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Platinum is a beautiful and practical metal choice for diamond rings, due to its strength, durability and luster. As the most expensive and precious metal used in jewelry, platinum also adds that extra prestige and class, elevating the value of the diamond ring while keeping it safe in its mounting. A sparkling platinum diamond ring is stunning and eye-catching, which is why platinum and diamonds are the top choice for those who only want the best.
However, over time, even the best can begin to lose its luster, with the accumulation of grime, dirt and scratches. Regardless of how durable both platinum and diamonds are, they need regular maintenance to ensure that they remain sparkling. When cleaning your ring, you will have to take some precautions as the cleaning method should be safe for both platinum and the diamond. Here we outline our top tips on how to clean your platinum diamond ring.
Cleaning Your Platinum Diamond Ring at Home
If your ring has a build up of dirt and grime from common cosmetics and every day pollutants, simply washing it with soap and water can restore its luster. This is the easiest and best way to clean your ring.
For this, use a mild liquid soap and warm water to create a sudsy solution in a container. Immerse your platinum diamond ring in the solution for about 30 to 40 minutes, then use a soft toothbrush to clean it. If the ring has lots of grooves and engravings, a soft toothbrush will help you to get the dirt out of those hard to reach areas. Use this to clean around the diamond mounting, especially under the diamond and inside the prongs. Once the ring is clean, rinse it thoroughly in clean water and dry with a lint-free cloth.
In between cleaning your ring, you can maintain its luster by buffing it with a jewelry cleaning cloth. This will remove dirt and give the ring a polishing shine. Always choose a high-quality jewelry cleaning cloth that will not abrade your ring.
Check Out Our Top Jewelry Cleaning Cloth Pick
If the ring has a hard layer of compacted dirt and grime, which you find difficult to remove with soap and water, you may need to take it to a jeweler to have it professionally cleaned.
Cleaning with Ammonia
Many people shy away from ammonia due to its chemical-sounding name, but it is actually a safe and natural product to use for cleaning. However, ammonia can sometimes cause burning in the eyes and throat, so try to use gloves and goggles and work in a ventilated space if using ammonia to clean your platinum diamond ring.
Before using ammonia, make sure that your ring doesn’t contain soft gemstones. While diamonds are hard enough not to be damaged by ammonia, ammonia can damage soft gemstones.
To make an ammonia-cleaning solution, dilute 1 to 2 parts water with 1 part ammonia in a container. Allow your platinum diamond ring to soak for 20 to 30 minutes in the solution. Using gloves, take the ring out and give it a good clean with a soft toothbrush to remove all clinging grime. You can opt to wash it in soap and water or just give it a good rinse under running water to remove all the solution. Dry the ring well before wearing it.
Avoid Using Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaners
Although ultrasonic jewelry cleaners are a convenient way to quickly and easily clean your jewelry, you have to take care when gemstones are involved. Platinum mountings are very hard and generally hold the diamond securely. However, if there is an error in workmanship or a prong is slightly weakened, the agitation and vibrations of an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner can loosen or even dislodge the diamond from its setting. Settings such as pave are especially vulnerable as they have lots of little diamonds that could easily get loose and fall out.
Also, since most diamonds have inclusions, however miniscule, the ultrasonic jewelry cleaner can accentuate these flaws and even cause the stone to crack. It’s better not to take the risk when it comes to your valuable platinum diamond ring.
If you do wish to use an ultrasonic cleaner, ensure that the diamond is an untreated stone without any inclusions and that the setting of your ring is in ideal condition. If in doubt, check with your jeweler whether the ring is safe for use in an ultrasonic cleaner.
Avoid Harmful Chemicals
Avoid using harsh chemicals to clean your platinum diamond ring as these can break down the base metals in the ring and can also stain or spot the metal. Chemicals such as bleach, acetone or chlorine are harmful for jewelry in general. Also avoid abrasive cleaners such as toothpaste or powdered cleaners. These can scratch your platinum and affect its luster. Always take off your platinum diamond ring when swimming or cleaning to avoid exposure to chemicals.
If you are choosing a commercial jewelry cleaner, select one that does not have harmful chemicals and will gently clean your ring. Click here to check a recommended commercial cleaner for platinum and diamonds.
Platinum and Scratches
Like all other precious metals, platinum acquires scratches over time. However, unlike other metals, platinum doesn’t lose any metal when it is scratched. This is due to the dense structure of platinum, which when scratched simply makes way for the slight gouge. The benefit of this is that your platinum ring will weigh the same regardless of the scratches it receives or the polishing it requires.
Platinum’s Patina
Over time, these tiny scratches on the surface of platinum create a matte luster, known as a patina. As light interacts with the tiny scratches on the ring’s surface, it makes the metal appear darker and reduces its luster. Some people desire this patina as it gives the ring depth and character. Others prefer to have the ring smooth and lustrous. Restoring platinum to its original luster will require a professional service.
You can have your jeweler give the ring a professional buff, to smoothen its surface back to a sleek shine. You can also opt to have your ring coated in rhodium, for a higher reflective luster. However, whichever option you choose, platinum will need to be re-polished or re-plated every 6 to 12 months.
Tips for Caring for Your Platinum Diamond Ring
When storing your platinum diamond ring, always ensure that it is stored in a dry place in a separate pouch or fabric-lined box. This will keep the ring from getting scratched and damaged by other items.
Always remember to remove your ring when engaging in physical or outdoor activities, such as gardening, cleaning, or any rough work. This will also keep it free from accumulating dirt and grime as well as protect the diamond from any impact. After applying makeup, body lotions, or sprays, give your ring a wipe to get rid of any oily residue.
Take your ring to a jeweler at least once a year to check that the setting is secure and that there is no danger of the diamond falling out. Most jewelers offer an annual free cleaning service as part of their after-sales policy so take advantage of this and have a professional clean for your ring.
