No, you should not use vinegar to clean diamonds because its acidity can damage the metal setting (gold, platinum, silver) and potentially harm certain treated diamonds, even if vinegar won't etch the diamond stone itself; instead, use mild dish soap, warm water, and a soft brush for a safe, effective shine, say experts. While some DIY methods mention vinegar, jewelers strongly advise against it due to the risk to the ring's metal parts.
Not a chance. Vinegar could never etch or damage a diamond. Vinegar is acidic, and it will dissolve many things including some gemstones. But it is commonly used for cleaning diamonds. Generally diluted, but that might be more to prevent damage to the metal in the ring.
A simple plan to keep your diamond jewelry looking beautiful is to soak it in a gentle degreasing solution, such as water with a few drops of mild dish soap, once or twice a week.
Yes, you can use a mixture of mild dish soap and seltzer water or an ammonia-based household cleaner to bring back the sparkle in your diamonds.
Take a half a cup of white vinegar and mix it with two tablespoons of baking soda in a shallow bowl. After mixing the solution so that the baking soda is dissolved well, you can place your jewelry in the bowl and leave it there for 2 to 3 hours. When your jewels are nice and clean, rinse them and dry with a cloth.
Some jewelers use ultrasonic cleaners with high-frequency sound waves and cleaning solutions that create bubbles that latch on to the dirt on the diamond. The sound waves release the dirt from the diamond. Steam cleaning is the final step in jewelry cleaning that reveals your diamond's brilliance.
Products to Avoid When Cleaning Jewelry
Optimal Light Performance
Light entering the diamond is reflected and refracted multiple times before exiting, creating a dazzling interplay of light and color. This interplay, known as brilliance and fire, is what gives the round brilliant cut its unmatched sparkle.
How to Get Your Diamond to Sparkle Again
When it comes to cleaning your diamond engagement ring, there's a persistent myth that you should use toothpaste. Let's set the record straight: toothpaste is for your teeth, not your diamonds! This common misconception can actually do more harm than good.
The "3-month ring rule" is an outdated marketing guideline suggesting spending the equivalent of three months' salary on an engagement ring, a concept created by De Beers to boost diamond sales, evolving from earlier one and two-month suggestions. Today, it's widely seen as a myth, with most couples prioritizing personal financial comfort, open communication, and meaningful choices over this arbitrary rule.
A cloudy or dark-looking diamond doesn't always mean the stone is ruined. In most cases, it's a simple cleaning issue or residue buildup—both fixable. However, in rare cases involving heat damage or clarity issues, professional help may be needed.
You should never use vinegar to clean your jewellery – it may be a great cleaning substance at home, but vinegar is not recommended for cleaning jewellery, especially precious metals like silver and gold. Vinegar is acidic and can damage the finish, patina, or any gemstones in your precious pieces.
Cleaning jewelry with vinegar
Add your jewels to a shallow bowl of white vinegar and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Swish the pieces around occasionally, making sure all the metal is coated. Remove your pieces and gently scrub them with a soft toothbrush before rinsing and leaving to dry.
Why Does My Diamond Look Cloudy? Natural Inclusions – tiny internal flaws that affect brilliance. Residue Build-up – oils, soap, and lotions making diamonds look hazy. Poor Cut Quality – even a high-clarity diamond can look dull if poorly cut.
Don't use Windex, vinegar, baking soda, or peroxide.
Vinegar is too acidic and can damage jewelry, too. Baking soda won't remove grease or grime, and worse, it can scratch softer metals and get stuck in small spaces. Hydrogen peroxide works great as an antiseptic and mouthwash, but not on diamonds.
Common Reasons Your Diamond Lost Its Sparkle
The most frequent culprits include everyday dirt and oils, improper cleaning methods, damage to the setting, or even environmental factors. Even the highest quality princess cut or round brilliant diamond can appear dull if not properly maintained.
Diamonds: The ultimate tough guy of the gemstone world, diamonds are unphased by rubbing alcohol. In fact, a solution with alcohol can help dissolve the lotions and oils that love to cling to your engagement ring, restoring its legendary fire and brilliance.
The Moussaieff Red Diamond
Weighing 5.11 carats, this is the largest known red diamond, making it exceptionally rare. Red is the rarest color classification for diamonds, and stones of this size and purity are virtually unheard of.
Can Diamonds Withstand Everyday Wear? Diamonds are the only gemstones to score a ten on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Their impressive durability is one reason diamonds are perfect for everyday jewelry.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not expose your jewelry to bleach, chlorine, or other strong chemicals that can damage the metal and dull the diamonds. Don't Use Abrasive Cleaners: Abrasive materials like toothpaste or scrubbing pads can scratch the metal and even damage some gemstones.