When you wear your diamond ring, such as your engagement ring or wedding ring, on a daily basis, it comes into contact with various external factors. Exposure to for example, dust and oil-rich products means that the unique appearance of your diamond ring will fade. It is therefore very important to regularly maintain your jewel. How do I do that without damaging my ring?

String or dental-floss method  -  step-by-step

The dental-floss or thin-string method is a reliable, non-invasive way to remove a stuck ring when swelling is mild to moderate and circulation looks normal. Stop at once and get help if the finger becomes numb, pale or blue, or if pain increases sharply.

You will need:

• Waxed dental floss or a thin, smooth string
• A lubricant close by (soap, hand cream or cooking oil)
• A thin, blunt point (a rounded toothpick or the tip of a butter knife) to tuck the floss under the ring

Step-by-step procedure:

1) Check for red flags. If the finger is numb, pale or dark, or pain is severe, do not try home methods. Seek emergency help.

2) Reduce swelling first. Elevate the hand above the heart and apply cold for several minutes. Use a lubricant on the finger and the ring to ease movement.

3) Anchor the floss. Thread one end of the floss under the inner edge of the ring. If you cannot slide it under by hand, use the thin blunt point to lift the ring edge just enough to tuck the floss beneath.

4) Secure the free end. Hold the short end under the ring on the far side so it runs along the finger toward the fingertip.

5) Wrap tightly. Wind the long end of the floss in small, overlapping turns from the base of the finger toward the knuckle. Keep the turns close together, about 1–2 mm spacing, so the finger is gently compressed. Stop wrapping when you reach just past the knuckle or when wrapping becomes uncomfortable. Do not wrap so tightly that circulation is cut off.

6) Slide the ring off. With the short anchored end still under the ring, press the ring toward the knuckle with one hand. With the other hand, begin to unwind the long end of the floss nearest the ring, turn by turn. As you unwind, the compressed tissue will remain compacted and the ring should move forward over the knuckle.

7) Proceed slowly and calmly. If the ring does not budge after a few careful minutes, pause. Reapply lubricant, rest the finger elevated, and try once more. Avoid forcing the ring; repeated force risks damage and increased swelling.

Troubleshooting and safety notes:

• Stop immediately if numbness, increasing pain, or discoloration occurs. These signs point to impaired circulation and need prompt professional assessment.
• If wrapping becomes very painful or the finger looks swollen beyond the ring, do not continue. Seek urgent help from a jeweller, emergency department or rescue service.
• Do not use floss as a permanent tourniquet or leave it in place beyond the removal attempt.

When performed carefully, the wrap-and-unwind method often allows the ring to slide off without cutting, preserving the jewel. If it fails, professional removal is the next safe step.

How do you clean your diamond ring at home yourself?

A certain amount of caution is advised when cleaning your diamond ring. The idea that toothpaste is a good cleaning agent for diamonds is a myth and it can cause permanent damage. Instead, proceed as follows:

1. Add a small splash of ammonia to a bowl of lukewarm water.
2. Immerse your diamond ring for 10 to 20 minutes.
3. Brush the diamond with a soft toothbrush. However, avoid contact with the precious metal in order not to scratch it.
4. Dry the ring with a cloth for precious stones or another woven cloth.

In this two-minute video, discover two ways to clean and protect your diamond ring. Have your ring professionally checked and cleaned once a year.

How do you avoid scratches and damage?

The diamond is known as the hardest material on earth. However, this does not mean that you cannot damage your diamond ring. To protect your diamond ring from damage, you should follow these tips:

1. Do not wear your diamond ring during exercise or swimming.
2. Store your ring when you go to the beach..
3. Remove your ring when cleaning.
4. Store all your diamond jewellery separately in a soft cloth or bag.

For additional maintenance tips, contact the experts at BAUNAT via telephone, email or chat. 

Browse BAUNAT’s collection of engagement rings.

White gold is rhodium-plated for added protection, and to achieve that distinctive white sheen. That layer of rhodium is vulnerable, so you have to take care with rough surfaces, alcohol and other corrosive cleaning agents. To clean white gold, soak the jewellery in warm water with mild dishwashing liquid without ammonia and phosphates. Scrub gently with a soft toothbrush, and rinse in clean warm water. Dry your jewellery with a soft towel. If your white gold jewellery is set with diamonds or gemstones, take special care with the brush so as not to damage the stone.

• How can I protect my gold and diamonds?
• How can I clean my jewellery myself?
• What are my other options?

Your timeless gold jewellery set with diamonds adds the finishing touch to every outfit and radiates pure luxury. As long as they sparkle, they retain their special and classy appearance. But what if my jewellery has become a bit dull and lacklustre?  What if they are starting to lose their original shine? With the following tips from BAUNAT, your jewels will remain as new!

How can I protect my gold and diamonds?

The protection of your jewels starts with how you store them. You may not wear your white gold earrings with diamonds daily, but where do you store them when you are not wearing them? It is best to keep your diamond jewellery separate. As diamonds are the hardest gemstones in the world, a diamond can only be damaged by another diamond. To ensure they stay scratch-free, you should keep them in their original box, a soft pouch or an especially designed jewellery box. This way you also automatically protect your precious jewellery with rubies, sapphires, emeralds or other gemstones.

When they are not stored away, you should wear them with care. It is best to set your jewellery aside when swimming, showering, sleeping, gardening or working out. Also be careful to touch your diamond as little as possible. The oils and dirt on your skin can transfer onto your diamond and cause it to become dull.

How can I clean my jewellery myself?

You can easily clean your jewellery without running the risk of damaging it. It is perhaps easier than you think: gold, platinum, diamonds and gemstones can be cleaned with mild soapy water or ammoniac.

• How can I clean my gold and diamond jewellery with mild soapy water?

Dip your jewel in a bowl of lukewarm water, mixed with detergent and kitchen salt or soda. Polish it with a soft toothbrush and rinse with running lukewarm water. Pat the jewel dry with a soft, fibre free cloth. Do not use paper towels, as they could scratch your jewellery.

• How do I use ammoniac to clean my jewellery?

Place your jewel in a bowl containing 3 parts lukewarm water and 1 part ammoniac. Leave to soak for half an hour and polish your jewel with a soft toothbrush afterwards. Rinse with clear water and let dry.

But especially with white gold jewellery you need to be careful. White gold is made by mixing gold with other materials to form an alloy. On top of that, a rhodium layer is applied to give your white golden ring with a brilliant its sparkle. If you rub too hard, that rhodium layer could be damaged.

What are my other options?

What if I’d rather not clean my gold and diamonds myself or if I don’t have the time for it? You can always choose to have your jewels cleaned professionally. Jewellers can use an ultrasonic cleaner to give your jewels that perfect cleanse. This little machine removes impurities from the smallest nooks and crannies using vibrations. They are ideal for cleaning intricate jewellery, as it removes dirt from places a toothbrush cannot reach.

Where can I have my jewellery cleaned professionally? Which other maintenance tips can help me clean my jewellery? Ask the diamond experts from BAUNAT for advice on how to keep your jewellery shining as new.