How to clean ring?

cac847

I know that a 1:1 ammonia/water solution works wonders on gold and diamond from cleaning my e-ring... my issue is an antique ring that was given to me by my FI's grandmother. It's been handed down several times so it's a bit tarnished, but I don't know if it's made of silver or white gold. Some websites say that ammonia is good for cleaning sterling silver, but others say that it damages the silver. I'm looking for some sort of made-at-home solution that will clean both kinds of metals. Does anyone have suggestions on what to use to for this ring?

I <3 Seabass

Honestly I would take it to a jeweler and see what they recommend, especially since you're not sure what it's made of. 

This site suggests mix of mild liquid detergent.
http://www.soulfulengagements.com/1/post/2009/10/q-how-do-i-clean-my-engagement-ring.html

FutureMsAlexander

I clean my diamond with vodka. It makes it shine like none other. Imagine what it does to my liver.

tiffersnc

I've always been told that baking soda and water is safe for gold, diamonds and sterling. I use 3tbsp of water to 2tbsp of baking soda (I think that's the right ratio) and clean with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Rinse under warm water and dry with a soft cloth. Sparkle! 

But, since it's an antique, I'd go to a jeweler and ask. That's going to be your safest bet.

Future.Mrs.Carter

Many Jewelers will clean the ring for FREEEEE!

cac847

Thanks everyone! I can't believe I didn't think of baking soda! I've used it before to clean sterling silver, in a paste mixed with shampoo... I didn't want to put shampoo on this ring though so I made the paste with water, and it came out so well I had to share







I love the little bird on the side, it stands out SO much more without all the tarnish.

glam70s

It's gorgeous! I love it..

For what it's worth, my jeweller recommends using an old soft toothbrush and a tiny amount of toothpaste.. It works well and I always have it handy..

goheels05

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_clean-ring?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:e00ff29d-c67a-4d2e-a6c4-43f6d29cbe2aPost:78642ab2-aabd-4d71-990f-cb2d388f05c0">Re: How to clean ring?</a>:
[QUOTE]I clean my diamond with vodka. It makes it shine like none other. Imagine what it does to my liver.
Posted by FutureMsAlexander[/QUOTE]

lol.  My kind of girl.

OP, your ring is beautiful!

cukimerrydoll

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_clean-ring?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:e00ff29d-c67a-4d2e-a6c4-43f6d29cbe2aPost:b978221c-1854-4005-93eb-fc66a7f423a4">Re: How to clean ring?</a>:
[QUOTE]For what it's worth, my jeweller recommends using an old soft toothbrush and a tiny amount of toothpaste.. It works well and I always have it handy..
Posted by glam70s[/QUOTE]
This is what I do.  I have 2 toothbrushes: one for teeth and one for jewelry.

megk8oz

I also do the "tooth brush/tooth paste" combo. That's how my mom taught me to do it, and our rings are always sparkly.

FutureMrsBoucher

wow! your ring is gorgeous! i LOVE antique jewelry [:

you should really take it to a jeweler and have it appraised. You'd be able to find out exactly what it is and what it is worth. Obviously, it has even more value because it's been handed down, so you should probably get it insured for both reasons (the value of the ring itself and the value of it being handed down).