The short answer: clean pavé and tight settings by soaking the piece in warm soapy water and brushing gently with a soft brush, avoiding harsh chemicals and strong ultrasonic cleaning. The many small stones and claws hold dirt, so regular gentle cleaning matters.
Pavé settings, with rows of tiny stones, and tight settings catch grease. Gentle care keeps them bright and safe.
Why they get dirty
Small stones sit close together with small gaps beneath. Lotion, soap and oils collect in those gaps.
Step by step
- Fill a bowl with warm water and a drop of mild washing up liquid.
- Soak the ring for about 20 minutes.
- Use a very soft toothbrush to clean around the stones.
- Rinse in clean warm water over a bowl.
- Dry with a lint free cloth.
Be gentle
| Do | Do not |
|---|---|
| Use a soft brush | Use a stiff brush |
| Use mild soap | Use bleach or strong chemicals |
| Handle the band | Press on the stones |
Ultrasonic cleaners
Ultrasonic cleaners can loosen small stones in pavé settings. Ask a jeweller before using one.
Products to avoid
Some household products can damage metal or stones. Avoid bleach, chlorine, ammonia based cleaners, toothpaste and abrasive powders, which can scratch metal or dull a finish. Jewellery dips that promise instant shine can be harsh on some stones and treated gems. Mild washing up liquid and warm water clean safely, and they are all most rings need.
Check the stones
After cleaning, look for any stone that seems to move or looks missing. Tiny stones can be lost if claws wear. Take the ring to a jeweller if you see a gap.
Bands and eternity rings
Full eternity bands can be harder to clean inside. A soft brush helps. See wedding and eternity rings.
Drying properly
Water can sit between small stones and under the band, so dry the ring carefully. Pat it with a lint free cloth and let it air dry for a few minutes before you wear it, which also helps avoid a damp ring causing skin irritation.
Where to clean
Always clean over a bowl or a towel in the sink, never over an open drain. A tiny stone that falls out can be easy to lose. Keep a small lidded container nearby, in case a stone comes loose.
Coloured stones in pavé
Pavé rings with coloured stones, such as emeralds, opals or treated gems, need even gentler care. Skip long soaks for stones that dislike water, and ask us about the safest method for the stones in your ring.
How often
Gentle cleaning weekly keeps stones bright, and a professional check every year or two is sensible for a ring worn daily. A ring with many small stones benefits from checks more often.
Planning a new pavé ring
If you are designing a new ring and love the look of pavé, tell us how often you will wear it and what your hands do day to day. We can suggest where pavé suits the design and where a plain surface would help, so the ring is easy to keep clean. Nothing is made until you approve the design in writing, and our standard making time is 5 to 6 weeks, which can vary with your location and how busy we are. Pieces start from £600.
See why your diamond looks cloudy, what happens at a ring service appointment and hand cream, sunscreen and ring film.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a steam cleaner? Ask a jeweller first.
What if a stone falls out? Keep it safe and bring the ring in.
Is pavé fragile? It needs gentle care.
Is toothpaste safe for cleaning a ring? No, it is abrasive and can scratch metal.
Can I order a pavé ring from overseas? Yes, by video consultation, with insured, tracked FedEx delivery.