As with any piece of jewelry, it’s important to keep diamond earrings clean in order to keep them looking their best. Over time, dirt and oil can build up on the surface of the diamonds, making them appear dull and lifeless. Regular cleaning not only helps to maintain the beauty of diamond earrings, but it also helps to extend their lifespan.
Here are some tips on how to clean diamond earrings:
Different Ways to Clean Diamonds
Cleaning Diamonds with Soap
The simplest way to clean a diamond is to wash it with warm water and soap. Start by adding a few drops of soap to a small bowl of warm water. Then, soak your earrings in soapy water for about 15 minutes. After that, use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub away any dirt or buildup on the setting and bail (the metal piece that goes through the hole in your ear). Rinse your earrings well in warm water and dry them off with a clean, lint-free cloth or paper towels. In my personal experience, it is better to use liquid soap instead of normal soap.
Cleaning Diamonds with Dish Soap
Start by mixing together warm water and mild dish soap. Then, dipped a soft cloth into the solution and gently scrub the earrings. Rinse them well with warm water and dry them with a soft cloth.
Cleaning Diamond Earrings with Vinegar
If soap and water alone are not enough to clean your diamond earrings, you can try cleaning them with vinegar. To do this, simply soak the earrings in a bowl of warm water with a few tablespoons of white vinegar for about 15 minutes. Then, use a soft toothbrush to scrub the earrings gently. Finally, rinse the earrings with clean water and dry them with a soft cloth.
Cleaning with Baking Soda
Baking soda can also be used to clean diamond earrings. To do this, simply make a paste out of equal parts baking soda and water. Rub this paste onto the earrings using a soft toothbrush, then rinse the earrings off with clean water and dry them with a soft cloth.
Ultrasonic Cleaning
Ultrasonic jewelry cleaners use high-frequency sound waves to create cavitation bubbles in the liquid. These bubbles gently remove dirt and grime from the surface of the diamond. Ultrasonic cleaning is safe for most diamonds, but should not be used on diamonds with cracks or fractures as it could cause further damage.
Steam Cleaning
Steam cleaning is another effective way to clean diamond earrings. This method uses high-pressure steam to remove tarnish and grime from the surface of the diamonds. Even steam cleaners can be purchased online or at some home improvement stores, steam cleaning should only be done by a professional jeweler or gemologist.
Chemical Cleaning
Chemical cleaning solutions can be used to clean diamonds, but should only be used as a last resort as they can potentially damage the stone.
Professional Cleaning
If your diamond is particularly dirty or you are unsure of how to clean it yourself, you can always take it to a professional jeweler for cleaning. Jewelers have access to specialized equipment and solutions that will safely and effectively clean your diamond.
Jewelry Cleaning Kit
If your bling is looking dull, you can restore its sparkle and shine with an at-home jewelry cleaning kit. Look for one that will remove tarnish, dirt, and oils from most types of gems and metals with just a soak in a non-toxic solution combined with light polishing using soft cloths.
How can I tell if my diamond earrings are dirty?
If you can see dirt or grime on the surface of the diamonds, that’s a good sign that they could use a cleaning. Another way to tell is by looking at the metal setting. If the metal appears dull or lackluster, it’s likely due to build-up from oils and other debris. Finally, if your earrings feel heavier than usual, that’s another indication that they may be due for a cleaning.
How often should diamond earrings be cleaned?
Unlike other types of jewelry, diamonds need to be cleaned relatively frequently in order to keep them sparkling and looking their best. Depending on how often the earrings are worn, they should be cleaned at least once a month. However, if they are worn on a daily basis, it may be necessary to clean them more often.
Common Mistakes People Make When Cleaning Diamond Earrings
When it comes to cleaning diamond earrings, there are a few common mistakes that people tend to make.
- Using a harsh detergent on the diamonds. While these products may be effective at cleaning other types of jewelry, they can actually damage the surface of diamonds. It is always better to use a gentle cleaning solution specifically designed for diamonds.
- Scrubbing the diamonds too hard. Even with a gentle cleaner, scrubbing too vigorously can cause scratches on the diamond’s surface. Instead, it’s best to simply wipe the earrings with a soft cloth or brush.
- Forgetting to clean the backs of their earrings. Because they’re not as visible, it’s easy to overlook the build-up of dirt and oil that can accumulate on the backs of earrings. However, this build-up can actually cause irritation when it comes in contact with your skin.
Tips To Keep Your Diamond Earrings Sparkling
- Avoid wearing your earrings when engaged in activities where you’re likely to get dirty, such as gardening, redecorating, or sports. Keep your earrings in a jewelry box, pouch, or a case in-between wears.
- Remove your diamond earrings before swimming or showering to avoid contact with chlorine or soap.
- Keep your earrings in a jewelry box, pouch, or a case in-between wears.
- Have your diamond earrings professionally cleaned and inspected at least once a year.
- Be careful not to drop or knock your diamond earrings against hard surfaces.
- Do not wear your diamond earrings to bed to avoid tangling them in your hair or sheets.
- Keep your diamond earrings away from pets to avoid them being scratched or damaged.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to clean diamond earrings, it’s important to keep them clean so they sparkle for years to come. By following these simple tips, your diamonds will remain dazzling and beautiful. Have you tried any of these methods for cleaning your diamond earrings? Do you have a favorite method that we didn’t mention? Let us know in the comments below!