How to Clean Diamond Earrings at Home: Simple Tips for a Sparkling Shine

May 30, 2025

Ever notice your diamond earrings aren’t shining like they used to? Every day wear covers them in oils, lotions, or even makeup, leaving a cloudy film on the stones. That dull look can be frustrating – after all, you deserve sparkly bling! The good news is you don’t need a jeweler or an expensive kit. With just a bowl of warm water, a drop of gentle soap, and a soft brush, you can safely restore your earrings’ brilliance. In this guide, we’ll walk through each step in plain language so you’ll know how to clean diamond earrings at home easily.

Why Clean Diamond Earrings?

Diamond earrings (even those in tough platinum settings) collect dirt and oils over time. Skin cells, sweat, and beauty products cling to the metal and stones, causing bacteria buildup and a dingy appearance. Regular cleaning isn’t just about looks – it’s also good hygiene. You might not realize it, but a film of germs can grow on unclean jewelry, and the metal can even tarnish if it’s not cared for. In short, cleaning your earrings allows your diamonds to sparkle and keeps the pieces— and your ears —healthy.

Related Article: How to Check Diamond Purity?

What You’ll Need

Cleaning diamond earrings at home requires just a few common items:

A small bowl of lukewarm (not hot) water.
A few drops of mild dish soap (unscented is best, so there are no added dyes or fragrances)
A soft-bristled toothbrush (an old children’s toothbrush is perfect).
A soft, lint-free cloth (microfiber or cotton) for drying.
(Optional) A jewelry polishing cloth or soft cotton pad for a final buff.

These items are easy to gather and have on hand. Avoid anything abrasive or rough here – for example, skip scrubbing with paper towels (they can scratch metal) or using cotton balls (they leave fibers behind).

How to Clean Diamond Earrings: Step-by-Step

Follow these steps in order, just like a pro. Keep paragraphs and instructions clear:

Soak in Warm, Soapy Water. Fill your bowl with warm water and add a drop or two of dish soap. Gently swirl to mix. Place the earrings (stone side up) in the bowl and let them soak for about 20–30 minutes. The soak helps loosen any grime or oils stuck on the diamonds and around the settings.
Gently Brush Away Dirt. After soaking, take the earrings out and use the soft toothbrush to gently clean each earring. Brush carefully around the prongs, underneath the stone, and on any crevices to lift off loosened dirt. Go easy – use light pressure so you don’t rock or loosen the stones. If you still see stubborn spots, it’s fine to return the earrings to the soapy water for a few more minutes and brush again.
Rinse Under Running Water. Next, rinse each earring thoroughly under warm running water to wash off soap and residue. (Tip: You might put a strainer or paper towel in the sink first so the earrings can’t slip down the drain.)
Dry and Buff. Pat the earrings completely dry with the lint-free cloth. Wipe all sides so no moisture remains. If desired, use a clean jewelry polishing cloth (often given with fine jewelry) to buff the metal and diamonds to a final shine. A gentle drying and buffing ensures no water spots dull the gems.

That’s it! In just a few steps, your earrings should look bright and clean again. If any dirt is still hiding in tiny spots, simply repeat the brush-and-rinse cycle as needed.

diamond earrings Explore Platinum Diamond Jewellery

What Not to Do

It’s just as important to avoid certain products or practices when cleaning precious earrings. Don’t grab harsh stuff from under the sink or scrub wildly. Here’s a quick list of no-nos:

No bleach or ammonia. Harsh chemicals can damage or discolor the metal setting and may harm clarity-enhanced diamonds. Stick to gentle soap.
No baking soda or toothpaste. These are abrasive and can scratch your diamond or metal.
No hydrogen peroxide. Strong peroxide can oxidize metals like silver (tarnishing them) and will dull your diamond’s shine.
No rubbing alcohol. Alcohol can leave a film on stones, making them look cloudy.
No unapproved ultrasonic cleaners. If your earrings are loose-set or antique, skip the sonic bath unless you know the settings are sturdy. The intense vibration can sometimes dislodge gems.
No rough materials. Avoid paper towels, tissue, or any scratchy cloth. Always use a soft cloth so you don’t mark up the metal.
Don’t clean over an open sink. Clean jewelry over a bowl or on a towel, so you won’t lose a precious earring down the drain.

In short: keep it simple and soft. Mild soap, water, and a gentle brush are your best friends. If you stick to these safe methods, you’ll protect both the diamonds and the metal.

Maintenance Tips: Keep Them Sparkling

After the deep clean, your earrings will look fab – so let’s keep them that way! A few quick habits go a long way:

Wipe after wear. Give your earrings a quick wipe with a soft cloth (or jewelry cloth) each night. This removes fresh oils or perspiration before they set in.
Avoid contact. Remove your earrings before showering, swimming, or applying perfume/makeup. Minimizing exposure to chemicals (like hairspray or lotion) prevents buildup in the first place.
Store carefully. Keep earrings in a clean jewelry box, pouch, or separate compartment. That stops them from rubbing against other pieces and gathering dust.
Polish occasionally. Once in a while, buff with a clean jewelry polishing cloth. (Many fine jewelers like Jewelove include a special gem cloth to gently clean and shine stones.)
Check them. Before each cleaning, inspect the earring backs and settings. If anything looks loose, tighten or see a jeweler before you continue.

These little steps mean you won’t have to deep-clean as often. Your earrings will stay cleaner and feel great against your skin.

Also Read: How Much Does a Diamond Ring Cost? A Complete Guide

Professional Help and Next Steps

When should you leave it to the pros? If your earrings have extremely intricate settings, big clusters of stones, or you suspect something is loose, it’s wise to get them professionally cleaned and checked (once a year or so). Jewelers have steam cleaners and magnified tools to safely deep-clean and secure any wobbling stones. But for everyday maintenance, your home method works wonders.

Now you’re all set! Grab that bowl and toothbrush and give your diamond earrings a mini spa day. With these easy steps, you’ll be enjoying that bright sparkle again in no time. If you found this guide helpful, share it with a friend or bookmark it for next time. – and why not take a peek at Jewelove’s latest platinum diamond jewelry collection for some serious sparkle inspiration?

Happy cleaning, and enjoy your dazzling diamonds!

Previous post Next post