This Instructable will show you how to clean an engagement ring, but these techniques can be used for other types of jewelry as well. This guide uses household items and safe non abbrasive techniques as to cause no harm to jewelry being cleaned. However, please use common sense and be careful while cleaning your jewelry.

Step 1: Dirty Ring to Be Cleaned

This is my wife's engagement ring. It has not been cleaned in several years, and I would say this is moderate to very dirty.

Step 2: Cleaning Supplies

Items needed:

1) Glass measuring cup
2) Baking soda
3) Vinegar
4) Very, very soft toothbrush
5) Small measuring cup

Step 3: Pre-soak Ring

Put about a cup of water into the measuring glass and microwave to a boil. Remove glass from microwave and place ring in the water and allow to soak for 5 minutes.

Step 4: Vinegar Bath

After removing the ring from the hot water, empty the water and replace it with about a cup of vinegar. Place the ring back into the vinegar and allow to soak for another 5 minutes.

Step 5: Baking Soda Scrub

Step 1:
Mix a small amount of baking soda and water in the small measuring cup. It should be about the consistency of watered down toothpaste.

Step 2:
Completely cover the ring in the paste.

Step 3:
Using the toothbrush, carefully scrub the ring in small circular motion getting into every nook and crevice. Continue to use the remaining paste like toothpaste while cleaning the ring.

Step 6: Final Soak

Boil another cup of water in the measuring glass. After rinsing the ring in tap water to remove most of the soda scrub, place the ring back into the water for another 5 minutes.

Step 7: Clean, Shiny Ring

After removing the ring from the final hot water bath, rinse the ring under warm tap water. While rinsing use the toothbrush to gently remove the remaining soda and stubborn grime.

Total time for cleaning: about 15 minutes