Do pave rings get dirty?

Pave melee sits almost flush with the metal surface, so the gaps between stones become tiny pockets that trap hand cream, sunscreen, soap film and skin oils. Once a film forms, it blocks light from reaching the table of each diamond, and the band starts reading as grey speckle instead of bright sparkle. The effect is usually noticeable within a fortnight on a daily-wear ring, and faster on lower-colour melee that needs more reflected light to look bright in the first place.

Soak the ring in lukewarm water with a drop of dish soap for 20 to 30 minutes, then brush gently with a soft baby toothbrush from underneath the band so any loosened dirt falls away from the stones. Rinse under warm tap water and pat dry with a lint-free cloth. Once a week keeps a daily-wear pave ring bright. Skip ultrasonic and steam cleaners unless a jeweller has just checked the prongs, since vibration can shake stones loose if the holding beads have worn.