Time can be a funny thing. While you may find it impossible to look away from the sparkler on your finger when you’re newly engaged, after a wedding, honeymoon, and even a baby or two, you may find yourself treating your ring like an extension of your finger itself. But your ring deserves its own tender, loving, care. And if you’ve glanced down to find a dull diamond or gemstone, it may be time for a cleaning. Luckily, you don’t need to spend buco bucks to get your engagement ring looking as good as new…you can easily clean your engagement ring at home for a fraction of the cost. So read on and discover how to clean and maintain your engagement ring like the pros.

DO ENGAGEMENT RINGS REALLY NEED TO BE CLEANED?

Absolutely! Like anything else, your engagement ring can pick up and hold on to dirt, grime, and germs. This is especially true for intricate settings with various nooks and crannies that provide the perfect pocket for dirt to nestle into. Dirt on your gemstone blocks the natural path of light as it enters and exits your stone's facets. So that blindingly sparkly Moissanite or diamond you bought a year ago can appear duller than before.

But here's the catch, not all gemstones are equal in sparkle. What's more, not all will maintain their characteristic shine (or even color). So what's a clean freak to do? Well, understanding the basics of stone maintenance is a start to regular and appropriate cleanings. Consider the following guidelines for each gemstone type.

TIER 1: GEMSTONES RANKED 9 to 10 ON THE MOHS SCALE

Ok, when it comes to discussing the hardiness and durability of gemstones, we have to talk about the Mohs Scale. You know, that pesky little scale that measures up just how durable your gemstone really is. But why does it matter? Well, primarily because the score of your stone will determine how rough and tumble you can be with it, and what to look out for when cleaning it.

DIAMONDS

The most common gemstone for engagement rings, diamonds, are strong. Like, seriously strong. They rank a perfect 10 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, and can withstand regular cleanings. Diamonds can appear cloudy with time-but this is usually due to dirty diamonds, not wear and tear of your ring. As we mention above, a diamond sparkles because of the way light enters and exits its facets. If a diamond is improperly cut, or contains inclusions that naturally block or half-hazardly reflect light, your diamond will not be as sparkly. However, inclusions don’t magically appear in diamonds. So be sure to check your diamond’s certification for a clarity and cut grade so you can understand just how sparkly your diamond can and should be.

MOISSANITE

Psych! Bet you thought the picture above was a diamond. Moissanite and diamond are very closely related gemstones. In fact, they are nearly impossible to tell apart save for the fact that moissanite displays more colorful sparkle than the white bright light of diamonds. Because of these similarities, treat and care for Moissanite as frequently as you would a diamond. They can take it.

SAPPHIRES

A solid 9 on the Mohs Scale, sapphire engagement rings also benefit from frequent cleaning and maintenance. Additionally, sapphires maintain their color exceptionally well. Just be sure to be cautious with Padparadscha sapphires from Ambatondrazaka, Madagascar as these stones can react to long-wave UV exposure by slightly fading over time.

RUBIES

Believe it or not, a ruby is the same type of gemstone as a sapphire. The only difference is the presence of red in the stone. If your corundum is more red than pink, it’s a ruby. If it’s more pink than red, it’s a pink sapphire.

HOW TO CLEAN DIAMOND, MOISSANITE, SAPPHIRE, AND RUBY ENGAGEMENT RINGS

For any of the above, your engagement ring would benefit from a monthly cleaning. All you need is a soft bristled toothbrush and warm, soapy water. Be sure to pat your ring dry with a soft cloth - we love microfiber. While fun to watch, you don’t need an ultrasonic cleaner for any of these rings, though it would do the job.

TIER 2: GEMSTONES RANKED 6 TO 8

The gemstones below are less durable than those ranked 9 and 10 on the scale. What’s more, they can also change colors after long term UV exposure. But don’t worry, as long as you keep a cool head you can maintain these stones for years to come!

