We all know diamond rings are supposed to be bright, sparkling, and beautiful. However, even the most beautiful diamond can become dull and lose its luster over time. A lifeless diamond ring is no fun to wear, and worse, it could devalue your investment.
Your diamond ring can look so dull due to a buildup of body oils and cosmetics. Other reasons are dust, diamond inclusions, chipped jewelry, and poor cuts. Cleaning your diamonds with dish soap and warm water should restore their luster. Ensure you get them professionally cleaned every six months.
This article will examine why your diamond ring looks dull and how to restore its radiance in more detail. Let’s get started!
Here’s Why Your Diamonds Look Dull
There are several reasons why your diamonds look duller than the first time you purchased them. The radiance may be clouded by dirt, other substances, or even some wear and tear. Here are potential reasons for the dullness of your diamonds.
Build Up of Oils and Lotion
Diamonds are strong and durable, but a build-up of oils and lotions affects a diamond’s brilliance. While lotions may be necessary to maintain your skin, the excess may get on your diamonds, dulling their luster.
Avoid applying lotion and oils while wearing your ring. This will lessen the chance of buildup on the stone.
Dust Can Make Your Diamond Ring Look Dull
The smallest amount of dust can cause your diamond to lose its brilliance. Dust and dirt easily accumulate on your diamonds, especially if they’re stored incorrectly. The layer of dust interferes with the way light reflects from the stone, making it appear dull.
Diamond Inclusions and Their Effect on Luster
Tiny blemishes within a diamond are called inclusions. They can block light from reflecting through the stone, making it appear less brilliant.
Inclusions are formed when high pressure and heat transform carbon into diamonds. When purchasing jewelry, it is essential to consider inclusions, as they can affect a diamond’s clarity and overall appearance. Additionally, these flaws can significantly impact a diamond’s value.
Cracks or Chips on Your Diamonds
Although diamonds are the most durable gemstone, they’re not indestructible. They can be chipped or cracked during normal wear or by a sudden, sharp blow. A chip in your diamond ring can also be one of the reasons why your jewelry appears hazy.
Chips are dangerous because they affect the overall structure of your diamonds. A chip can expand, becoming a crack that further affects the brilliance of the stone.
Some Ways to Remove Cloudiness From Diamonds
You can take steps to bring back your ring’s luster. The following are some easy cleaning methods for cloudy diamonds:
Mild Dish Soap and Warm Water Combo
- Mix warm water with a drop of mild dish soap.
- Soak your diamond jewelry in water for a few minutes, then use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean any remaining grime.
- Rinse the jewelry with warm water.
- Dry the jewelry with a soft cloth like a microfiber cloth.
Note: Soaking your jewelry for too long can loosen the glue and cause settings to fall out. Seek professional help if the dirt is too tough to remove.
Ammonia and Dish Soap
If you’re confident about your cleaning abilities, as well as the strength of your mountings, you can consider using ammonia to clean your jewelry.
- Add 1/4 cup (59 ml) of ammonia to 1 cup (250 mL) of water.
- Soak your ring for about 30 minutes, then brush it with a soft toothbrush. Be gentle when brushing, so you don’t damage the setting.
- Rinse, then dry your jewelry as normal.
Note: Avoid air drying your jewelry because it can leave unappealing stains on your treasured piece.
If you’re looking for a jewelry cleaner, I recommend Sparkle Essentials Jewelry Cleaner Kit (from Amazon.com). This complete jewelry cleaning kit includes a solution, brush, and polishing cloth. This is a gentle cleaner for all types of jewelry.
Clean Diamond Ring With Baking Soda
Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that can help release stubborn dirt from your diamonds.
- Add water to baking soda to create a paste.
- Take your ring and gently scrub the paste onto the diamond. Use a toothbrush to reach any small crevices.
- Rinse and dry the diamonds with a soft cloth.
Want to learn how to make a simple yet effective cleaning solution using baking soda and water? Watch this quick and easy video tutorial.
Seek Professional Help
Getting your diamonds professionally cleaned at least every 6 months is recommended.
A trained jeweler can see if there are other problems with your ring that you may not have noticed. Plus, they will be able to clean your ring the best way possible, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally damaging your diamonds while cleaning.
Extra Steps To Care for Your Diamond Ring
Diamonds may be the toughest material on Earth, but they can still chip and scratch from too much wear and tear. Here are some instances when it’s advisable to let your ring take a break.
- Playing sports: Rigorous activities like sports can put your ring at risk for chips and scratches. Activities like rock climbing, hiking, and contact sports are especially risky for your ring. Keep your jewelry in a safe place before participating in these activities.
- Regular inspection: Inspect your diamond ring. Religiously check your diamond for any damage or loose stones. Checking for any damage will help you to prevent even bigger problems down the road.
Final Thoughts
There are many reasons why your diamond ring could look so dull. Substances like oils and lotion can cause a film to build up on your diamond, making it appear cloudy and less brilliant.
Diamond inclusions also affect how light is reflected in the stone, making it appear dull.
While you can’t do anything about the inclusions, caring for your diamonds and cleaning them regularly will keep the luster intact.
If you found this article useful, make sure you save this pin below to your Jewelry board.
