7 Essential Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining Budget Gemstone Rings

When you’re shopping for an engagement ring or other special gemstone jewelry on a budget, maintaining the piece once you’ve made your purchase is crucial. Affordable gemstone options like cubic zirconia, amethyst, and topaz require some extra care to keep them sparkling beautifully for years to come. With these seven essential tips, you can keep your value-driven gem selection looking like new without breaking the bank.

1. Understand Your Gemstone

The first step in proper care and cleaning is understanding the unique properties of your gemstone. Some budget gems, like cubic zirconia, are relatively hard and scratch-resistant, while others, like amethyst, are more delicate. Learn about your stone’s hardness on the Mohs scale, as well as any potential for oil or chemical damage, color changes, and more.

• “Every gemstone is unique in its chemical composition and atomic structure,” notes Amanda Gizzi, Director of Strategy and Communications at Jewelers of America. “Understanding these nuances is key to maintaining your gemstone’s brilliance long-term.”

2. Go for Gentle Cleaners

While commercial jewelry cleaners can work wonders on tougher gemstones like diamonds, many contain harsh chemicals that could dull or even damage softer budget gems. Instead, create a gentle, homemade solution using:

• Warm water
• A few drops of mild dish soap
• A soft-bristled brush (like a clean toothbrush)

“For inexpensive stone alternatives, I always recommend steering clear of anything too abrasive,” advises Michele Blair, an Accredited Jewelry Professional and GIA Alumni. “Let the solution and a soft brush do the cleaning, rather than polishing cloths or pastes.”

3. Be Wary of Ultrasonic and Steam Cleaners

While ultrasonic and steam cleaners are safe for use on most diamonds and precious gemstones, many jewelry experts caution against using these intense cleaning methods on inexpensive options like:

• Cubic zirconia
• Glass-filled rubies
• Synthetic stones
• Gemstones with Surface-reaching fractures

The heat, moisture, and vibrations from these devices could allow water to penetrate the stones, causing cracks, discoloration, cloudiness, or even breakage. Play it safe and stick to the warm water and soap method.

4. Remove Rings Before Chores or Activities

One of the easiest ways to keep your affordable engagement ring or other gemstone jewelry looking pristine? Get in the habit of removing it before activities that could potentially cause damage, including:

• Household cleaning
• Gardening
• Applying makeup or lotions
• Swimming or using a hot tub
• Playing sports

“Taking your rings off when doing anything from washing the dishes to working out helps prevent unnecessary wear and tear,” says Katelyn Mendenhall, owner of Refined Gemologist. “It’s a simple step that can extend their sparkle.”

5. Use a Dedicated Ring Dish

Speaking of ring removal, get in the habit of storing your inexpensive stone alternative in a dedicated ring dish, box, or tray. Not only does this help prevent misplacing or losing your jewelry, but it also protects the piece’s delicate setting and stones from accidental scratches, cracks, or other damage.

“I always have my clients keep a ring dish near the bathroom and kitchen sinks,” notes Michele Cullen Bailey, founder of Cullen Bailey Branding & Communications. “That way, they get used to taking off their rings before doing household chores.”

6. Err on the Side of Caution

When it comes to budget gemstone options, experts suggest treating them like delicate vintage or antique jewelry and being extra cautious. For example:

• Handle rings with care to avoid accidentally banging or dropping them
• Never use toothpaste or baking soda-based cleansers, as they can be too abrasive
• Avoid prolonged direct sunlight exposure, as it could potentially cause some gems to fade or change color
• Don’t wear rings loosely; size them to fit snugly so stones won’t loosen and fall out

7. Have Rings Inspected and Cleaned Professionally

Even when following all the proper care guidelines, your value-driven gem selection will still benefit greatly from professional cleanings and inspections. Most experts recommend taking affordable engagement rings and other gemstone jewelry pieces to a qualified jeweler for thorough checkups every six months to a year.

“Gemstone rings can take a real beating in our daily lives,” says Megan Merrifield, founder and CEO of Maapillya Accessories. “Having a trained professional inspect the gemstones, settings, and bands helps catch any potential issues before they become bigger problems.”

During these visits, your jeweler can also give your rings a thorough deep cleaning with professional tools and solutions. This helps restore their just-like-new sparkle, while also allowing them to check for any signs of damage and determine if any repairs or tightening are needed.