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How to Clean Lab Grown Diamonds

How to Clean Lab Grown Diamonds

Over time, daily wear can affect how your lab diamonds shine. This guide breaks down step-by-step cleaning and care.

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In This Guide

01Best Way to Clean Lab Grown Diamonds at Home 02What to Avoid When Cleaning Lab Grown Diamonds 03How to Care for Lab Grown Diamond Jewelry 04FAQ

Expertise you can trust: Brilliant Earth is known for its award-winning jewelry designs and seamless, innovative shopping experience. This Brilliant Earth diamond guide explains the best ways to clean, care for, and store lab grown diamonds to preserve their brilliance. All Brilliant Earth guides are meticulously researched and reviewed by our certified gemologists, content, editorial, and brand teams before publication to ensure industry-leading excellence and accuracy.

Best Way to Clean Lab Grown Diamonds at Home

The safest and most effective way to clean lab diamond jewelry at home is with a gentle cleaning routine using mild soap and warm water. This method works for all metal types and helps remove dirt from settings without causing damage.

What You’ll Need

Mild dish soap
Warm water
Soft-bristled toothbrush
Lint-free or microfiber cloth
Small bowl

Steps

Prepare the solution: Fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap.
Soak your jewelry: Let your lab diamond sit in the solution for about 20–30 minutes to loosen dirt and buildup.
Gently brush: Use a soft toothbrush to clean the lab diamond and setting, paying close attention to the underside.
Rinse thoroughly: Rinse under warm running water. Be sure to plug the drain.
Dry carefully: Pat dry with a lint-free or microfiber cloth to restore shine.

This method also works with commercial jewelry cleaners formulated for diamonds. Ensure the solution is non-abrasive and safe for your specific setting’s metal.

For routine maintenance, cleaning your lab diamond at home once a week helps prevent buildup and keeps it looking its best. For professional maintenance, schedule cleanings every six months for regularly worn jewelry like engagement rings.

What to Avoid When Cleaning Lab Grown Diamonds

While gentle cleaning with soap and warm water is safe, certain methods can cause damage and should be avoided:

Harsh chemicals: Substances like chlorine, bleach, and harsh household cleaners can damage metal settings and dull a lab diamond’s shine.
Abrasive materials: Toothpaste, baking soda, or rough brushes can scratch the metal or setting.
Ultrasonic cleaners (without guidance): This cleaning method uses high-frequency sound waves to dislodge dirt and debris. It should be left to professionals, as improper use can loosen or damage settings.
Steam cleaners (without guidance): This method employs high-pressure steam to remove buildup. It should be left to professionals, as improper use can loosen or damage settings.

Sticking to gentle cleaning methods helps preserve both the lab diamond and its setting over time.

Loose lab grown diamond engagement rings.

How to Care for Lab Grown Diamond Jewelry

Cleaning is only one part of keeping your jewelry in excellent condition. Daily habits and proper storage play a major role in maintaining brilliance over time. Follow these tips to protect your lab diamonds and preserve their appearance:

Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Chemicals like chlorine, bleach, and household cleaners can damage metals and dull your lab diamond’s appearance.
Minimize Handling: Touching the lab diamond transfers oils from your skin, which can reduce its brilliance.
Remove During Certain Activities: Take off your jewelry before showering, swimming, exercising, heavy lifting, cleaning, and other hands-on activities. These types of activities can lead to buildup, scratches, or even loosening of the setting over time.
Store Properly: Keep your jewelry in a soft pouch or a lined jewelry box, ideally in separate compartments to prevent scratches.
Schedule Professional Cleanings: Professional cleaning once or twice a year helps remove stubborn buildup that at-home methods may not address. It also allows experts to check for loose settings or prong wear, ensuring durability.

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FAQ

Can you shower with lab grown diamonds?

To preserve their brilliance, we recommend removing lab diamond jewelry before showering, as soap and shampoo can leave a film that reduces its sparkle.

Do lab grown diamonds need to be cleaned differently than natural diamonds?

No, lab diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds, which means they can be cleaned using the same gentle methods, including soap, water, and soft brushing.

What is the safest way to clean a lab grown diamond at home?

The safest and most effective at-home cleaning method for lab diamond jewelry is to use warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft toothbrush.

Are ultrasonic cleaners safe for lab grown diamonds?

Ultrasonic cleaners are safe for lab diamonds, but we recommend they only be used by professionals. While they effectively remove buildup, they may loosen stones in certain settings.