How do I clean my engagement ring and wedding band?

Engagement rings and wedding rings are not just pieces of jewellery. They are much more than that – they symbolise love, trust and the deep bond between two people. It is therefore crucial to consider them not just as accessories, but as precious memories that need to be cherished and nurtured to preserve their beauty and meaning over time.

Choosing the right material

The choice of material for engagement and wedding rings is a decision that should be carefully considered. Gold rings, diamond rings, gemstone rings – the options are many and varied. In addition to the aesthetic aspect, it is important to choose a material that can withstand the demands of daily use and at the same time reflects your personal preferences. Gold jewellery and silver jewellery are timeless classics, while diamond jewellery and gemstone rings stand for elegance and sophistication.

The best tips for cleaning

Like all other pieces of jewellery, engagement rings and wedding rings need regular cleaning to maintain their shine. Daily use causes dirt, oils and residues from skin care products to accumulate on the surface of the rings, which can lead to a loss of sparkle. It is recommended to clean rings at least once a month to remove deposits and maintain their beauty.

Here are some tried and tested methods to keep your rings in their most beautiful condition:

Soap water bath

• Fill a small bowl or eggcup with warm water and add some mild washing-up liquid
• Soak your ring in the soap solution and leave it to soak for about 30 minutes to loosen dirt and deposits.
• Use a soft baby toothbrush to gently brush the stone and setting, making sure to clean the underside as well.
• Rinse the ring thoroughly under warm running water to remove all residues.
• Carefully dry the ring with a clean, lint-free cloth.

Ultrasonic cleaning

• If you have an ultrasonic cleaning device or access to a jeweller, you can consider this method
• Fill the ultrasonic device with water and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Place your ring in the ultrasonic bath and let the device run for the recommended time.
• Remove your ring and rinse it thoroughly under warm water.
• Dry the ring with a soft cloth.

Dry cleaning with a polishing cloth

• A polishing cloth can be used to remove light soiling and fingerprints from your ring and restore its lustre
• Gently rub the ring with the polishing cloth until it is clean and shiny.
• Avoid applying too much pressure to avoid scratching, especially with delicate gemstones.

Special care for special rings

Engagement rings and wedding rings with special features may require special care. Rings with engravings require gentle cleaning to remove dirt and debris without damaging the delicate details. Use a soft toothbrush or cloth and be careful not to rub too hard to preserve the engraving.

For rings with set gemstones, special care is required to avoid damaging the stones. Avoid aggressive cleaning agents that could affect the lustre of the stones and instead use a mild cleaning agent and a soft brush. Be particularly careful when cleaning around the gemstones and avoid rubbing vigorously to avoid loosening or damaging the stones.

The use of special cleaning agents that are suitable for the respective materials can also be helpful. Make sure that the cleaning agent does not contain any aggressive chemicals that could damage the ring or the stones, and test it on a small area of the ring first.

Correct storage is crucial

In addition to cleaning, it is also important to store your engagement and wedding rings correctly to protect them from damage and loss. Store your rings in a soft jewellery box or cloth bag to prevent scratches and deformation. Avoid storing the rings together with other pieces of jewellery, as this can lead to friction and wear and tear.

Professional cleaning and maintenance for your rings

While periodic cleaning at home is an important part of caring for your engagement and wedding rings, there are certain aspects that only an experienced jeweller can handle properly. It is therefore advisable to have your rings cleaned and serviced by a professional jeweller at least once a year.

Rough cleaning and polishing

An experienced jeweller will have special cleaning solutions and techniques to thoroughly clean your rings and restore their shine. They can also use professional polishing methods to remove scratches and polish the ring, giving it a fresh and shiny appearance. This thorough cleaning and polishing can also remove hard-to-remove deposits and dirt that have accumulated over time.

Check for damage and repairs

During the cleaning and maintenance process, the jeweller will also check the ring for possible damage. This includes checking the setting to ensure that all stones are held securely, as well as checking for signs of wear or damage to the metal. If any damage is found during the inspection, the jeweller can carry out repairs to ensure your ring remains in perfect condition. This may include re-setting stones, repairing scratches or refreshing engravings.

Extending the life of your rings

Regular professional cleaning and maintenance of your engagement and wedding rings will help to extend their lifespan. By ensuring that your rings are well cared for and in good condition, you can prevent damage from worsening and expensive repairs from becoming necessary. In addition, regular maintenance can help your rings look like new for longer and keep their lustre.