How Much Does it Cost to Get a Ring Cleaned?

Whether it is a very old family heritage or a recent acquisition, rings are the perfect accessories, especially appreciated for their beauty. However, if you do not take care of them properly, they will gradually lose their shinning and begin to be unsightly, and this happens so slowly, that most of the time, you won’t even realize it. The secret to keeping the special look of the rings is to know how to take care of each one, depending on the material from which they are made of and their design.

Spotted or scratched jewelry requires a gentler and more careful cleaning, and a jeweler can give them back their brand new look. If you are not sure of the solutions that you should use, the jeweler will definitely know.

Also, if you have doubts about the material from which the ring is made, it is better to turn to a specialist, which will examine it and recommend the best cleaning option.

How Much Does it Cost to Get a Ring Cleaned?

The cost of getting a ring cleaned professionally is anywhere from $0 to $25. There are multiple jewelry stores that offer free ring cleanings as long as the jewelry was bought from them. Most jewelers will charge between $10 to $20 for basic ultrasonic cleaning if the ring wasn’t purchased from them, while for a standalone steam cleaning, they might charge $15 to $25.

A deep ring cleaning that removes tarnish professionally can cost between $20 to $40, depending on the intricacy of the design. For rings with gem settings, especially if dirt has accumulated behind the stone, prices can range from $30 to $60.

Stones like opals, pearls, or turquoise require special cleaning. Cleaning rings with these stones can range from $40 to $70 due to the delicate methods and products used.

In the case of antique or vintage rings, given their age and potential fragility, they might require specialized cleaning techniques, costing between $50 to $80.

As an example, Tiffany & Co. extends a lifelong cleaning service to customers who have purchased their rings.

If a DIY approach seems more appealing, ultrasonic cleaning devices are an option, with prices ranging from $20 to $150. For example, the Sonic Wave Ultrasonic Cleaner is sold at about $30 and more.

In upscale urban areas or renowned jewelry districts, prices can be 20% to 50% higher than the averages mentioned above. Conversely, in smaller towns or less affluent areas, you might find prices 10% to 20% below these averages.

Professional ring cleaning overview

Professional ring cleaning involves a thorough cleaning and inspection of rings by trained jewelers or gemologists. This service ensures that rings maintain their sparkle and are free from dirt, grime, and potential damage.

Professionals can use one of the following cleaning methods:

• Ultrasonic ring cleaning – this technique uses a machine that creates high-frequency sound waves in a solution, causing vibrations that gently remove dirt and grime from the jewelry.
• Steam ring cleaning – a high-pressure steam blast is used to remove residues from the ring. It’s especially effective for diamonds and hard gemstones.
• Hand ring cleaning – for delicate or antique rings, or those with softer gemstones, a gentle hand cleaning with soft brushes and specialized solutions might be preferred.

A crucial part when you have a professional clean your ring is when the jeweler checks for weakened prongs, or any signs of damage. Regular inspections can catch issues like loose stones early, preventing potential loss.

You might also like our articles about the cost of jewelry appraisal, ring resizing, or ring soldering.

Regular professional cleaning can extend the life of a ring, ensuring settings remain secure and metals aren’t prematurely worn down by accumulated grime.

Nothing beats the sparkle of a freshly cleaned ring, especially diamonds which can lose their brilliance when dirty.

Extra costs when you clean your ring

If you’re also getting your ring inspected for loose stones or damage, or if it needs re-polishing, rhodium plating, or other repairs, the cost will increase. Some jewelers group these services, offering cleaning, inspection, and minor repairs for a set fee. Here are some of the costs of the additional services:

Checking for loose stones or prongs can cost around $20 to $35.

Restoring the shine of a ring has an average cost of $30 to $50.

For white gold rings that need their shine restored, rhodium plating can cost between $50 to $100, depending on the ring’s size and the thickness of the plating.

Tightening a loose stone or fixing a prong can add an additional $20 to $75 to your bill, depending on the complexity of the repair.

Some professional jewelers offer maintenance packages and their cost can range from $70 to $150 annually.

Important things to consider

While many wearers get their rings cleaned once or twice a year, it’s advisable to have a professional cleaning every six months, especially for frequently worn items like engagement rings.

Inform the jeweler of any known issues or concerns before the cleaning process begins. For antique or heirloom pieces, ensure the jeweler has experience with vintage jewelry.

Avoid contact between rings and harsh chemicals. Many household cleaners contain abrasives and acids that will damage jewelry.

Take off your jewelry before the shower. This routine will minimize the accumulation of soap, shower gel, or other cleaning solutions dedicated to body care.

Keep the jewelry in an organized jewelry box with compartments for each item. This will protect your jewelry from other pieces that could rub or scratch them.

Do not wear jewelry with precious stones by the pool or sea, during intense physical activity or cleaning.

If you have a warranty or insurance on your ring, check the terms. Some policies might include periodic professional cleanings.

Always ensure you’re entrusting your ring to a reputable jeweler. Reading reviews, asking for recommendations, and checking certifications can help ensure you’re getting quality service for the price you pay.

Saving money on diamond ring cleaning

For many rings, especially those made of durable materials like gold and diamonds, a simple at-home cleaning can be effective.

Some jewelry stores offer free cleaning services during promotional events. If you purchased your ring from a jeweler, they might offer complimentary cleanings as part of their after-sales service.

If you have multiple pieces of jewelry, some jewelers might offer discounts for cleaning multiple items at once.