How to Clean a Diamond Ring With Rhodium Plating

Highly reflective and durable, rhodium is a precious metal that is often used to coat jewelry. For silver jewelry, it is added to prevent tarnishing. It is also often added to white gold jewelry, such as diamond rings, to create a bright finish and make the ring more durable. Unfortunately, the cleaning products most often used to clean diamond settings -- ammonia and a toothbrush -- can harm the rhodium plating on the rest of the ring. Treat your rhodium-plated ring as gently as possible and take it to a professional for cleaning if necessary.

Instructions

1

Rinse the ring under warm water. If your ring has come into contact with makeup, the oxides in the makeup can cause rub marks on the rhodium plating. Therefore, start by washing off the makeup with warm water.

2

Soak the ring. In a small bowl, create a solution of one part mild detergent (such as a mild dishwashing liquid or laundry soap for delicates) and three parts warm water. Gently rub the ring with your fingers while it is soaking to loosen any grime.

3

Rinse and dry. Using warm water, rinse the ring thoroughly to get off all the soap. Pat off excess water gently with a microfiber cloth -- for example, a cloth for polishing silver. Set the ring on a towel and let it air dry.

4

Seek professional help. If the diamond itself is dirty and you are unable to clean it without harming the rhodium, take the ring to a professional jeweler and have them clean it for you. Do not attempt to clean your rhodium-plated ring with ammonia or other chemicals, or to brush it.