How To Clean Diamond Stud Earrings Safely

Diamond stud earrings are designed to sparkle—but over time, dirt, oils, and skincare products can dull their brilliance. The good news? Cleaning your diamond studs is easy when done right. This guide will show you safe, effective methods to clean your earrings without damaging the diamonds, settings, or metals.

Why Cleaning Matters

Dirty diamond studs:

• Lose their shine due to buildup of oil and grime
• Can irritate sensitive ears if bacteria collects
• May loosen settings if debris accumulates in prongs

A clean diamond reflects more light—restoring your earrings’ sparkle instantly.

How Often Should You Clean Diamond Studs?

Daily wear: Every 1–2 weeks

Occasional wear: After every few uses

Post-workout/swimming: Immediately (rinse and dry)

The Gentle At-Home Method (Best for Most Settings)

You’ll Need:

• Warm water
• Mild dish soap (unscented, no lotion)
• Soft toothbrush or makeup brush
• Lint-free cloth

Steps:

• Mix a few drops of soap with warm water in a small bowl
• Soak earrings for 15–20 minutes
• Gently brush the stone and setting (especially behind the diamond!)
• Rinse thoroughly with warm water
• Pat dry with a clean cloth—do not air dry

Be sure to plug the sink or use a bowl to avoid losing an earring down the drain!

Safe Cleaning Tips by Setting Type

Prong: Brush gently around each prong

Bezel: Check under the diamond for buildup

Halo: Clean thoroughly around pavé stones

Screw-back: Unscrew occasionally to clean threads

What NOT to Do

• No ultrasonic cleaners at home (can loosen stones)
• Avoid bleach, acetone, or toothpaste
• Don’t boil or microwave earrings
• Skip air drying—it can leave water spots

Professional Cleaning

Have your earrings professionally cleaned once a year, especially if they:

• Have complex halo or pavé settings
• Are worn daily
• Feel loose or wobbly in the setting

Quick On-the-Go Refresh Tips

• Use alcohol wipes in a pinch (check metal compatibility)
• Carry a travel jewelry cleaning pen
• Wash hands before handling earrings to prevent oil transfer

Clean diamond stud earrings = more sparkle, better hygiene, and longer-lasting settings. A few minutes of care can help your earrings stay radiant for years to come. 

Watch the below video to learn more, and check out our diamond stud earring buying guide.