An engagement ring cleaning service is a professional deep clean and safety check by a jeweller. They examine the setting, remove built‑up oils and dirt with ultrasonic and steam tools, and polish the metal; white gold may be re‑rhodium plated. It restores sparkle and secures stones—results home cleaning can’t reliably match.

This guide explains what’s included, typical UK prices and what affects them, how long it takes, and the methods used. You’ll learn which stones need extra care, when repairs are needed, how often to clean, safe at‑home care, how to book (walk‑in, appointment, mail‑in), how to pick a jeweller, what to expect on the day, plus Hatton Garden options. Let’s make it easy to compare, budget and book with confidence.

What an engagement ring cleaning service includes

A professional engagement ring cleaning service goes beyond shine. Your jeweller inspects the setting, lifts built‑up oils and debris (often via steam and/or ultrasonic), and refreshes the metal finish. You’ll also get impartial advice on any preventative work to keep stones safe and sparkle lasting.

• Inspection: stone security check.
• Deep clean: steam and/or ultrasonic.
• Polish/refinish: reduce light marks.
• Rhodium replating (white gold): optional, quoted separately.

UK price guide: how much ring cleaning costs

Pricing for an engagement ring cleaning service varies by jeweller, finish and extras. As a clear benchmark, Fraser Hart’s published price list shows a Clean and Polish Ring at £60. Many jewellers advise annual professional cleaning and inspection, while white‑gold rhodium replating is usually an extra quoted after assessment. Some retailers also offer complimentary cleaning to their own customers (for example, Lunn’s provides lifetime annual ring cleaning on its engagement rings).

• Clean & polish (in‑store): Fraser Hart lists £60 for a ring clean and polish.
• Deep clean only (ultrasonic/steam): Often included within a standard service; price varies by store.
• Rhodium replating (white gold): Charged separately after inspection.
• Add‑ons (scratch removal, stone security fixes): Quoted case‑by‑case.
• At‑home cleaners (comparison): Branded wipes/solutions typically £10–£12 from major jewellers.

Free cleaning and aftercare: what’s included if you bought from the jeweller

If you purchased your ring from the same jeweller, ask about complimentary aftercare. Many UK jewellers invite annual check-ups; for example, Lunn’s offers lifetime complimentary annual ring cleaning, and A Star Diamonds includes lifetime free cleaning, polishing and resizing. This can cover your engagement ring cleaning service needs between paid work.

• Annual check & clean: Usually available to store customers.
• Light polish included: Helps reduce everyday marks.
• Extras charged: Rhodium replating and any repairs are quoted separately.

How long professional cleaning takes

Turnaround for an engagement ring cleaning service depends on the workshop’s workload and the scope of work. Some UK jewellers offer same‑day cleaning; for example, Lunn’s can return rings the same day if brought in before 12pm (ready by 4:30pm), or within 1–2 days after midday or at other stores. If inspection flags repairs or additional finishing, expect extra time.

Professional methods explained: ultrasonic, steam, polishing and rhodium replating

A professional engagement ring cleaning service combines tools and finishing techniques your ring can’t get at home. Your jeweller selects the safest methods for your metal and stones, and inspects the setting before and after cleaning to protect against loosened dirt revealing wear.

• Ultrasonic cleaning: High‑frequency vibrations dislodge oils and debris from hard‑to‑reach areas. Not every stone or setting is suitable; your jeweller will assess first.
• Steam cleaning: A jet of pressurised steam lifts remaining residue and restores brilliance, often used alongside ultrasonic. Lunn’s specifically notes steam cleaning in their service.
• Polishing/refinishing: Light buffing reduces fine surface marks and revives lustre; many UK jewellers include polishing within a standard clean and inspect.
• Rhodium replating (white gold): Adds back the bright white finish that naturally wears over time. As major jewellers note, it’s an additional, quoted service and may be recommended after inspection.

Safety notes: stones and settings that need extra care

Safety comes first in any engagement ring cleaning service. Not every stone or setting suits ultrasonic or steam; a jeweller will inspect and choose the gentlest method. UK jewellers note some gemstones need extra care, and pearls are soft and porous—avoid submerging or using cleaning products. If inspection finds worn claws or stone movement, professional cleaning pauses until security is addressed.

• Pearls: Soft and easily damaged; wipe with a slightly damp soft cloth, don’t soak or use cleaners.
• Gemstone rings: Some gems need extra care; follow your jeweller’s chosen method.
• Diamonds: Clean well, but always check claws and the mount for damage during ring cleaning.
• Worn claws/loose stones: Ask for inspection and stabilisation before ultrasonic/steam; repairs may be recommended.

When you need more than a clean: tightening, re-tipping and re-shanking

Sometimes the inspection during an engagement ring cleaning service reveals issues that a polish won’t fix—stones that shift, claws worn flat, or a band thinned at the back. In these cases, cleaning pauses and your jeweller will recommend preventative repairs, quoted after assessment, to secure your stone and extend the ring’s life.

• Tightening: Adjusts claws/setting tension to stop any stone movement.
• Claw re‑tipping: Rebuilds worn prong tips; many jewellers include a full polish.
• Re‑shanking: Replaces a thinned band section, matched to the shoulders and polished.

