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other ideas on cleaning low set rings?

aprilzephyr

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 13, 2008
Messages
80
Hello everyone, I've been a member for a while now - I don't post usually as I find the search function very helpful most of the time. I am not sure if anyone has run into this problem, but I am having a difficult time cleaning my engagement/wedding ring, more precisely cleaning the stems underneath the sapphire. I am hoping for hear from PS'ers on some creative cleaning ideas for a low set ring.

I must've read every thread on cleaning as well as used the cleaning tips of Leon Mege's website... It's starting to frustrate me now :cheeky: There is some residue sitting on the stems (most likely some combination of skin oil, soap, lotion etc.) that I can't seem to remove. I've tried scrubbing with a soft toothbrush, soaking in ammonia and water overnight several times a week, professional steam cleaning, etc... I've successfully clean 3 of the 4 stems by patiently and gently moving a cotton thread through, but only after soaking the ring in ammonia and water for a day or so... the last stem eludes me. There is not enough room between the last stem and the sapphire to even squeeze a thread through.

The only option I haven't tried is ultrasonic but I hesitate to do so as the ring is a micropave setting. We asked Leon to set the sapphire really low as we thought it would be a bit more practical to wear, and I guess in hindsight, we didn't really consider the difficultly of cleaning a setting where the gem is practically touching the basket it is sitting in... I do feel that this concern is a bit silly as the cloudy stems are only visible if one really searches, but I hope other PS'ers understand!


Attached is an image of the ring's profile - a beautiful but typical LM halo micropave setting:
aprilzephyprofile.jpg
 

Barber

Rough_Rock
Joined
Apr 9, 2014
Messages
1
Hello! This is not in reference to cleaning on low set rings but I came across your ring & I fell in love with the setting.
Could you tell me the height of the setting (basket) as I am looking for a low profile setting?
Thank you!
 

the_universe

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 2, 2014
Messages
85
old toothbrush + toothpaste + towel = superbly clean jewelry

the toothbrush hits all the nooks and crannies and doesnt damage the jewelry at all. I would even recommend this method for your beautiful opal ring.
 

PreRaphaelite

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Feb 2, 2015
Messages
3,450
Gorgeous ring!

This will likely be an unpopular answer, but in the past I have sometimes used regular generic eye makeup remover liquid on small areas underneath when they won't come clean. A quick soak while I'm showering, or even just an eye dropper of the stuff strategically placed works brilliantly on gold & diamond. I follow up with dish soap and water with a drop of white vinegar and a final rinse in distilled water.

Caveat: some stones are damaged by chemicals such as those that might be in eye makeup remover, and since I don't have sapphires I don't know if they'd be harmed. YMMV, but it works for my diamonds. Good luck!
 

Farleysmom

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Apr 7, 2010
Messages
1,006
I would recommend going to an arts supply store and buying a very fine paint brush. I find using this with Dawn dishsoap really helps get into the small, tight spaces.
 

AmayaAria

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 26, 2015
Messages
3
Here is some tips how to clean the ring:
First of all Soak the ring. To loosen dirt and grime, let the ring sit for 20 minutes in a solution of 1 cup warm water and 1/4 cup ammonia.
Then Rinse the ring in soapy water after that Scrub the ring finally Rinse in warm water and leave to dry.
These tips are very helpful try this.
 
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