Lab-grown diamonds look just as stunning as mined ones, and keeping them bright doesn’t need fancy tools or expensive cleaners. Surprisingly, most of the jewelry owners don’t even know that using homemade methods is enough to keep those valuable pieces shining.
Dirt, oil, and dead skin will build up no matter how rarely you use a diamond piece. And, taking your jewelry back to a jeweler is also a hefty job. Therefore, try the tips I have given you below and keep your ornaments looking new forever.
Why Lab Grown Diamonds Still Need Cleaning: The Basics
Even though these diamonds are grown in controlled environments, they get dirty like any other jewelry. Grease, lotion, and even dust cling to the surface. Over time, this can make the stone appear cloudy.
I’ve seen people think their lab diamond was damaged, only to find it was just coated with buildup. A quick cleaning makes all the difference.
But not every cleaning method works well. And some can do more harm than good.
Suppose you want to buy custom pendant jewelry embedded with diamonds. You should know that custom necklaces or lockets have a slightly different build from rings. Because of this, you need to talk with your jeweler about the proper maintenance.
Therefore, you should understand the construction first, and then start caring for your lab-grown diamonds.
Avoid Harsh Cleaners
Strong chemicals can damage the setting around your lab diamond. They might also leave a residue that attracts more grime.
Instead, skip bleach or commercial metal polishes. Go for mild dish soap and warm water. That’s usually all you need.
Stick to Soft Tools
A hard brush might seem like it’ll get into every corner, but it’s risky. You could scratch the metal or loosen the stone.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, something you’d use for a baby or sensitive gums. It helps lift grime without causing damage.
Water Temperature Matters
Hot water can cause sudden shifts in temperature that stress the setting, especially if your ring has other stones in it.
Warm water is enough to loosen debris without causing harm. Keep it comfortable to the touch, and you’ll avoid any surprises.
The Simple Soap and Water Method
This method is like a universal rule of thumb. Many people are following this trick to clean their expensive pieces at home.
- First of all, mix a few drops of mild dishwashing soap into a bowl of warm water and leave your diamond in it.
- After soaking for nearly 30 minutes, pick a used but clean toothbrush to rub off the soap and dirt.
- Then, rinse your stone under clean water as the final touch-up.
- Lastly, use a lint-free cotton cloth to dry the piece.
Don’t Skip the Rinse
Soap residue can leave streaks that can attract more dirt. That’s why you need to rinse your diamond under warm running water after brushing. But make sure the sink is capped or use a bowl to avoid accidents.
Pat Dry, Don’t Rub
Use the cloth in the final stage to pat dry. Rubbing can create permanent marks on the diamond’s surface. You can also find various jewelry cloths or microfiber towels to care for your expensive items.
Do It Weekly for Best Results
Clean your diamond once a week if you wear the piece regularly. It prevents any kind of buildup from becoming permanent or hard to remove.
Can You Use Ultrasonic Cleaners?
Yes, but be careful with this. Ultrasonic machines send vibrations through water to shake loose dirt, but they can also loosen prongs or other settings.
I only use them on diamonds set in solid metal without extra gemstones. If your diamond ring has side stones or fragile settings, stick with hand cleaning.
What About Steam Cleaners?
Steam cleaning is something that you need to do rarely. Stubborn dirt and buildup are easily removed with proper steam cleaning. But you can vanish everyday dirt and oil with soapy water only.
Steam can help if you’ve got thick grime, like makeup or lotions, stuck under the setting. Just make sure the pressure isn’t too high.
Professional Cleaning Still Helps
Even if you clean your lab diamond at home, it’s worth getting a pro cleaning once or twice a year. Jewelers can inspect the setting and polish the metal to keep everything secure and gleaming.
What Not to Use on Lab Grown Diamonds
I see a lot of bad advice online, people using baking soda, toothpaste, or even vinegar. These might work on other surfaces, but they’re risky for jewelry.
Toothpaste, for example, contains abrasives that can scratch metal or leave a film on the diamond. Baking soda is no better. Vinegar might etch softer materials nearby.
Skip Alcohol and Acetone
You might think these clean well, but they’re too strong. They can dry out metal or damage coatings on nearby stones. Soap and water are safer and just as effective.
Be Wary of Jewelry Wipes
Pre-moistened wipes often contain chemicals that leave behind a residue. They might work in a pinch, but I wouldn’t use them regularly.
Can Lab Grown Diamonds Get Cloudy Forever?
No, the diamond itself won’t lose clarity unless it’s physically damaged. What you’re seeing is usually just surface dirt or oil.
Once cleaned, the shine comes back. If it doesn’t, the setting might be blocking light, or the surface might need professional polishing.
Keep Lotions Away
Skincare products and makeups cling to jewelries and dim their sparkle. If you apply lotion, wait a few minutes before wearing your jewelry.
Take It Off When Cooking
Cooking oils, sauces, and heat all affect how clean your diamond looks. I always take mine off before meal prep—it’s an easy habit that keeps it cleaner longer.
Store It Separately
Even lab diamonds can scratch other jewelry. I use a small soft pouch or lined box to avoid that. It also keeps dust off when I’m not wearing it.
FAQs
Can I clean my lab diamond with just water?
You can rinse it with water, but soap helps break down grease and dirt better.
Is it safe to wear lab grown diamonds in the shower?
It’s not ideal. Soap scum and shampoo can dull the surface and cling to crevices.
How often should I clean my lab diamond jewelry?
Weekly is best if you wear it daily. Monthly work if it’s worn occasionally.
Will lab grown diamonds lose their shine over time?
They won’t unless they’re scratched or constantly dirty. Cleaning keeps them bright.
Can I use vinegar to clean my lab diamond?
No, vinegar is too harsh and can harm metal settings or nearby stones.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your lab grown diamond looking clear and bright doesn’t require much effort. You don’t need fancy kits or expensive solutions. You just need to treat it right, clean it regularly, and avoid harsh substances.
Once you start caring for your diamond the right way, you’ll notice how much better it looks—and how easy it is to maintain that shine without stressing over it.
