So, you have a gorgeous lab-created diamond - beautiful, ethical, and flashy. But over time, you might find that it doesn't sparkle quite as much as it used to. Don't panic - this is completely natural. Over time, with wear, skin oils, and just life, your stone may become less brilliant. The great news is, learning how to clean lab-created diamonds is simple, and you don't have to use a special method to maintain their sparkly, flawless appearance.
Whether it’s a ring, a necklace, or even your favorite pair of lab created diamond earrings, keeping that sparkle alive just takes a few simple steps.
Let's go through some fast, simple ways to get your diamond's brilliance back to that fresh out-of-the-box sparkle.
How to Clean Lab-Grown Diamonds at Home
The easiest and safest way to clean your lab-created diamonds? Soap, water, and a toothbrush.
Here's how to do it:
1. Fill a bowl with warm (not hot!) water.
2. Add a few drops of mild dish soap.
3. Place your jewelry in a bowl and after 15 - 20 minutes, take it out.
4. With a soft toothbrush, clean around the diamond and the setting.
5. Rinse with warm water and dry with a soft microfiber cloth.
That's all there is to it! This basic method works great for regular cleaning and is not harsh on either the stone or the setting.
Cleaning Solutions: For When You Want a Little Extra Shine
If you think your diamond could use a little extra shine, consider a gentle cleaning product - just double-check that it is safe for diamonds and safe for gold.
- Be careful to follow the instructions on the product.
- Use a soft toothbrush to clean the diamond.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth.
This tip is especially helpful for those who regularly wear their lab made diamond jewellery, as daily use can gradually dull the shine if not cleaned properly.
How Not to Clean Lab-Grown Diamonds (break the seal!)
It could be very tempting to grab some ammonia, bleach, or another harsh cleaning agent - don't. Many harsh chemicals will damage the gold setting and dull your diamond over time. Work only with gentle, non-abrasive soaps or jewellery-specific cleaning solutions!
Cleaning Lab-Created Diamonds with Ultrasonic Cleaners
Ultrasonic cleaners do work! They are a powerful way to clean — they use vibrations to physically shake off dirt and grime — but are not your best option for cleaning at home. The strong vibrations can also accidentally loosen your diamonds from their setting, depending on the situation.
If you’re caring for a lab grown diamond ring, it’s best to stick with gentler cleaning methods to protect both the stone and the setting.
If you use an ultrasonic cleaner, be sure to:
- Follow the instructions on the device from the manufacturer.
- Only use it occasionally. Keep it for periodic deep cleaning.
- Avoid using ultrasonic unless your jewellery has no significance (antique, fragile, micro-pavé, etc.).
Ways to Keep Your Lab Diamond Sparkling For Longer
Want to keep that new sparkle between cleans? Try these easy efforts:
- Remove your jewellery before applying lotion, perfume, or makeup. All of these can dull your sparkle.
- Keep your jewellery in a soft pouch or jewellery box. This will keep your diamonds from getting scratched or dusty.
- Rinse your stone quickly between wears. Give it a little splash of warm water now and then, and it will help keep your stone bright.
- Get a professional clean every once in a while. Your jeweller will be able to deep clean your stone and check to see if your prongs and setting are still in place.
Conclusion: Keep It Clean, Keep It Shining
Now that you know how to clean lab diamonds, it's easy to keep them looking great. Whether you rinse it quickly or clean it thoroughly, it doesn't take much to prevent the loss of brightness. If you can remember just one thing — whether you are learning how to clean lab diamonds or how to clean lab-created diamonds — the rules are the same: be gentle, don't forget to clean them often, and don't use harsh chemicals.
When you treat your diamond well, it will look beautiful, reflecting every moment of your life for many years!