Contact Lens Solution as Ring Cleaner?

[Bliss]

OK, you're all going to think I'm nuts...

But recently, I stuck my diamond bezel pendant into my old contact lens case overnight with solution. (A scientific experiment!) When I took it out in the morning, it had SO MUCH GUNK at the bottom and it was much cleaner than when even Tiff's steams it.

So I was thinking, am I the only one? Have you ever tried contact lens solution to clean your ring? I mean, it's safe for our lenses. And all those enzymes are designed to remove gunk from surfaces, right? An overnight soak really got into those crevices!!!

Just thought I'd share!

I know there are tons of cleaning threads...

but have you used any ***STRANGE*** methods to clean your jewelry?

 

[choro72]

Is this really safe!? Wow! If I see another advocate I''m trying this!

 

[joflier]

That''d be cool. Dunno if its safe or not.......but I guess if its safe for a flimsy piece of whatever that we stick in our eyes, I would think it might be alright for jewelry.

 

[Dreamgirl]

Maybe some of the diamond experts around here would know. I was once told to use dry salt and clean the diamond with that by rubbing it into the salt. I have a promise ring that I have tried that on before. Not sure I''d do that on my e-ring after I get one though (as it will cost so much more) and I would be worried of ruining it.....

 

[monarch64]

I am totally going to try the contact lens solution as a cleaner tonight! I''ve never heard that one before!

 

[Steel]

Date: 11/24/2008 12:22:36 PM
Author:Bliss
OK, you're all going to think I'm nuts...

But recently, I stuck my diamond bezel pendant into my old contact lens case overnight with solution. (A scientific experiment!) When I took it out in the morning, it had SO MUCH GUNK at the bottom and it was much cleaner than when even Tiff's steams it.

So I was thinking, am I the only one? Have you ever tried contact lens solution to clean your ring? I mean, it's safe for our lenses. And all those enzymes are designed to remove gunk from surfaces, right? An overnight soak really got into those crevices!!!

Just thought I'd share!

I know there are tons of cleaning threads...

but have you used any ***STRANGE*** methods to clean your jewelry?

I find nothing wrong with giving your diamond a good 'haaah' of hot breath and rubbing it on my jumper. It really gets the fibers locked in the prongs

.

PS. I LOVE your ring and will happily clean it anyday, just post it over.

 

[sugarplum]

hmm...very interesting! i''ll have to try this sometime.

 

[Deelight]

I am itching to try it but I am worried it would damage something.

Hopefully someone who knows chimes in

 

[somethingshiny]

The most common elements of contact lens solutions are:

approximately the same sodium content as the body
pH between 6.0 and 8.5
Chlorobutanol (rarely)
Benzyl and Isopropyl Alcohol (for rigid lenses)
Thimerosol (bacteria and fungicide)

Because the ocular membrane is semi-permeable and the above chemicals are safe for eyes, I'd assume they wouldn't damage something as hard as a diamond.

eta~ If you want to try this, I'd get the name the OP used. I've spent many days scrubbing my jewelry after being elbow deep in solution.

 

[HollyS]

Use only on the actual diamonds, or you may dip your jewelry (or soak) if it is platinum. It will eventually take the plating off of WG pieces. After just getting my w-band back from being replated (after only a year), I can assure you that it was contact lens solution that was the culprit. I''m much too careful to remove my rings if I''m using any other chemicals of any kind. I''ll be equally careful with CL solution from now on. But it does make the diamonds sparkle like I''ve never seen before!

 

[Deelight]

I have just dipped my ring in some opti-fresh contact lens solution, here goes nothing.

 

[Jelly]

Date: 11/25/2008 4:54:21 PM
Author: HollyS
Use only on the actual diamonds, or you may dip your jewelry (or soak) if it is platinum. It will eventually take the plating off of WG pieces. After just getting my w-band back from being replated (after only a year), I can assure you that it was contact lens solution that was the culprit. I''m much too careful to remove my rings if I''m using any other chemicals of any kind. I''ll be equally careful with CL solution from now on. But it does make the diamonds sparkle like I''ve never seen before!

Fascinating! My plating "goes" faster than usual and never put two and two together that it may be my contact lens solution! Thanks HollyS!

 

[Elegant]

I tried it for about6 hours and it made the diamond shine and the 10kt yellow gold too. Thanks for the tip!

 

[Lynn B]

I''ll play!!!

Bliss, what kind of solution did you use? I''ll have to BUY some, because I don''t wear contacts... but I''m game for anything (well, almost!)

Thanks!
Lynn

 

[Elegant]

I use Opti Free soft contact solution.

You know, I wonder if the enzyme cleaner that some people use (they are like little tablets) work even better?

 

[Clairitek]

Oooh please do post the name of the lens solution you used! FI has contacts. My ring is only a day old but I''ll be sure to try this in a few days when stuff builds up in one of his old cases.

 

[March-8-2008]

I''m not a contact lens wearer but I''ll buy some solution once I see some more reviews... Anyone?? Anyone?? Buueeellllllerrrr?

I have micropave in my rings, so I typically use the Connoisseur jewelry cleaner in the red tub. I''ve also experimented with a fine brush and Windex, and a fine brush and rubbing alcohol. I''ve gotten great results with both. (My rings are platinum - I wouldn''t recommend alcohol or Windex on white gold since WG is plated in rhodium and can ''turn'' if exposed to chemicals.)

 

[sbde]

while we''re on the topic...has anyone used their electric toothbrushes on their ring? (old brush heads that aren''t being used anymore of course!!)

seems like a good idea since it''s using the same *sonic* pressure that ultrasonics do - but i wonder if using a brush like that would affect the polish of the diamond?

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 11/30/2008 7:19:36 PM
Author: sbde
while we''re on the topic...has anyone used their electric toothbrushes on their ring? (old brush heads that aren''t being used anymore of course!!)


seems like a good idea since it''s using the same *sonic* pressure that ultrasonics do - but i wonder if using a brush like that would affect the polish of the diamond?

Someone just posted a thread on that they said it worked really well. It certainly wouldn''t ruin the polish of a diamond unless you are polishing it with diamond dust.

 

[sbde]

ooh thanks neatfreak - i just found that thread!