Fashion Blogs

Wedding rings are symbols of matrimonial unions and are commonly worn on an everyday basis as an act of devotion, trust and love. However, daily wear can result in grease, dirt, debris and cosmetic residue settling on the surface of the ring. There is no point in wearing a beautifully cut diamond if a cloud of muck won’t let it sparkle. Cleaning it on a regular basis allows your ring to do what it does best: dazzle. Here are some things to keep in mind while cleaning your wedding ring. 

Metal specific approach

While cleaning your wedding ring, it is imperative to take a metal specific approach. In fact, identifying cleaning processes that are compatible with your metal is the first thing you need to do. Silver, platinum, gold, brass all have different requirements. For instance, gold and silver have separate industrial cleaners. Different chemicals can corrode different metals.  

Universal approach 

There are some simple methods that can be incorporated in your cleaning routine irrespective of the metal and center stone. Do note, that product specific processes will result in a deep cleanse while universal cleaning approaches must be doled out carefully and will only result in a light cleanse. 

You can use warm soapy water on your wedding band but make sure the water is only moderately warm and the soap isn't too harsh. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush the ring gently.  It is better to dilute the soap well and carry out the process twice rather than exposing your ring to harsh cleaning substances in one go. Wipe down the ring with a wet, lint-free cloth in order to avoid the build up of soapy residue. While this process won’t leave your ring drenched, it is still advisable to leave it out to dry before slipping it back onto your finger or into your jewel case.

Know your No-Nos 

While cleaning wedding rings, it is important to know what not to do just as well as what to do. If you are picking up just any chemical cleaning solution without doing research on the metal and the center stone, you are already in trouble. Take your time and read relevant literature online. Remember, that jewelry is precious and often delicate. Once you find the right technique, make sure to implement it gently in order to avoid scratching the center stone or the metal.

Consult your jeweler

DIY methods are great and the internet has enabled us to access endless information at the touch of a screen. However, if you feel even a little unsure about the cleaning process or have some questions that haven't been satisfactorily answered by google, do not hesitate to consult your jeweler. Professionals can handle these matters much better than you. 

Apart from the aesthetic pleasure afforded by a clean ring, there is another important reason to have your rings cleaned. You can only inspect the ring properly once it has been cleaned. Scratched center stones, loose prongs and chipped surfaces need to be identified at an early stage so as to prevent serious damage. These issues are very likely to go unnoticed on a dirty ring. Therefore, take care of your wedding ring and keep cleaning it on a regular basis.