I'm recently engaged and obsessed with coffee, so it's no surprise that my social media algorithm recently showed me a video of someone using the steam wand from their espresso machine to clean their engagement ring.
But what did surprise me was what experts said when I asked if this was safe.
The video from Instagram user @kurinadele has racked up over five million views, and shows her using her coffee maker to steam-clean her jewelry. "Who needs a jeweler when you have a Breville?", the caption reads.
Understandably, a lot of commenters question just how safe this hack can be. Surely the pressure of the steam can be damaging to settings and gemstones? Well, according to the jewelers I spoke to, it's not necessarily a bad idea. In fact, this cleaning hack mimics the methods professionals use to clean engagement rings. But there are some things you should know before you try this hack for yourself.
Can you use your espresso machine to clean your jewelry?
I reached out to three professional jewelers to find out of they recommend this hack, and I was expecting all of them to reject the hack as silly, and potentially dangerous. But according to Rustin Yasavolian, CEO at Masina Diamonds, "It's totally safe for fine jewelry." In fact, "when you get your ring professionally cleaned, we actually use a similar machine."
If anything, your steam wand might not be powerful enough to really get the job done! "The pressure of the steam that comes out [from professional ring cleaning machines] is much stronger — closer to 80 PSI. That's what really gets the gunk out."
So, depending on what materials your jewelry is made from, it could be safe to use this hack on your own engagement ring.
Heat-sensitive or porous stones such as opals, pearls, turquoise, and emeralds should never be steam cleaned
Jonathan Goldberg, Founder and CEO at Kimberfire
"Using steam to clean jewelry isn't new — at Kimberfire, we use high-pressure steam as a final polish before shipping out our engagement rings and fine jewelry," says Jonathan Goldberg, Founder and CEO at Kimberfire.
"The steam from an espresso wand is functionally similar to professional jewelry steamers, and won't damage solid gold or platinum rings or diamonds."
So, if your ring is made of solid gold or platinum and features diamonds, this hack could work for you.
"That said, heat-sensitive or porous stones such as opals, pearls, turquoise, and emeralds should never be steam cleaned," warns Goldberg. "These gems can be irreversibly damaged by heat and moisture, especially if they've been treated or contain natural fractures."
And if your jewelry is potentially plated, you should also be careful. "Certain jewellery, like silver, is plated with a thin layer of gold. The high-pressure steam can potentially damage or strip the thin layer of plating," warns Nishit Mehta, President & CEO at La Joya Jewelry
"The intense heat and pressure can cause serious damage to certain gemstones. For example, opals, turquoise, pearls, coral, and amber are soft and porous. The steam can cause them to crack, discolor, or lose their luster. "
"Additionally, many gemstones are treated with oils or resins to enhance their appearance. Steam can remove these treatments, altering the stone's appearance."
So, while this hack can technically work with more conventional engagement rings, it might not be a risk worth taking, especially if your ring features alternative stones or metals.
Alternative ways to clean
Even if your jewelry is made of solid gold and diamonds, you might not want to risk using your steam wand to give it a quick clean.
"My advice would be to stick to professional cleaning by a jeweler," says Mehta, "or use established at-home methods like a soft brush with gentle soap and water."
The soap and water method is also recommended by Goldberg. "For safe and effective home cleaning, I recommend a soft toothbrush and a mix of warm water and mild dish soap," he told me. "Rinse thoroughly, air dry, and if you like, finish with a light steam from the espresso machine."
Diamonds are, famously, the hardest naturally occurring substance on earth, so I don't think my trusty Breville is capable of damaging my ring. But would you try this cleaning hack on your own jewelry?
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