Full Article

How to Clean a Ring

Supplies

Mild Liquid Soap

Soft Cloth

Small Bowl

Toothbrush with Soft Bristles

Small Make-up or Eye Shadow Brush

Cleaning Sterling Silver, Gold or Platinum Bands

Renowned jeweler Tiffany & Co. recommends hand washing sterling silver, gold and platinum jewelry pieces, like those found on ring bands, with warm water and mild soap. The bands can also be left inside a small bowl with a warm water and mild soap solution for a few minutes to enable a more intense cleansing.  A soft toothbrush can also be used to gently scour the little nooks and crannies of your band.

Cleaning Rings with Colored Gem Settings

If your ring has stone settings, Stacy emphasizes the importance of cleaning the rings in a small bowl. According to Stacy, the cleaning process can cause the stones to fall off if the settings are already weak or if the gems are attached to the band using an invisible setting. The bowls will catch any small stones or gems that might fall off. Lightly press the tops of the stones or gems when cleaning their undersides with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Cleaning Rings with Pearl and Soft Gem Settings

The GIA recommends using an unused makeup or eye shadow brush instead of a toothbrush for cleaning pearl and soft gem settings on rings.

Rinsing and Drying Rings

Rinse the rings with clean water and after they are soaped. Dry the rings gently with a clean, soft cloth.