How Do I Clean My Birthstone Ring?

What is it that makes a ring so awesome? Well, besides the meaning that it might have to you personally, the best features of an amazing ring are its sparkle, shimmer and shine. Seems a little sad when a ring has lost the luster it once had. Remember when it was shiny and new and would catch everyone’s eye? With just a few quick and easy steps, your ring can be “reborn” into the dazzling piece of jewelry it once was.

In today’s blog, we want to focus on birthstone rings and rings that feature precious gems or multiple stones. Because birthstone rings typically have small, intricate settings to hold the stones in place, it can be a nervous endeavor to try and get the ring clean. Small particles can become lodged in the “nooks and crannies” of a birthstone ring over time, creating the look of imperfections between the stones and dulling the ring’s shine overall. And we all know there is beautiful jewelry hidden beneath just waiting to show itself to the world! Luckily, there’s a safe and effective way to fix this concern. Continue reading to check out our tips for cleaning birthstone rings

First Up: Avoid the Obvious

Things like suntan lotion, hair spray, oils, perfume and similar substances normally applied to the body should not come into contact with your birthstone ring. These can cause tarnishing and can erode parts of a ring over time. Also, you should not wear your ring when bathing, swimming or exercising. Short-term exposure to water or perspiration is acceptable but it should be limited.

Birthstone Bathing: Soak and Scrub

This is one of the rare times when it is actually okay to bathe your birthstone ring. To prepare, fill a nice size bowl with warm water and mix in a teaspoon of mild dish detergent. Avoid harsh cleaning agents like bleach or toothpaste. Warm soapy water will do the trick just fine.

After your ring has soaked for about 10 minutes, use a brush with soft bristles – a toothbrush is ideal – to carefully clean the stone(s) surface and all around the setting. Scrub firmly but not aggressively and be sure to get the entire band while you are at it. Although, most residue that has built up on the band will probably come off during the soak.

After Cleaning: Rinse & Dry

This part of the cleaning process is often overlooked but is probably the most crucial step. After you have finished scrubbing your birthstone ring, rinse off the soapy water with clean warm water. If you are unsure whether all the soap has been removed, it is also all right to give your ring a quick soak in a bowl of clean water. 5 minutes will do.

After your ring appears clean, be sure to dry it thoroughly with a soft cotton cloth. Do not let moisture remain on your birthstone ring for an extended period. If you do not plan on wearing your ring immediately after it has been cleaned, be sure to store it in a tarnish-resistant bag or any cool dry place.

That’s really it. Pretty easy, right? If you simply follow those 3 tips when cleaning your birthstone ring or other rings with precious stones, you can keep your jewelry always looking new. And if you don’t currently have a birthstone ring or are in the market for a new one, don’t forget about the incredible selection available at The Bradford Exchange. Thanks for reading!