How do I clean the inside of a ring band where residue builds up?

ZKZ Editorial TeamMain answer · Product & gemmology desk

Soak the ring in warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap, brush the inside gently with a new soft brush or a cotton swab, rinse in a bowl, and dry thoroughly with a soft lint-free cloth. Avoid abrasives such as baking soda, and avoid pushing hard under the stone. Wipe the band after each wear so that residue does not build up.

What the film is

Fact IGI says that sweat, skin oils, soap and dust can build up on diamonds and other gems, and that wiping pieces with a cloth before and after wear helps, with cleaning at regular intervals. It says you can clean diamond jewelry with a soft brush dipped in warm water and a mild detergent.

Our advice The inside of a band touches your skin all day, so it collects sweat, lotion, soap and skin cells. On silver, this can mix with tarnish and look grey or dark.

Step by step

1. Prepare. Work over a bowl, not an open sink.
2. Soak. Put the ring in warm, not hot, water with a few drops of mild dish soap for a few minutes.
3. Brush. Use a new, baby-size, soft toothbrush or a cotton swab. Clean the inside of the band, the sides and the area under the stone from the back, with small gentle strokes.
4. Rinse. Place the ring in a second bowl of clean, lukewarm water. GIA advises rinsing in a glass of water and not directly in the sink, to avoid losing loose stones.
5. Dry. Pat dry with a soft cloth, taking care not to snag the prongs on fibres.
6. Check. Look at the ring and listen for a rattle.

What to avoid

Fact Jewelers Mutual advises against abrasives such as baking soda, which can scratch metals, and against old toothbrushes, which can carry toothpaste residue.

• Toothpicks or pins, which can scratch the metal and catch the prongs.
• Hot water, which can shock some stones. Jewelers Mutual says to use warm, not hot, water.
• Strong chemicals and bleach. GIA says chemicals can damage or discolour precious metals including silver.

Tarnish inside the band

Our advice A plain tarnish mark inside the band is cosmetic. A polishing cloth for silver can brighten the outer surface, but avoid rubbing the area near the stone, and do not use one on plated jewelry unless the seller says it is safe.

When to ask a jeweler

• The film will not come off.
• The ring has a closed back, and you cannot reach under the stone.
• You see green or black marks on your skin, a rash or irritation. If the skin is irritated, take the ring off and see a doctor if it does not settle.

It depends How often you need to clean depends on how much you wear the ring, your skin, and what you use on your hands. Some people clean weekly, and others monthly.

Related reading: Resizing and Maintaining a Lab Diamond Ring · Sterling Silver Rings: How to Choose a Ring That Lasts

Sources

• IGI, Never do this with your jewelry
• Jewelers Mutual, Using a homemade jewelry cleaner? Avoid these 3
• GIA, Tips on caring for jewelry

Fact = stated by the cited source. Our advice = editorial recommendation. Uncertain / it depends = limits of what can be said in general.