Start your toothbrush

Taking care of fine diamond jewelry is simpler than many people think.

Dissolve a few drops of dish washing liquid (any brand) in a cup of warm water. In addition you can add a drop of regular household ammonia to the solution. Diamond jewelry could be pre-soaked overnight (not emeralds) if you didn't clean it for a while.

• Brush your engagement ring gently with a soft toothbrush. It's more important to brush your ring from inside, not on top.
• Try to get under the stones without pushing them. After brushing just rinse with water and dry with a hair dryer or paper towel.
• Depending on your lifestyle, skin type, use of oils, lotions and cosmetics you might want to repeat the cleaning routine once or twice a month. Routine cleaning as opposed to occasional (even thorough) brushing will bring the best results.

Ultrasound

Small ultrasonic is good for cleaning fine jewelry. You have to be careful when using it on fine jewelry set with small stones (pavé, micro pavé). Although underpowered, it might dislodge small stones when used for too long. You do not have the experience and tools to check every stone after washing.

Even if you notice a loose or missing stone, there is nothing you can do about it. We check every piece of jewelry under a microscope and secure loose stones every time we clean a finished piece in the ultrasonic.

Cleaning pearls

To clean a string of beads or pearls:

• Take a soft cloth and wipe dirt and residue off the beads. Never immerse in the water because the knots and strings could weaken.
• Once a year you might want to have your jewelry cleaned and checked by a professional. If you prefer to go to a local fine jewelry store please warn them about their responsibility to look for loose or displaced stones after cleaning and before they hand it back to you.
  
  

Innovative

Some cleaning methods reported by customers:

"Let your jewelry sit at least overnight in a container of cheap plain vodka. Remove from the vodka and dry with a paper towel. You may keep the vodka and use it some other time or serve it in a martini glass when he returns from the bachelor party." - Brian T.

"Fill a bowl with hot water. Place a small amount of toothpaste (not gel) on the toothbrush. Lightly brush the face, sides and underneath of the diamond placing the toothbrush in the warm water occasionally to moisten the bristles. Rinse the toothbrush and return it to his side of the sink. Dry your ring with a soft tissue." - Kirsten C.

"Place your engagement ring on a paper towel. Spray Windex on the ring, turning it over to saturate evenly. Be sure to spray the underside as well. Wait for a few minutes. Spray a toothbrush with Windex. Brush the ring. Rinse. Dry." - Anonymous

"Add about two cups of water to a corning ware dish pan and bring to a boil. Add an ounce of ammonia. Bring heat down to a simmer, and then place the diamond ring in the simmering solution for 10 minutes. Remove the diamond ring with tongs, and let it cool to the touch. Rinse with clean water." - Hui H.

"Holding your ring firmly with a pair of wooden chopsticks open the steam valve on you espresso maker and carefully steam the ring turning it in every direction. Let it cool for few seconds, and then rinse it with bottled water." -  Armen P.

"Mix warm water, a splash of vinegar and a few drops of dish-washing liquid. Mix until the top surface is covered with thick foam. Soak your jewelry for at least 10 minutes. Using a soft toothbrush, carefully scrub all surfaces. Rinse under warm water and shake off excess water. Dry with a blow drier on a sheet of a paper towel." - Kent L.