How to Clean All the Rings in Your Jewelry Box, From Silver Bands to Fine Diamonds

Be it a classic gold signet band, a sparkling diamond engagement ring, or a fun piece of costume jewelry, rings have a lot to say about the wearer and their personal style. Keeping them clean and shiny will help preserve their longevity so they can showcase your style for years to come.

No matter the type of ring you’re caring for, the key is to clean it gently and regularly. “A little care goes a long way in preserving rings and jewelry, keeping them looking shiny and new,” says artisan and jewelry designer Christina Argonish. Remember, cleaning doesn’t have to be complicated or require special products—just a few household items and a soft touch are all you need to keep your most precious pieces sparkling. 

Whether your baubles are gold, silver, diamond, or costume jewelry, here’s how to clean rings to maintain their brilliance and condition over time.

How to Clean Gold Rings

Gold is timeless and durable, but over time, it can accumulate oils, dirt, and scratches. Luckily, cleaning gold is simple and doesn't require too much effort.

Materials Needed:

• Mild dish soap
• Warm water
• A soft brush (such as a toothbrush)
• Microfiber or polishing cloth
  

1. Create a Gentle Cleaning Solution: Start by mixing a few drops of mild dish soap in a small bowl of warm water. Stir it gently to create suds.
   
2. Soak Your Ring: Place your gold ring in the solution and let it soak for about 10-15 minutes.
3. Gently Brush and Buff: "Being careful not to scratch the gold, you can gently scrub residue with a toothbrush," instructs Argonish. Be sure to look for an extra soft-bristled brush to best protect the precious metal.
4. Dry and Polish: After soaking, rinse your ring under lukewarm water and pat it dry with a soft microfiber or jewelry polishing cloth.

How to Clean Silver Rings

Silver tarnishes over time, but regular cleaning can keep it looking shiny and new. To clean silver, you’ll need to be a little more cautious, as silver is softer than gold.

Materials Needed:

• Baking soda
• Warm water
• A soft brush (such as a toothbrush)
• Microfiber or polishing cloth
• Optional: Commercial silver cleaning solution
  

1. Create a Baking Soda Paste: Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of water to form a paste. This natural cleaner will gently lift away tarnish without scratching your ring.
   
2. Apply the Paste: Using a soft cloth or a toothbrush, gently rub the baking soda paste onto your silver ring. Focus on tarnished areas, and be sure to be gentle. "Silver can be scratched easily if you're too harsh," cautions Argonish.
   
3. Rinse and Dry: Rinse the ring under lukewarm water, making sure to remove all the baking soda residue. Dry it with a soft cloth to restore its shine.
   

As an alternative to the DIY baking soda paste, you can also use a commercial silver cleaner—but always be cautious and read the directions, as some cleansers may be too harsh for antique or delicate silver.

How to Clean Diamond and Other Gemstone Rings

Engagement rings or any jewelry with diamonds or precious gemstones need special care. While diamonds are typically tough, "gemstones can be more delicate," says Argonish, so it’s important to clean them properly to avoid damaging them.

It's best to avoid using harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners on rings with diamonds or gemstones, as some can be sensitive to these methods, and the stones can become loosened within the setting. Consider visiting a professional jewelry cleaner for their advice and expertise, especially if your ring is extremely valuable or an antique.

Materials Needed:

• Mild dish soap
• Warm water
• A soft brush (such as a toothbrush)
• Microfiber or polishing cloth
  

1. Prepare a Mild Cleaning Solution: Fill a small bowl with warm water and add a drop of mild dish soap. Stir to create suds.
   
   
2. Soak and Scrub: Let the ring soak for 10-15 minutes to loosen any dirt or oils. Then, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub around the diamond or gemstone, making sure to get into any prongs or settings.
   
   
3. Rinse and Dry: Rinse your ring under lukewarm water and dry it thoroughly with a microfiber cloth. This helps avoid water spots and leaves the stone sparkling.
   

How to Clean Costume Jewelry

Costume jewelry might not have the same monetary value as gold or diamonds, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t deserve attention. "You'll want to avoid using abrasive cleaning tools or harsh chemicals on costume jewelry, as these can remove the coloring or the ring's finish," says Argonish.

Here's how to keep your kitschy rings and trendy fashion pieces looking fabulous.

Materials Needed:

• Mild dish soap
• Warm water
• Cotton swabs
• Microfiber or polishing cloth

1. Clean Gently with a Cloth: For regular maintenance, simply wipe your costume rings with a soft microfiber cloth after each wear. This will remove oils and prevent buildup.
2. Use Cotton Swabs for Deeper Cleaning: For dirtier pieces, dip a cotton swab into soapy water (using mild dish soap) and gently wipe the ring. Avoid soaking costume jewelry, as the adhesive and dyes used in these pieces can be sensitive to water.
3. Buff the Ring: After cleaning, buff your costume jewelry with a dry polishing cloth to restore shine.
   

How Often Should You Clean Your Rings?

The frequency of cleaning really depends on how often you wear your rings and what activities you’re doing while wearing them. As a general rule, here’s a simple guide:

• Gold Rings: Clean your gold rings every 2-3 weeks to keep them sparkling. If you wear them daily, a more frequent wipe-down with a soft cloth can help prevent dirt buildup.
  
• Silver Rings: "Silver rings tend to tarnish faster," says Argonish. If you notice your ring losing its shine, it’s time to clean it.
  
• Diamond and Gemstone Rings: If you wear your ring daily, a light cleaning every week or two will help maintain its brilliance. And remember to keep up with professional cleanings, ideally once a year.
  
• Costume Jewelry: "Whenever you notice it looking dull," says Argonish.
  

If you notice your ring starting to lose its shine, or if it looks particularly dirty, don’t wait—clean it right away. Regular care will keep oils and residue from building up on the metal, and help prevent more extensive maintenance down the line.