1) Take me off!
A survey was done that over 25% of people NEVER take off their engagement ring. This leaves your diamonds, gemstones, and settings susceptible to damage. Knowing when to take it off will help prolong the life of your prongs, brilliance of your stone, etc.
Now I know that’s extreme but it just shows that gold is not indestructible. A chlorinated swimming pool or hot tub for example, has chemicals that can weaken the metal.
You should also avoid wearing your rings while baking and gardening. Certain things like dough and dirt can accumulate and harden making your ring very difficult to clean.
Remove rings before applying lotions and creams. These will greatly diminish brilliance and hasten the need for cleaning and can even damage certain gemstones. Avoid getting hair spray on diamond rings as it will stick to the stones and make cleaning very difficult as well.
Hard water or well water can discolor settings and diamonds by leaving a film on them if you keep them on in the shower. Check out this photo of my sister in law’s ring from just showering a few days in well water.
The fine fabrics found in bed linens over time can work their way in between your prongs and stones. If your prongs are snagging on fabrics or constantly getting little fibers stuck this could be sign of a misshaped or damage prong.
Remember: cold water can shrink fingers, so never swim in the ocean or lake while you’re wearing your rings. They could slip off without you even knowing it.
2) Don’t take me off!
Do NOT take off your rings and set them next to the sink in public restroom to wash your hands. This is one of the most common ways of losing a ring.
3) Clean me!
A simple cup of warm water with a few drops of Dawn dish-washing soap and a soft bristle toothbrush is all you need at home. If you want a deep clean, your local jeweler can assist better with an ultra sonic and steam clean upgrade.
4) Get me checked!
If you hear a slight rattling or can feel a loose stone, do not delay, go see your local jeweler ASAP. Keep a record of your repairs and maybe even consider getting an insurance policy for your beloved ring through your home owner’s insurance (we offer FREE appraisals on engagement rings with purchase for this purpose). Also, your jeweler can restore white gold’s brilliance by “dipping” the setting in a rhodium bath. This will not harm your setting and is also safe for platinum rings as well.
5) Be careful with me!
FACT: Diamonds are incredibly hard, but impacts on points or the girdle edge can damage them.
Sudden impacts can chip stones and dent metal, so remove your rings before doing physical activities.
Enjoy your engagement ring but keep these hints in mind to keep your beautiful piece intact and beautiful for years and years to come! To see the engagement rings photographed click here.
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