TOPAZ

Topaz shines bright on the gemstone stage, boasting an impressive 8 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. This durability makes it a solid choice for everyday wear, including those special engagement rings. But, topaz comes with a care memo: protect it from harsh chemicals during cleaning to preserve its dazzling array of colors, from sunny yellows to deep blues. Unlike diamonds, which can get cloudy from surface grime, topaz's worst enemy is rough handling that could lead to chips or cracks. With mindful care, the color stability of topaz remains steadfast, ensuring your gem keeps turning heads with its captivating hues.

BERYL (AQUAMARINE, EMERALD, MORGANITE)

Beryl buddies like aquamarine, emerald, and morganite are pretty robust, sitting cool between 7.5 and 8 on the Mohs Scale, which means you can rock them day in, day out. But remember, they're not invincible—they hate roughhousing and beauty products that can mess with their mojo. Each of these gems has its own signature swag: aquamarine with its chill ocean vibes, emerald rocking that rich green like it owns it, and morganite with a peachy glow that's just peachy. Here's the thing, though, keep them out of the sunbathing club because their colors can dip. Emeralds especially need that TLC to keep their green game strong

AMETHYST

Ranking a 7 on the Mohs Scale, amethyst can be worn very frequently…with care. This is because, despite its decent hardness, amethyst requires protection from sharp blows and extreme temperature changes to maintain its royal beauty. Known for its mesmerizing shades of purple, from delicate lilac to deep violet, amethyst brings a touch of elegance to any engagement ring. However, its color can fade if exposed too long to direct sunlight. So, while it resiliently withstands daily wear, pampering your amethyst with gentle cleanings and mindful storage will ensure its color and sparkle endure just as long as your love.

HOW TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN TIER 2 GEMSTONES

Stay away from ultrasonic cleaners, because these gemstones are more sensitive it’s best to not take any chances. Instead, clean your tier 2 gemstone with a soft bristled toothbrush and dish soap. Also, while annoying be sure to take your ring off when doing anything where you use your hands a lot. Or when traveling to places with temperature changes. Is it a super sunny day out? You may want to leave your ring at home, prolonged UV exposure can cause many gemstones in Tier 2 to fade over time.

TIER 3: GEMSTONES RANKED 3.5 TO 6

Alright, now we’re getting into the danger zone. And while we won’t tell you to not wear a gemstone ranked from 3.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale we will stress extreme caution.

LAPIS LAZULI AND TURQUOISE

These cool blue beauties, lapis lazuli, and turquoise, hang out in the 5-6 range on the Mohs scale, making them the tough kids of Tier 3 gemstones. But here's the scoop – their stunning colors can take a hit if they chill too long in the sun. And when it's bath time? Skip the harsh stuff like chlorine and those everyday cleaners. They can actually degrade the stone over time. Yikes.

MOONSTONE AND OPAL

Moonstone and opal are the softies of the gem world, with a Mohs score hovering around a delicate 5 to 6.5. Their shimmer? Pure magic. But like a secret whispered in the night, they need a little TLC to keep the sparkle going strong. Shield them from the sun because their hues can fade.And be sure to take these softies off unless you are absolutely sure your hand is safe from bumping into anything.

PEARL

Yes, we know Ariana Grande and Emma Stone had a pearl engagement ring, but we just can't recommend this beautiful stone for daily finger wear. Pearls, sitting softly at a 2.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale, are more delicate divas of the jewelry world. Their luster is legendary but can dull without proper love. Keep them away from acids like vinegar and lemons, and definitely dodge the cosmetics aisle—perfume and hairspray are not their friends.

HOW TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN TIER 3 GEMSTONES

So you’ve decided to go for a tier 3 gemstone. We get it! They’re beautiful! To maintain them simply be sure to take them off and secure them safely when performing any unnecessary movements with your hands. Got a load of spring cleaning to do? Better secure them away. Traveling for the day? Into the jewelry box they go. To clean, simply wipe with a microfiber cloth, as submerging them could do more harm than good.

READY TO FIND YOUR DREAM RING?

Whether you’re looking for something subdued and shining that you wear on only special occasions, or a heavy-duty dazzler for you to rock on the daily, Olivia Ewing Jewelry is your go-to. With proper care, these pieces are designed to last you as long as your love. And with a variety of styles and stones, you can easily find the perfect piece to suit your style and budget.

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Meet the Author: Olivia Ewing