If you own a lab-grown diamond engagement ring or jewellery piece, you might wonder whether it requires special care compared to a natural diamond. The good news? Lab-grown diamonds clean almost exactly like natural diamonds. They share the same hardness, brilliance, and chemical composition—which means they also attract the same oils, lotions, and everyday grime that can dull their sparkle.
The key to keeping your lab-grown diamond looking its best is removing oils and film from the surface without harming the metal setting or loosening the stone. Here's everything you need to know about caring for your lab-grown diamond jewellery at home.
Treat Them Like Real Diamonds—Because They Are
Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. They have the same physical properties, the same durability, and the same need to stay free of buildup. When cleaning your lab-grown diamond, remember that while the stone itself is incredibly hard and resistant to scratching, the setting that holds it—whether it's white gold, platinum, or a delicate pavé mount—requires gentle care.
Your At-Home Cleaning Routine
You don't need expensive equipment or harsh chemicals to keep your lab-grown diamond sparkling. A gentle, natural cleaning solution is all it takes.
1. Soak your jewellery
Place your lab-grown diamond piece in the cleaning solution and let it soak for at least 10 minutes. This gently dissolves dirt, oils, and tarnish that have accumulated around the stone and setting.
2. Use the brush to clean
Use the precision cleaning brush to gently clean underneath diamond settings and hard-to-reach areas where buildup tends to hide. The soft bristles are designed to be effective without damaging delicate settings or loosening stones.
3. Rinse thoroughly with water
Rinse under a gentle stream of lukewarm water, making sure all solution is completely gone. Any residue will leave a film that dulls the sparkle you're trying to restore.
4. Dry and polish
Dry and polish with the lint-free cloth for maximum sparkle. The polishing cloth helps bring out the brilliance in both your diamond and the metal setting.
5. Use as often as needed
Because the formula is gentle and made with natural ingredients, you can use it as often as needed to keep your rings looking brilliant without worrying about damage from harsh chemicals.
Everyday Care Tips to Keep Your Diamond Brilliant
Wipe after wearing: A quick rub with a clean, dry microfiber cloth after each day removes fingerprints and oils, keeping your stone bright for longer between deeper cleans.
Put your diamonds on last: Apply lotions, perfume, hairspray, and sunscreen before putting on your jewellery. This simple habit means less residue ends up on your stone and setting.
Take off for messy tasks: Remove your rings before cleaning, swimming, gym sessions, gardening, or using hair products. These activities expose your jewellery to chemicals, impacts, and buildup that can damage both the stone's appearance and the setting's integrity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best intentions, it's easy to damage your jewellery if you're not careful about what you use to clean it.
Harsh chemicals: Never use bleach, chlorine, oven cleaner, drain cleaner, or heavy bathroom sprays near your ring. These can pit or discolour gold and platinum and slowly weaken settings over time.
Toothpaste and abrasive powders: While it might seem logical to use toothpaste for scrubbing, abrasive pastes and powders can microscratch metal and settings, dulling the finish even though the diamond itself is harder than these substances.
Ultrasonic or steam cleaners at home: Unless you're certain your setting is secure, these machines can shake loose stones in older, delicate, or very fine pavé settings. They're best left to a jeweller who can inspect the prongs first.
Extreme temperatures: Avoid boiling water or ice-cold water. Sudden temperature changes can stress some metals and any non-diamond gemstones that might share the setting with your lab-grown diamond.
Professional Cleaning and Inspection: Worth the Investment
Even with diligent at-home care, it's wise to have your lab-grown diamond jewellery professionally cleaned and inspected every 6 to 12 months. Jewellers have specialized equipment and expertise to:
- Deep-clean with ultrasonic and steam equipment that's safe for your specific piece
- Check claws and prongs for wear, tightening anything that's become loose
- Spot potential damage early, before a stone is lost or a setting fails
Remember, even though lab-grown diamonds are incredibly durable, the setting that holds them is not indestructible. Regular professional inspections ensure your precious piece stays secure and beautiful for years to come.
The Bottom Line
Lab-grown diamonds deserve the same care and attention as natural diamonds—because in every way that matters for cleaning and maintenance, they are identical. With a gentle at-home cleaning routine using safe, natural ingredients, mindful everyday habits, and periodic professional care, your lab-grown diamond jewellery will continue to sparkle brilliantly for a lifetime.
Whether it's your engagement ring, a special gift, or an everyday piece you treasure, taking a few minutes to care for it properly means you'll enjoy its beauty without compromise.