Question about cleaning bead set settings

[Balaban]

Hi, everyone. I usually don''t post on this forum (though I love reading it), but was wondering whether I could ask for your help (and, hence, have emerged from lurkerdom). I have an art deco "stacked style" engagement ring with a large center stone and 12 bead set smaller stones (which come in at .01 carat a piece). I know that there have been several posts about various ways to clean rings as well as about bead set settings, pave, etc, but none that I came across seemed to directly address whether submerging the ring in jewelry cleanser and then gently scrubbing it with a soft bristled tooth brush is alright, or whether this increases the likelihood that the smaller diamonds will come loose or, heaven forbid, fall out. (I did see that this might hurt more delicate settings - I''m just not sure whether mine falls into that category). Thanks in advance - I really appreciate your thoughts on the matter.

 

[jaz464]

I soak my pave bands in warm soapy water (Dawn) for about 10-15 minutes and then gently "scrub" with a soft baby toothbrush. Once a week (or when very dirty) I soak it in warm water and ammonia for a few minutes and then clean with toothbrush. The ammonia really makes the rings shine.

 

[kcoursolle]

Hi Balaban, I think your method of cleaning a pave/bead set ring is just fine. I also have a pave ring and this is how I clean my ring. I''ve cleaned it every other day for months now without a single stone falling out. However, I would not use an ultrasonic on this type of ring because it might increase the likelihood of sidestones falling out. Hope this helps.

 

[Balaban]

Thanks so much, Jazmine and Kcoursolle. I really appreciate your replies and am very relieved to know that it doesn''t sound like I''ve been inadvertently harming my setting.

Is amonia too strong to use every day? There is so much to learn!

 

[JulieN]

ammonia is ok; there is no need to soak for a long time, but that is ok to do if you have platinum.

I'd be more worried if you're using an abrasive look toothpaste; wouldn't want to rub the beads away.