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Diamond earrings are one of those timeless pieces every woman (and many men) treasures. Whether it’s classic diamond studs worn daily or a pair of elegant gold diamond earrings for special occasions, one thing is certain: diamonds sparkle the brightest when they’re clean.
Yet, many people aren’t sure how to properly clean diamond earrings at home, what products are safe to use, how often to clean them, or when to seek professional help. And because earrings sit so close to the skin, they collect far more dirt, oils, lotions, and hair products than you’d imagine.
If you’ve ever looked at your earrings and thought, “Why don’t they look as shiny as they used to?” - this guide is for you.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about cleaning, maintaining, and protecting your diamond earrings the right way.
Why Do Diamond Earrings Get Dirty So Quickly?
Unlike rings, which tend to collect dirt from everyday contact, earrings accumulate grime in a different way - mostly from your skin and hair.
Some common causes include:
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Natural skin oils: Sebum from the skin around the ears transfers easily onto earrings.
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Hair product: Hairspray, dry shampoo, hair oils, gels, these create a thin film over diamonds.
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Moisturiser, sunscreen & makeup: Anything applied around the face can settle on your earrings.
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Pollution & dust: Especially in busy UK cities like London, Birmingham, or Manchester.
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Wearing them while sleeping: This increases contact with skin oils and can loosen the settings over time.
Even the cleanest diamonds lose their sparkle when coated with residue. That’s why regular cleaning is essential.
Can You Clean Diamond Earrings at Home? Best 3 Simple Methods
Absolutely - and you should.
Diamonds are one of the hardest substances in the world, meaning they handle gentle cleaning very well. The key is to use the right method so you remove oils and dirt without damaging the metal or loosening prongs.
Let’s start with the simplest and safest home-cleaning technique.
Method 1: Soap and Warm Water (The Safest Everyday Method)
This is the easiest way to clean diamond studs or gold diamond earrings without professional tools.
You’ll need:
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A small bowl
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Warm water (not boiling)
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Mild washing-up liquid or gentle soap
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A soft toothbrush or jewellery brush
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A lint-free cloth or microfibre cloth
Steps:
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Mix the cleaning solution
Add a few drops of mild washing-up liquid to a bowl of warm water. -
Soak your earrings
Place the earrings in the water and let them soak for 15–20 minutes.
This helps loosen oils and product buildup. -
Gently brush
Using a soft toothbrush, gently scrub around the diamond, the prongs, the basket, and the back.
Take your time, dirt often hides underneath the stone. -
Rinse thoroughly
Rinse your earrings under warm running water.
Important: Cover the drain with a plug or strainer! -
Dry with a lint-free cloth
Avoid paper towels as they can scratch the metal. -
Air dry overnight if possible
Moisture trapped in crevices can irritate pierced ears.
Why this works:
Warm water + gentle soap breaks down oils safely.
It’s effective for daily wear earrings and safe for all metals, including white, yellow, and rose gold.
Method 2: Deep Cleaning with Jewellery Cleaner (For Heavier Build-Up)
If you wear your earrings every day, you may eventually see stubborn residue that soap alone won’t remove.
In that case, use a jewellery cleaning solution.
Make sure it is suitable for:
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Gold
Avoid silver cleaners for gold earrings - they can damage plating or finish.
How to use it:
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Apply a small amount to a soft brush.
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Gently scrub the diamonds and metal.
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Rinse with warm water.
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Dry thoroughly.
This method restores sparkle quickly but should be used sparingly, once every few weeks, not daily.
Method 3: Ultrasonic Cleaner (Use With Caution)
Ultrasonic cleaners are popular because they remove dirt instantly using vibrations.
However, they’re not always safe for every earring.
Only use an ultrasonic cleaner if:
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Your diamonds are securely set
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The prongs are not loose
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Your earrings have no:
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cracks
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inclusions near the surface
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delicate pavé settings
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treated stones
Otherwise, vibrations may loosen stones further.
If you're unsure, it’s better to avoid this method and stick to soap and water.
What Not to Use (These Can Damage Your Earrings)
Many cleaning hacks online are unsafe. Avoid:
Toothpaste: Too abrasive and scratches gold.
Baking soda: Damages metal and can loosen settings.
Bleach or household cleaners: Harsh chemicals weaken gold and irritate the skin.
Boiling water: Can warp delicate settings.
Alcohol or perfumes: These dry out metal and leave residue on diamonds.
Stick to simple, safe methods; diamonds don’t need harsh chemicals to shine.
How Often Should You Clean Your Diamond Earrings?
The answer depends on how often you wear them.
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Daily wear (diamond studs): Clean every 1-2 weeks.
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Special-occasion earrings: Clean after each wear before putting them away.
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Professional cleaning: Once or twice a year is ideal.
Regular cleaning keeps earrings sparkling and helps spot problems early - like loose prongs or worn backs.
How to Store Diamond Earrings Properly
Cleaning is only part of the care routine. Storage also matters.
- Use a soft-lined jewellery box: This prevents scratches and dust.
- Keep pairs together: It avoids losing one earring, the nightmare scenario!
- Avoid storing in the bathroom: Humidity is bad for metal over time.
Why Clean Earrings Matter for Hygiene (Especially in the UK Climate)
Many UK cities have higher pollution levels which settle on the skin. Combined with natural oils and humidity, earrings can accumulate bacteria faster.
Dirty earrings can cause:
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Itching
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Skin irritation
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Infections
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Dull-looking diamonds
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Weakened settings
Regular cleaning keeps them safe, comfortable, and sparkling.
When Should You Get a Professional Cleaning?
Visit a jeweller when:
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Your earrings don’t sparkle even after cleaning
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The prongs feel loose
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The metal looks worn
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The backs keep slipping off
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The diamond rattles when tapped lightly
Professional jewellers use steam cleaners and magnification to ensure your earrings are safe and secure.
Why Rings of UK Recommends Regular Cleaning
Diamonds are meant to shine, but even the best stones lose brilliance under layers of oil and daily grime.
At Rings of UK, we recommend cleaning your diamond earrings regularly because:
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Clean diamonds look bigger and brighter
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You can identify loose stones early
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It increases the lifespan of the setting
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You enjoy your jewellery the way it was meant to look
Whether you wear classic diamond studs or bold gold diamond earrings, simple home care makes all the difference.
Final Thoughts: Shine That Lasts a Lifetime
Cleaning your diamond earrings doesn’t need expensive products or complicated routines. With a bowl of warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush, you can restore your diamonds to the sparkle they had on day one.
Your earrings deserve the same care and attention as any cherished jewellery piece - and with the right cleaning habits, they’ll stay dazzling for decades.
If you're looking for beautifully crafted earrings or want advice on caring for your jewellery, Rings of UK is always here to help you keep your sparkle alive.
