Yep, it's been beat over the head, but I'm still unsure, and there is a lot of scattered information. I've heard good reviews about the jewel jet, and I'm going to consider that, but I'm wondering if there is a better, or cheaper, machine to get the job done.

I know some people swear by vingar and water, or soap and water, but I already clean my pave ring religiously and it STILL doesn't look the same after I'm done as it does from the jewelry store.

Any ideas? Or ways to save money on a steam cleaner?

if you're lookin' to find things to try *without* spending any more money...

do you have any canned air? like, the stuff used to clean inside computers?

if you have some canned air, try using that to dry your ring - with whichever other method you choose to clean it.

in addition to our hard water, i think it's the residue left behind from even the micro-droplets i can't get at to dry (like underneath and such) that makes my stones not as gorgeous when i clean them as they are when the jeweller does.

drying them with canned air helps.

(i feel wasteful doing it, though, so i only do it for special occasions)

beyond that, i only ever use distilled water to clean my jewelry (not tap, or regular bottled drinking water).

Thanks Dana, I'll have to try it!

Luckily, if I clean my rings the traditional way and buy a can of air to dry it, it's not like I've invested big if I don't love this method.

I leave mine in soak all day. I use very hot water and washing up liquid. Sometimes i add lemon juice, making sure i give them a couple of stirs to loosen the dirt.

It's amazing how much dirt comes off, layers of dirt etc.

I do this once a week MIN. My rings are always sparkling to max ability...

yeah, pretty gross, eh? Everytime I clean my hubbies the water has floaties in it.

LOL ! You must love him...

Another option instead of canned air - I use my hairdryer, which has a low, cool setting. This after a quick bath in hot water with dishwashing detergent and a soft toothbrush.

At first I thought weekly cleanings were over the top, but I cleaned my new ering after having it for just one week and I couldn't believe how much more it sparkled ! Fingerprints, oil, dirt/dust - it all piles up so quick.

Is it possible to clean your rings too often? Does anyone clean/soak their rings everyday?

I've been doing once a week but I think I need to at least clean her twice a week. I noticed she was all gunky underneath today. I tried using our steamer at work but it's not small enough to get under the stone. And, boy, is that thing HOT! I use one of those Tupperware "shot glasses"...you know, the little shot glass sized containers with the lid? I put distilled water in it, a shot of dish soap, snap the lid on and shake. Super high tech ultrasonic! I let her soak about an hour, shaking every now and then. I then use a make up brush with real small bristles that really get in under the stone and scrub.

I clean my rings every day, even if it's just a simple dip in water with Dawn and a quick scrub with a soft toothbrush.