How to Clean Black Diamonds

Co-authored by Kennon Young

Last Updated: October 16, 2021 References

Black diamonds are real diamonds that are black or dark grey in color. Unlike colorless diamonds, they are opaque. Containing traces of hematite, sulphur and magnetite, these diamonds appear black or dark grey to the human eye. They are luxurious and increasingly popular among fans of rare stones. By taking a cautious approach, avoiding harsh chemicals and cleaning on a regular basis, you can keep your black diamonds sparkling.^{[1]
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Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using Soap and Water

1
Avoid touching your black diamonds too frequently. The oil from your fingers will rub off onto the diamonds. By avoiding touching your black diamonds too frequently, you can reduce the work of cleaning them.^{[2]
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Gemological Institute of America
Nonprofit institute responsible for gemological research and education and setting gemstone buying and selling standards
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2
Soak your black diamonds in a degreasing solution every week. Once or twice per week, you should do a light cleaning in a degreasing solution. Put a few drops of dish soap in a container with water.^{[3]
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Trustworthy Source
Gemological Institute of America
Nonprofit institute responsible for gemological research and education and setting gemstone buying and selling standards
Go to source} Let the diamonds soak for between twenty and forty minutes.^{[4]
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- Soap and water is an effective cleaning solution for jewelry with other precious gems.
- If you are cleaning a piece of jewelry that also has sapphires, you can use this method.^{[5]
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3
Use a new, soft bristle toothbrush to clean the black diamonds. After soaking the diamonds, use a new toothbrush to scrub off any dirt. It should be a soft bristle toothbrush. Clean the front and back of the diamonds, where you may find lots of grime.^{[6]
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Gemological Institute of America
Nonprofit institute responsible for gemological research and education and setting gemstone buying and selling standards
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- A soft bristle toothbrush can also be used on sapphires and other gems.^{[7]
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4
Dry the black diamonds with a polishing cloth. Once you are satisfied with your weekly cleaning, you can dry the diamonds with a polishing cloth.^{[8]
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- If you have sapphires on the jewelry, you should dry them with a soft cotton cloth.^{[9]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using a Black Diamond Cleaning Solution

1
Soak the black diamonds in hot water for 10-15 minutes. This will loosen dirt, oil and grime. If there is still a lot of grime stuck to the diamonds, you could let them soak a little longer.^{[10]
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2
Make a black diamond cleaning solution. Mix one-part diluted ammonia to three parts water. Pour this solution into a flat dishpan.^{[11]
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- The ammonia and water cleaning solution is safe for hard gemstones, such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires.^{[12]
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- For soft gemstones like opals or turquoise, you should use a milder cleaning solution instead of the ammonia solution. You could use water and a mild, non-detergent soap.^{[13]
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- If you prefer, you can buy a colored diamond cleaning solution from a jewelry store.
- If you are not sure which cleaning solution to use, you should use the cleaning solution recommended for the softest gem on your piece of jewelry.^{[14]
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3
Soak the diamonds in the solution for one hour. Place the diamond in the cleaning solution. For best results, check that the black stones are completely covered by the solution. Remove them after one hour.^{[15]
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4
Scrub the black diamonds with a clean, soft bristle toothbrush. Clean all of the surfaces of the stones to get rid of grime and debris.^{[16]
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- Avoid scrubbing too vigorously, since tension settings and prongs could be damaged during the scrubbing process.^{[17]
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  Gemological Institute of America
  Nonprofit institute responsible for gemological research and education and setting gemstone buying and selling standards
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5
Rinse the black diamonds under hot water. If you are working under a kitchen or bathroom sink, make sure the drain is in place. Carefully rinse the black diamonds.^{[18]
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Gemological Institute of America
Nonprofit institute responsible for gemological research and education and setting gemstone buying and selling standards
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6
Buff the stone using a soft cloth. Use a lint free-cloth to get it sparkling clean. Store your jewelry, and care for it like would any piece of diamond jewelry.

Expert Q&A

Question

Can I use dish soap on my diamond?

Kennon Young
Master Gemologist Appraiser
Kennon Young is a Master Gemologist Appraiser and the Owner of Vermont Gemological Laboratory in Burlington, Vermont. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Kennon and his team specialize in handmade engagement rings, wedding bands, and custom jewelry. He attended the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts, the Gemological Institute of America, and the Rhode Island School of Design Extension. He is a Jewelers of America (JA) Certified Bench Jeweler Technician and received the highest credential in the jewelry appraisal industry, the ASA Master Gemologist Appraiser, in 2016.

Kennon Young

Master Gemologist Appraiser

Expert Answer

Yes! If you're cleaning diamond jewelry that's set in gold or platinum, and it doesn't have any other gemstones or other soft or breakable materials, clean it with a drop of dish soap, warm water, and a soft-bristled toothbrush. If you think about what gets caught on a diamond, it's going to be hand lotions, oil from your skin, and things like that, which dish soap is designed to break down.
Question

Will dish soap ruin diamonds?

Kennon Young
Master Gemologist Appraiser
Kennon Young is a Master Gemologist Appraiser and the Owner of Vermont Gemological Laboratory in Burlington, Vermont. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Kennon and his team specialize in handmade engagement rings, wedding bands, and custom jewelry. He attended the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts, the Gemological Institute of America, and the Rhode Island School of Design Extension. He is a Jewelers of America (JA) Certified Bench Jeweler Technician and received the highest credential in the jewelry appraisal industry, the ASA Master Gemologist Appraiser, in 2016.

Kennon Young

Master Gemologist Appraiser

Expert Answer

No! Dish soap is safe to use on diamonds. It's actually great for removing skin oils and lotions from your stones.

Warnings

Exercise caution if your jewelry has black diamonds alongside soft gemstones (opals) that can’t be cleaned with an ammonia cleaning solution.

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Avoid using bleach or other abrasive chemicals to clean black diamonds.^{[19]
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The prongs on black diamond jewelry can come loose during the cleaning process.^{[20]
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Avoid using sharp objects to clean the crevices in your diamonds.^{[21]
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Don’t use ultrasonic cleaners on black diamonds. They could make the color of your diamonds less vivid or otherwise damage the diamonds.^{[22]
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