If you have had your diamond earrings for some time but haven’t gotten around to cleaning them just yet, this article is for you. In it, we’ll share tips on everything you need to know and do when cleaning your white diamond earrings without causing any damage to the white gold or the diamonds.
Understandably, this stunning pair of earrings is quite delicate, and though they are your favorite pair, you have been avoiding cleaning them because you don’t want to risk it. White gold diamond earrings are a stunning pair that adds a nice touch of elegant flair to anyone who wears them.
The earrings come in many timeless designs and styles that work with all outfits, always making you look classy and stylish. But one wrong move in the handling of the diamonds could mean loss of an earring, or the stones could be lodged out if the setting is weak or if you are aggressive when cleaning the earrings.
In this article, we’ll save you the worry by sharing with you the safest and the most effective way of cleaning white gold diamond earrings. You will be happy to know that by the end of this comprehensive guide, you will have a better and more effective way of cleaning your white gold diamond earrings at home.
But first, what are the common myths that have deterred you from cleaning your earrings?
When it comes to cleaning jewelry at home, there are many products that are recommended for use and others that people warn against. Most of the advice given is untrue.
One of the common myths is the belief that Windex, the powerful and extremely effective window cleaner, is not great with or around diamonds because the chemicals in Windex include ammonia that is damaging to diamonds. Others swear by toothpaste, while others are against the use of toothpaste on jewelry because it is abrasive and will scratch metals.
Jewelry cleaners are also not spared, and though most have impressive cleaning power, steam cleaners are not recommended for delicate jewelry. This information is all confusing, and we understand why you put off cleaning your white gold diamond earrings for this long.
In the next sections of this guide, we’ll take you through the steps for cleaning your white gold diamond earrings.
How to clean white gold diamond earrings
Getting the right diamond jewelry cleaning equipment
Here are the things you need to get started.
A jewelry cleaning kit
If your diamond earrings are losing their sparkle and you don’t get the same kind of sparkle and brightness you previously got from the diamonds, it might be time for a cleaning session. And to clean your diamond earrings at home, you need to make sure you have the right tools that will get rid of any layer of tarnish, oils, dirt, and grime.
Most of the jewelry cleaning kits available are safe for metals like white gold and gemstones like diamonds. The solution you soak the earrings in is non-toxic, and the kit also has polishing cloths for the restoration of the shine of the diamonds and the white gold. Just make sure that the cleaning kit you settle for is safe for you and the earrings, non-abrasive, and one that gets the work done.
Other tools needed
The jewelry cleaning kit notwithstanding, your diamond earrings will be clean at home if only you have the right tools. They include the following:
Brush – You need a soft-bristled toothbrush, a specialty brush, or any other kind of small brush that is soft but would clean the earrings, getting rid of the dirt and grime in a gentle grinding action. Avoid rough brushes because too much force will damage the earring set. To avoid loosening the setting, you should use a child’s toothbrush rather than an adult’s.
Soft Cloth – the cloth is necessary for polishing and the drying of the earrings after cleaning. Microfiber cloth is preferable because there is a very slim chance of thread getting caught in the settings, but you could also use an old cotton cloth or any other lint-free, absorbent material.
Cleaning Area – since you wouldn’t want to lose the pair of earrings or just one piece down the drain, you have to choose the earrings cleaning surface thoughtfully. Find a flat surface, place your earrings against a darker background for visibility, and don’t clean the earrings next to or in the sink. Also, clean the earrings in a well-lit area.
Cleaning agents and how to use them
- Dish Soap
While you have many options of cleaning materials that you could use, you cannot go wrong with the good-old dish soap. Add a few drops of dishwashing liquid into a bowl with warm water. Put the earrings in the soapy water and allow them to sit for a minute, and then using a piece of soft cloth dipped in the soapy water, gently rub the earrings.
Doing this will remove the layer of tarnish, dirt, and grime, and the best part is that it always works. When done, rinse the earnings in cool water, then buff them dry using a piece of microfiber cloth.
- Using Ammonia
This is a common cleaning agent for diamond jewelry, and you will be happy to know that it will bring back the sparkle of the diamonds without too much work going into it. It’s also the most effective remedy for the earrings if they are too dull.
For this method, you mix ¼ cup of clean water with 1tsp ammonia and 2tsp liquid dishwashing soap in a sizable bowl. Put the earrings in the solution, then take your soft cloth piece and use it to rub the earrings gently until you are satisfied the earrings are clean and free of tarnish.
If necessary, because of heavy grime and tarnish, you may want to soak the earrings in the solution for up to 30 minutes. Besides the cloth, use the soft-bristled brush to remove tarnish and stubborn dirt/ grime.
Rinse the earrings in warm or cool water thoroughly, then gently pat dry them in a soft microfiber cloth before storing them.
- Using Bicarbonate of Soda
This is the other effective solution for cleaning white gold diamond earrings. For this, make a paste by mixing the bicarbonate of soda and water, making sure that the paste is thick enough.
Apply this paste on the earrings, then leave the earrings for about 10-15 minutes. You could brush the paste away using a soft-bristled brush or a soft cloth. Rinse the earrings thoroughly, then dry them on the soft microfiber piece of cloth.
- Using Hydrogen Peroxide
To clean heavily-tarnished white gold diamond earrings, you could also soak them in a small bowl with hydrogen peroxide for about 10 minutes, then rinse and pat dry the earrings.
Generally, here are the main steps for you to follow:
- Get the cleaning materials you need
- Fill a small glass bowl with the preferred cleaning solution, then immerse the earrings and let them soak for 10 minutes.
- Remove the earrings from the solution, then scrub them with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and if needed, re-immerse the earrings in the cleaning solution.
- Once completely clean, rinse them thoroughly in warm water, making sure the sink is plugged.
- Pat the earrings dry, then polish the earrings for a nice extra sparkly look. Once done, store the earrings appropriately.
Conclusion
If you’re trying to clean your white gold diamond earrings, this guide shares important tips on how to safely clean the earrings at home.
Read more tips here or here!
Stephanie is a jewelry lover when she was a teenager. Her major was fashion design when she was in college. She is a jewelry designer at SOQ Jewelry and other design companies. Now she is also a writer for our website. She writes a lot of designs&brands posts with very actionable tips.