The Ring on Her Finger Collects Everything Life Throws At It — Here's How to Keep It Looking Like Day One
An engagement ring worn daily — through sunscreen applications, dish soap, hand cream, cooking, gym sessions, and everything in between — builds up a film on the stone and setting that dulls its brilliance. This isn't damage; it's normal. And cleaning it is easier than most people think. Here's the correct way to do it at home, and what to never do.
The Basic Clean: Once a Week
For regular maintenance, once a week is ideal for a daily-wear ring. You need:
- Warm (not hot) water
- A small amount of mild dish soap (no bleach, no harsh chemicals)
- A soft-bristle toothbrush (baby toothbrush is ideal)
- A lint-free cloth for drying
Method: Mix warm water with a drop or two of dish soap. Soak the ring for 20–30 minutes. Use the soft toothbrush to gently scrub around the stone, under the prongs, and along the band. Rinse thoroughly under warm running water. Dry with a lint-free cloth or let air-dry. That's it.
Why Moissanite Is Particularly Easy to Maintain
Moissanite rates 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale — it doesn't scratch from most materials you'll encounter in daily life, and it doesn't accumulate oils the way softer stones do. The DEF-colour, VVS-clarity moissanite in Heritage & Co.'s INVICTA and AETERNA collections will return to its full brilliance with the basic clean above. No specialist equipment required.
For Lab Diamonds (CLARITAS)
IGI-certified lab diamonds have the same care requirements as mined diamonds — and the same ease of maintenance. The dish soap and toothbrush method above is exactly correct for CLARITAS rings. Diamonds are the hardest natural material (Mohs 10) and resist everyday wear completely. The setting (18K gold) is what benefits most from regular cleaning — removing buildup from under the stone improves light entry and restores full brilliance.
South Africa-Specific Considerations
South Africa's climate — particularly the UV intensity, coastal humidity, and highveld heat — creates specific challenges that our ring care guide covers in full detail. The key points:
- Remove your ring before swimming — chlorine (pools) and salt (ocean) affect gold over time
- Remove before applying sunscreen or spray products — the film builds up quickly under the setting
- Remove before gym sessions if you use equipment that grips — the metal-to-metal contact will eventually affect the band
- Store in a fabric-lined box or pouch when not wearing — solid gold doesn't scratch easily, but other jewellery pieces can leave marks
What Never to Use
- Bleach or chlorine-based cleaners: These attack gold alloys and can weaken prong integrity over time
- Ultrasonic cleaners: Safe for solid diamonds, but not recommended for moissanite without specialist guidance — the vibration can stress the stone over repeated use
- Toothpaste: Mildly abrasive and leaves residue in the setting. Not recommended despite being commonly suggested online
- Paper towels: Fine fibres can scratch gold — always use a lint-free cloth
Professional Clean: Once or Twice a Year
Beyond the at-home routine, a professional ultrasonic or steam clean once or twice a year keeps the ring in peak condition and gives a jeweller the chance to check prong integrity. This takes about 20 minutes and costs very little at most jewellers. At Heritage & Co., WhatsApp us with any questions about the care and maintenance of your specific ring.
Heritage & Co. Rings — Built to Last