How often to clean your engagement ring

Do light at‑home care regularly to keep everyday sparkle, but schedule a professional engagement ring cleaning service and safety inspection about once a year. This annual cadence is recommended by major UK jewellers and helps catch wear before it becomes a repair. If your ring sees heavy daily wear, lots of lotions/hand sanitiser, or is white gold that may need rhodium replating, expect to visit sooner. Feeling a loose stone or snagging claws? Stop wearing and book immediately.

At-home cleaning vs professional: what you can safely do between services

Home care keeps sparkle between annual visits. Once a week, use lukewarm water with a drop of mild soap (baby shampoo), a soft brush, thorough rinse and a lint‑free dry. Use jewellery wipes or a Diamond Dazzle Stik for quick touch‑ups; leave deep cleaning and safety checks to a professional engagement ring cleaning service.

• Avoid: harsh abrasives and chemicals (sanitiser, chlorine), extremes; skip at‑home ultrasonics.
• Pearls: never soak; wipe slightly damp only.
• If in doubt: claws snag or stones feel loose? Book.

How to book a ring cleaning: walk-in, appointment and mail-in options

Choose the booking route that fits your schedule and the level of work needed. For a straightforward engagement ring cleaning service, many showrooms can help on the day—some even same‑day if you arrive before midday—while appointments are best if you expect quotes for replating or repairs. If you can’t visit, ask whether an insured postal service is available and what’s covered.

• Walk‑in: Ideal for a quick clean and check. Availability varies by day; bring proof of purchase if you’re expecting complimentary aftercare.
• Appointment: Book by phone or WhatsApp for set times, detailed inspection, and clear quotes (useful for rhodium replating or claw checks).
• Mail‑in: Ask if the jeweller accepts insured post; request pre‑clean photos, a written estimate, confirmed return insurance and turnaround.

Choosing a jeweller: questions to ask and what to check

Choosing the right jeweller for your engagement ring cleaning service protects both sparkle and security. Prioritise clear pricing, suitable methods for your stone, and a fast, accountable turnaround. Ask who actually does the work and how inspections are documented before, during and after the clean.

• Stone expertise: Experience with your stone/setting; ultrasonic/steam suitability.
• Scope and extras: What’s included vs extra (polish, rhodium, repairs).
• Pricing process: Written estimate first; no work without approval.
• Timeline & cover: Turnaround or same‑day; insured while in their care/post.
• Aftercare: Guarantees and complimentary cleaning for owners.

Engagement ring cleaning service in London (Hatton Garden)

Hatton Garden is London’s jewellery quarter, with workshops offering professional deep cleans, inspections and polishing on-site. A Star Diamonds, based here, provides an engagement ring cleaning service for its clients, with lifetime free cleaning and polishing on A Star rings. Appointments are recommended; walk-ins may be accommodated subject to workshop capacity.

Preparing for your appointment: what to bring and what happens on the day

A little prep makes your engagement ring cleaning service smooth and fast. Bring anything that confirms aftercare eligibility if you expect complimentary cleaning, note any snagging claws or movement, and allow time for a proper inspection so the jeweller can advise on cleaning methods and any optional extras such as rhodium replating.

• Proof of purchase/aftercare: For complimentary cleaning or benefits.
• Ring box/pouch: Safe transport and handover.
• Service notes/photos: Any previous work or issues to flag.
• ID and contact details: For drop‑off forms and collection.
• On the day: Visual inspection, method confirmation, quote for any extras, clean/polish, final stone security check, and a collection receipt or return date.

What affects price and turnaround time

Cost and speed depend on scope, materials and workshop capacity. A straightforward clean-and-polish is a set service at many jewellers, while extras (like white‑gold rhodium replating) are quoted separately and add time. Same‑day is sometimes possible for simple work if you arrive before midday; any repair moves you onto a longer timeline.

• Metal and finish: White gold may need rhodium (extra cost/time); heavier refinishing takes longer.
• Stones and sensitivity: Pearls and some gemstones require gentler methods, slowing the engagement ring cleaning service.
• Setting complexity: Halos/pavé trap debris and need more careful cleaning.
• Condition on arrival: Deep scratches, loose stones or worn claws trigger repair before cleaning.
• Add‑ons requested: Polishing level, replating or restoration extend turnaround.
• Booking method: Walk‑in vs appointment cut‑offs; mail‑in adds insured transit time.
• Workshop workload: Busy seasons mean longer queues; ask for an estimated ready time.

Quick answers to common questions

Booking a professional engagement ring cleaning service often raises the same practical questions. Use these quick answers to compare options, set expectations and book with confidence.

• Cost: Clean & polish around £60 (Fraser Hart benchmark). Rhodium replating is extra.
• Time: Same‑day is possible (e.g., Lunn’s before 12pm) or 1–2 days; repairs add time.
• Frequency: Home clean weekly; professional service yearly (widely recommended by UK jewellers).
• Safety: Jeweller assesses suitability; some gemstones need gentler methods and pearls aren’t soaked.
• Free cleaning: Often for store customers. A Star Diamonds includes lifetime free cleaning/polishing/resizing on A Star rings.

Final thoughts

Professional cleaning restores brilliance and safeguards your ring with a thorough inspection. With clear UK benchmarks for cost and timing, you can choose walk‑in, appointment or mail‑in—and plan for extras like rhodium replating if required. Book annual care, keep up gentle weekly home cleans, and act quickly if a stone ever feels loose. Ready to book or get advice? Speak with our Hatton Garden specialists at A Star Diamonds for straightforward quotes and lifetime aftercare on A Star rings.