Diamonds are often marketed as able to last a lifetime, but without proper care, any ring can be prone to dullness, scratches and loose settings. From professional cleaning to home remedies, Melbourne Wedding & Bride discovers the many easy ways you can look after your wedding set to ensure an everyday shine.

Lather, Rinse, Repeat

Over time, you’ll notice that your beautiful diamond engagement ring has started to look a little lacklustre. Caused by a build-up of unavoidable contaminants like dirt, soap, and moisturiser, the grime on your ring can be difficult to remove without a professional. Luckily, most jewellery stores, including Temelli Jewellers, have a free jewellery-cleaning service, which offers its customers a complimentary clean as frequently as every fortnight. “The service takes 15 to 20 minutes and keeps diamonds looking shiny and reflective,” Temelli says. “I recommend a full clean, polish and check of jewellery at least once every two years.”

If you don’t have time to regularly have your rings cleaned, it’s best to go to a professional every couple of years for a deep clean and assessment. “The process involves removing scratches from the pieces and providing a deep clean and polish to make them look brand new,” Temelli says. “Our white-gold rings have a rhodium protective plating that is also reapplied to bring it back to its original shine.”

At-Home Care

If you’ve spilt anything on your ring, such as moisturiser or foundation, it’s worth knowing how to bring back its sparkle without having to run into your jeweller. Temelli suggests investing in at-home cleaning equipment, with Temelli Jewellery’s kits ranging from $25 to $195.

If you need a fast yet safe solution, simply submerge your ring in a concoction of warm water and dish soap, and scrub it gently with a soft toothbrush. It’s important not to clean your rings with anything abrasive as it can cause scratches on the band and gems.

While a simple toothbrush may work wonders on everyday spills, it won’t be enough to get rid of built-up grime. For this, Temelli suggests investing in an ultrasonic jewellery cleaner, which works by sending soft vibrations through the water to shake out any deep-set dirt. It’s important to note that it’s possible for the machine’s vibrations to dislodge gems if they have loose settings, so it’s always best to go to a professional.

In The Prong

A standard clean is a great way to keep your diamonds shining brightly. However, it’s equally as important to maintain the band and its settings to ensure your ring will last a lifetime.

While your rings may be of outstanding quality, everyday activities can knock even the sturdiest of bands out of place. Temelli advises that it’s best to remove your jewellery when doing any hands-on activities. Positioning a ring dish above the sink or in the bathroom will give you a safe place to put your priceless jewels while doing the dishes or taking a shower. If you’re fond of going to the gym or the pool, pack a small container in your bag to keep your ring safe. “It’s always best to take rings off when doing any activity where the ring can be badly hit,” he says. “If any diamonds seem loose or any claws seem damaged, it’s best to have this checked by a jeweller immediately.”