Care guide

How to Care for Your Engagement Ring

A diamond ring is made to be worn every day — and a little care keeps it sparkling for a lifetime. Here’s how to clean it safely, when to take it off, and when to let a jeweller take a look.

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Close-up of a sparkling round diamond solitaire engagement ring on blue velvet

By Primo Diamonds

Updated 6 min read

Aftercare

Why rings lose their sparkle

Diamonds attract oils from skin, hand cream, soap and everyday dust. A thin film builds up on the underside of the stone, where light enters, and the diamond starts to look dull. The good news: a gentle clean brings it straight back.

At home

How to clean your ring at home

Every couple of weeks is plenty. You’ll need warm water, mild washing-up liquid, a soft toothbrush and a lint-free cloth.

  1. Soak

    Place the ring in a small bowl of warm water with a few drops of mild washing-up liquid for 15–20 minutes.

  2. Brush gently

    Use a soft toothbrush to clean around the claws and under the diamond, where dirt collects.

  3. Rinse

    Rinse under warm running water. Close the sink plug or use a bowl so the ring can’t slip away.

  4. Dry

    Pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid paper towels, which can leave fibres in the setting.

TipNever use toothpaste, bleach, baking soda or abrasive cleaners — they can scratch metal and damage settings.

Diamond solitaire engagement ring resting on white lace

Everyday wear

When to take your ring off

Diamonds are hard, but they can still chip with a sharp knock, and claws can bend or catch. Take your ring off for:

  • The gym and sportweights and equipment can bend claws or the band
  • Gardening, DIY and heavy cleaninggrit and knocks are the most common causes of damage
  • Swimmingchlorine can harm gold alloys, and cold water shrinks fingers so rings slip off more easily
  • Applying lotions, hand cream or sun creamthey build up behind the diamond
  • Household chemicalsbleach and strong cleaners can damage metal
  • Sleepingclaws can catch on bedding and hair

TipKeep a small ring dish by the sink and bedside, so your ring always has a safe place to go.

Two rings resting in a small decorative ring tray beside a glass candlestick

Storage

How to store your ring

  • Store it on its own in a soft pouch or a separate compartment of a lined jewellery box — diamonds can scratch other jewellery, and each other.
  • Keep it away from bathroom sinks and edges of surfaces.
  • When travelling, use a small padded ring box and keep it in your hand luggage.
Open travel jewellery box with separate compartments for rings, earrings and necklaces

Know your ring

Care tips for your metal and setting

01

Platinum

Develops a soft patina with wear. A professional polish restores a high shine whenever you like.

02

White gold

Its rhodium plating softens over time. Re-plating brings back the bright white finish, typically every year or two.

03

Yellow and rose gold

Keep their colour; an occasional professional polish removes fine surface scratches.

04

Halo and pavé

Small diamonds are set closely together. Clean gently and have the setting checked regularly.

05

Solitaire claws

Claws hold your diamond. If one catches on clothing, have it checked straight away.

06

Eternity and diamond bands

Diamonds all the way round can be knocked more easily. Take extra care with hard surfaces.

Read the ring metals guide

Professional care

Have your ring checked once a year

Claws and settings wear slowly with daily life, so it’s worth having your ring looked over by a jeweller about once a year. Bring it in sooner if you notice:

  • The diamond moves, rattles or makes a clicking sound
  • A claw catches on clothing or hair, or looks bent or flattened
  • The band looks thinner, misshapen or no longer round
  • A small diamond is missing from a pavé or halo setting
  • The ring has become uncomfortable or loose

[CLIENT TO CONFIRM: aftercare offer — e.g. “Primo rings include complimentary cleaning and inspection in our Hatton Garden showroom” / lifetime warranty details.]

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Gemmologist inspecting a diamond through a loupe

Peace of mind

Insure your ring

Add your ring to your home contents insurance or take out a specialist jewellery policy as soon as you have it — ideally before the proposal. Keep your diamond certificate and receipt somewhere safe, and update your valuation every few years.

[CLIENT TO CONFIRM: do you provide an insurance valuation with each ring?]

Diamond engagement ring in an open ivory ring box on draped fabric

Questions

Frequently asked questions

How often should I clean my engagement ring?

A gentle clean at home every couple of weeks keeps it sparkling, with a professional clean and check about once a year.

Can I use an ultrasonic cleaner at home?

They’re usually fine for diamonds in secure settings, but they can loosen worn claws and aren’t suitable for some gemstones. If in doubt, ask us first.

Can I wear my ring in the shower?

It won’t harm the diamond, but soap builds up behind the stone and wet fingers make rings easier to lose. It’s best to take it off.

Can a diamond chip or break?

Diamonds are the hardest natural material, but a sharp knock at the right angle can chip one, especially on pointed shapes like pear and marquise.

Why does my white gold ring look yellow?

The rhodium plating has worn. Re-plating restores the bright white finish.

Do you clean rings bought from Primo?

[CLIENT TO CONFIRM]

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Related guides

Bring it in for a sparkle

Visit our Hatton Garden showroom for a professional clean and a check of the claws and setting — quick, careful and with no pressure.

Book a ring check