in the eighteenth century (and later in South Africa) that the availability of diamonds increased, and they gradually became more accessible to those in the upper middle classes.
The De Beers diamond company is responsible for much of the diamond ring’s popularity in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. They took control over the supply of diamonds to the West and began marketing them extensively. In 1947, they launched their famous “A Diamond is Forever” campaign, coined by Frances Gerety, and drove home the idea of the diamond as a symbol of eternal love and commitment.
Nowadays, diamond rings are synonymous with love and lavish engagements. More recently, advancements in technology have made it easier to cut diamonds more precisely, meaning that their brilliance is often enhanced. There have also been increased efforts to ensure that diamonds are sourced ethically and sustainably. Additionally, coloured diamonds, alternative gemstones, and lab-grown diamonds are emerging as popular options and alternatives. However, nothing is more glamorous and alluring than the diamond ring with all its associations with old Hollywood, royalty, and undying love. Below we explore how to clean and care for your diamond ring with a little help from the experts at Sotheby’s.
A diamond, explains the experts at Sotheby’s, is the hardest natural substance on earth. Even so, it still needs regular care to keep it looking the best it can. When you’re out and about living your life the diamond and its fittings can end up coated in a layer of dirt and this can dull its shine. A diamond’s sparkle comes from light shining in through the top and refracting off the bottom of the diamond to one side or the other. Think of how many times you might have moisturised your hands while wearing your ring, how many hands you might have shaken, and how many little everyday tasks you’ve done that have built up on your diamond over time.
Remember, when you are cleaning your ring at home there are certain products you simply must avoid: bleach, chlorine, acetone, and toothpaste. Basically, you want to avoid anything abrasive that might damage the metals in your ring. Try also to use soft brushes rather than anything hard bristled as you do not want to scratch or abrade your ring. Try also to prevent your ring getting too dirty. Remember, you should take off diamond rings before taking a shower as regular soap can cause a layer of film to build up on the jewellery and dull its shine. Try soaking your ring in a supermarket bought cleaning solution while you’re in the shower. Remember too, when you can, to take diamond jewellery off while applying creams to your skin as these too can build up over time. Try also to take your ring off while cooking as certain oils can cause damage and discoloration, which is the very last thing you want after a romantic dinner for two. If you are planning on doing any labour-intensive manual tasks be sure to take your ring off to prevent it from getting damaged.
There are a number of great options for cleaning your diamond rings at home, so let’s get started!
Dishwashing soap
The experts at Sotheby’s explain that this standard household product is actually the quickest way to clean your priceless ring. They advise taking the ring away from the sink drain (you wouldn’t want to drop it!) and swishing it in lukewarm soapy water for a minute or so. While the ring is still wet you should use a soft toothbrush to gently clean underneath the diamond and in the setting. Rinse off with warm water and you are good to go.
Vodka
Although this trick might be known as an old wives tale it really does work. Fill a shot glass with vodka and place the ring inside (again, you’re going to want to do this somewhere safe) and leave the ring to soak for a number of hours. The ethanol in the alcohol is a natural solvent that will dissolve any dirt that might have fixed itself to your ring. Gently wipe the ring down and rinse and you’ll be amazed at how clean it looks.
Baking Soda
The basic nature of baking soda makes it the perfect substance for cleaning jewellery. The experts at Sotheby’s say that its chemical properties are ideal for cleaning hard substances like diamonds and it is also fantastic for cleaning silver and gold jewellery. Mix a little baking soda with some water to form a paste and use a toothbrush to apply it to the ring and scrub gently. Once you have finished (and it is shining brilliantly), rinse the ring under some warm water.
Windex
Before you get going with this tip you should note that you must not use bleach-based products on your diamonds. But Windex, according to Sotheby's, is just fine. They suggest taking your diamond ring and soaking it in the cleaning product overnight. Once it has soaked and is cleaned to your liking just rinse it off and it is ready to wear.
These are all simple ways to clean your diamond ring at home, however those at Sotheby’s do recommend taking your ring to your jeweller once every six months so that the jeweller can check the prongs of your ring setting and ensure your diamond is secure. They can also professionally clean the ring using an ultrasound system. These tips are great in between these visits to keep your ring looking as beautiful and as brilliant as ever.
