Learn how to clean your enagemet ring with Berry's Jewellers

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Sally Hill, Jewellery Designer at Berry’s Jewellers shares her top tips for cleaning your engagement ring.

“Over the years I’ve heard many old wives’ tales when it comes to cleaning jewellery, and more often than not, these tactics won’t give the best sparkle, and could actually cause damage to the band or stone setting” says Sally.  

GOLD

“To clean your gold engagement ring, I’d advise soaking it in some warm water for around 20 minutes, then gently brushing the setting with a soft bristled brush. If you have significant build up, you can also add a small amount of soap in with the water.

"Once you’ve finished brushing “gently rinse the ring and dry with a soft cloth.”

Sally adds that “If you have a white gold engagement ring and it starts to look discoloured over time, it might benefit from rhodium plating to achieve a bright white appearance once again.” She says, “this can be achieved by taking it to a professional jeweller.

"One of the softer metals, gold can also be prone to scratches and small dents over a long period of daily wear, so “a professional polish may be needed to bring older rings back to a brilliant shine.”


PLATINUM

One of the harder wearing metals, platinum rings are very durable, but they will still need a regular clean to maintain sparkle.

Sally says you can clean platinum in much the same way as gold by, “Submersing in some warm water and soap for around 20 minutes and then gently brushing and wiping clean.”

She adds, “Ultrasonic machines are another great option for platinum rings, as they vibrate away any dirt leaving the ring clean and bright, without the need for brushing.”


SILVER

“It can be common for silver jewellery to develop a dull finish over time, but rest assured you can get a sparkly finish to your ring once more” says Sally.

She says the easiest way to bring silver back to life is to use a silver cleaning cloth which are “readily available and affordable.” A few minutes of “gentle swiping round the band of the ring will see the tarnishing come away and the shine return.”

Sally advises, “There are also silver cleaning solutions available in which you can soak your ring to break down any build up around the setting. You can then follow the same rinsing and drying process as gold.”

She warns however, “it’s important to choose the right solution for the metal of your ring and avoid any abrasive cleaners so you don’t cause any damage. If you’re unsure, it’s best to stick to a cleaning cloth.”

 
PROFESSIONAL CLEAN

Sally adds, “If your ring has developed scratches, small dents, or is looking a little dull, professional jewellers can offer a more advanced clean and polish with specialist equipment which can get your ring looking sparkling and new again.”

She advises that getting a professional clean of your engagement ring before your wedding day so it looks perfect for close-ups and sparkles next to your new wedding band.

 
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CLEAN YOUR ENGAGEMENT RING?

"A deep clean of your ring will be fine every three to six months," says Sally. "Whether you choose to do it at home or take it to a professional." It is however important to “regularly check the strength and integrity of your ring, making sure claws are intact and haven’t worn over time, or been subject to damage.”

“Checking your ring regularly will give peace of mind the stone and band are in good shape, and you won’t have to worry about replacements,” advises Sally.