The short answer: hand cream, sunscreen and soap leave a thin film under and around the stone that makes it look dull, so take your ring off when you apply them, let them absorb, then put the ring back on. A gentle clean with warm soapy water removes the film.
A ring that looked bright when new can look flat after a few weeks. The cause is often a film, not damage.
What causes the film
- Hand cream and moisturiser.
- Sunscreen, especially thick creams.
- Soap and shampoo residue.
- Natural skin oils.
These coat the underside of the stone and the metal, which cuts the light that returns through the diamond.
How to avoid it
- Remove the ring before applying creams.
- Wait until the product is absorbed.
- Put the ring on afterwards.
Where to put the ring while you apply cream
The moment the ring comes off is when it is most likely to be lost. Choose one safe place and always use it: a small dish on the bedside table, a ring cone by the bathroom basin, or a zipped pocket in your bag when you are out. Never rest a ring on the edge of a basin or on a beach towel. When travelling, a small hard case clipped inside a bag is safer than a pocket. Our guide to travel storage for rings has more ideas.
How to clean it
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| Soak | Warm water with a drop of mild washing up liquid, for about 20 minutes. |
| Brush | Use a soft toothbrush, especially under the stone. |
| Rinse | Use clean warm water, over a bowl, not an open drain. |
| Dry | Pat with a lint free cloth. |
What to avoid
- Bleach and strong chemicals.
- Abrasive powders.
- Ultrasonic cleaners for stones that need care, such as emerald.
Sunscreen on holiday
On a beach holiday you may apply sunscreen several times a day, and sand sticks to it. That combination builds up fast and can scratch metal. Many people leave the ring in the hotel safe for beach days, or wear it only in the evening. If you do wear it, rinse it in fresh water at the end of the day. See beach holiday ring care.
Why the underside matters
Light enters a diamond through the top and bounces back from the facets underneath. When the underside is coated, some of that light escapes, and the stone looks greyer and less lively. Open back settings and low profile settings make cleaning easier, because you can reach the underside with a brush.
Different stones
Diamonds and sapphires are robust. Emeralds, opals and other softer stones need gentler handling. See emerald oil, jardin and clarity.
When to see us
If cleaning does not restore the sparkle, the stone may be loose or the setting worn. Contact us and we can talk through what to check. Ask us about a check if you have not had your ring looked at in a year.
See why your diamond looks cloudy and cleaning pave and tight settings.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Can sunscreen damage my ring? It mostly leaves a film, which can be cleaned.
How often should I clean it? Many people clean weekly.
Do lab grown diamonds need different care? No, they are cleaned the same way.
Should I wear my ring on the beach? Many people leave it in the hotel safe on beach days.
Can I use a jewellery cleaning cloth? A soft, lint free cloth is fine for drying and polishing the metal gently.