From Dull to Dazzling: Cleaning Your Wedding Ring Made Easy

Your wedding ring is more than just a piece of jewelry; it's a symbol of love, commitment, and the journey you've embarked on together. Over time, however, everyday wear and tear can dull its brilliance, hiding the beauty that first caught your eye. Keeping your ring clean is essential not only for maintaining its luster but also for preserving its sentimental value. In this post, we'll explore the best methods for cleaning your wedding ring, the reasons why regular maintenance is important, and tips to ensure it remains as radiant as the day you said "I do."

Here are the materials you will need to clean your ring:

• A small dish or container to hold water
• A mild non-citrus dish soap
• Read the ingredients list on the soap before using - the first ingredient should be water for any mild dish soap
• A soft bristled brush
• A baby toothbrush or other soft-bristled toothbrush works great
• Warm water

Before cleaning your ring, first determine what cleaning method you should be using depending on the type of ring you have. Rings that are made of solid metal and stones need to be washed differently than rings with inlay materials (materials like wood, antler, etc. that are sealed into the ring with a resin). For normal engagement rings (with or without gemstones and) with NO inlays, use the first method below. For rings that have inlay materials or have any opal stones, use the second method.

 

1. Cleaning a Wedding Ring Without Inlays

To clean your ring at home, mix one part dish soap and five parts warm water and let your ring soak in the solution for five minutes. Take the ring and gently scrub it with a soft bristle brush, rinse it, and dry with a soft cloth and your ring should be sparkling clean again! 

Please note that we do not recommend using steam cleaners, since the heat can cause damage to the stone or the inlays of natural materials in the ring. In addition, we don't recommend using ultrasonic cleaners. These cleaners use vibrations to clean a ring, but this can also place stress on inclusions that are present in many gemstone types including moss agate, salt and pepper diamond, emerald, sapphire, etc. which can lead to cracks or other damage to your gemstone. While ultrasonic cleaners may be considered safe for some stones, in general we highly recommend using this dish soap method instead as a safer alternative.

2. Cleaning a Wedding Ring with Inlays

To clean your ring at home, mix one part dish soap and five parts warm water. Using a soft bristle brush, take the ring and gently scrub it, rinse it, and dry with a soft cloth and your ring should be sparkling clean again!

For rings which contain crushed or set natural materials (crushed turquoise, antler, wood, etc.) we DO NOT recommend soaking the ring in water. Brushing it with the solution will be fine, just as long as there’s no prolonged exposure to the water.

Please note that we do not recommend using steam cleaners, since the heat can cause damage to the stone or the inlays of natural materials in the ring. In addition, we don't recommend using ultrasonic cleaners, because the ring should not be submerged in any liquid. 

Ring Cleaning Tutorial Video

Conclusion

Regularly cleaning your wedding ring is a simple yet vital task that helps preserve its beauty and significance. By implementing the methods outlined in this post, you can ensure that your ring remains a sparkling reminder of your love story for years to come. Remember, your wedding ring deserves the same care and attention you give to your relationship—after all, it symbolizes the bond you cherish. So, embrace the routine of cleaning, and let your ring shine as brightly as your love!

If you would like to send your Staghead Designs ring in for inspections, cleaning, or polishing please email us at info@stagheaddesigns.com and put "Attention Repairs" in the subject line. For more information on caring for your custom engagement ring, please visit our Ring Care Guidelines.