LarryE
August 25, 2010
Are there different methods to clean different ring settings?
I'm more or less aware of the general guidelines for cleaning diamond jewelry, but I want to know if different diamond rings' setting should be cleaned differently, in terms of cleaning solutions, precautions or any other important tip. I own several diamond rings with different settings so if someone can cover all the common diamond rings' setting it would be very helpful.
Answers (1 - 1 of 1)
ChrisU
August 26, 2010
Most diamond rings can be cleaned with the same detergents and general technique, but there are some things you can pay more attention to when you clean rings of specific settings:
- Bazel Setting - Bazel diamond rings (or other bazel setting jewelry) demands frequent cleaning. Dirt tends to accumulate quite fast in the gap between the metal lip and the diamonds or gemstones which are underneath. Don't use sharp objects to clean the ring (though it might seem to make sense), becuase this would lead to the scratching of the stones. A soft bristled brush is a good option for polishing the metal and the diamonds, just imagine that they are your teeth:). Brush the ring softly, using a mild toothpaste. If you feel you don't manage to get the dirt off and feel that the ring can't be cleaned gently then make life easier for you and take it to a professional cleaning service in your local jewelry store.
- Channel Setting - There should be no problem to clean a channel diamond ring. No need for special brushing, just dip the ring in warm water with a mild detergent, then rinse the ring and wipe it with a cotton cloth.
- Prong Setting - Such a common setting, though not cleaned so easily, mostly because of the fear of breaking the delicate prongs. You can clean a prong set diamond ring on your own, but you would still need to take it to a jewelrt occasionally and check that the prongs are all in good shape. Having the ring cleaned in the same time is recommended, otherwise you would need to be extremely gentle during the cleaning procedure.
- Pave Setting - This is another ring setting that cannot be cleaned easily. In such a setting several diamonds or gems are held by small prongs. A pave set ring can be cleaned by soaking it in warm water with a mild detergent. Otherwise let you jeweler do the cleaning once in a while.
