Your engagement ring is probably among your most treasured pieces of jewelry. This item is more than just a decorative feature for your hand. It signifies your love for and commitment to your partner in a beautiful and public way. You want to keep this piece of jewelry safe and sparkly long into the future, which means taking smart care of it now. Follow these handy do's and don'ts to keep your ring looking like new long into the future.
Don't Leave Your Ring Uninsured
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Many jewelry stores encourage shoppers to get insurance before they even leave with an engagement ring. If your ring isn't insured already, it's never too soon to take this step. Your homeowners or renters insurance policy should allow you to add your ring to your existing coverage easily with few changes to your plan.
There are many types of insurance coverage that you can get for your ring, so it's worthwhile to compare plans. Some options include coverage for loss, theft, damage, and mysterious disappearance.
Do Give Your Ring a Special Spot
Designate a particular place in your home where you'll keep your ring safe when you're not wearing it. This might be the ring's original box in your nightstand, a special drawer of your jewelry box, or a jewelry holder on the dresser. Keeping your ring in the same place every time you take it off reduces your chances of losing or misplacing it.
Don't Overlook Signs of Wear
Your engagement ring is a near-constant accessory on your hand, which means that you will naturally expose it to many kinds of wear. Give your ring a close inspection every week or two for any loose prongs or stones. Once one prong loosens, others are likely to follow. If you don't have these repaired quickly, you could end up losing the stone entirely.
Do Know When To Take It Off
There are many activities that you'll want to remove your ring for, particularly if it has pavé-set diamonds or a tall prong setting. The higher your stone sits, the more susceptible it is to damage. Even a diamond can chip or come loose from heavy impact.
It's always best to remove your ring at home. If you take your ring off at the gym or the beach, you're more likely to misplace it. You should remove your ring if you're:
- Swimming at the beach: The currents and water combine to create a slippery situation where your ring may come off.
- In a pool or hot tub: Chlorine can damage your ring, particularly if it's white gold.
- Going to the gym: Steel is harder than gold and platinum, so using weights and other equipment puts your ring at risk for hazardous impact.
- Playing golf or tennis: These games involve a vigorous swing and flying balls that may present a risk to your ring.
- Cleaning the house: Common household cleansers can erode the metal in your ring. Abrasive products that you use for scrubbing may scratch the metal as well.
Don't Remove Your Ring in Public Places
In most situations aside from those listed above, it's best to keep your ring on — even when you're washing your hands. It's very easy to leave your ring beside the sink as you scrub your hands, and an engagement ring left behind in a public bathroom is unlikely to reappear. If you're not at home, keeping your ring on is the best way to keep it safe.
Do Clean Your Ring Regularly
Cleaning your engagement ring is a quick and simple job that will keep it sparkling like new for years to come. It's easy to overlook this task, but jewelers typically recommend that you clean your ring at least once a month. Cleaning your ring is as easy as:
- Placing the ring in a bowl with warm water and a few drops of mild dishwashing detergent.
- Letting the ring soak for a few hours or overnight.
- Gently scrubbing the ring with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Pay attention to all sides of the ring, including the back.
- Rinsing the ring in clean running water. Always plug your drain for this step.
- Patting the ring dry with a soft, lint-free clean cloth. Don't allow the ring to air-dry, as this leads to water stains.
Don't Pull Away From Snags
One common way that you can damage your engagement ring is by snagging it on a blanket or fabric. Delicate prongs are particularly prone to catching on sweaters or other items with a loose weave.
If your ring snags on something, resist the urge to quickly pull your hand away. This movement pulls on the band and may cause it to become misshapen. While platinum is too hard to easily lose its shape, gold and white gold are softer metals that can suffer from this kind of damage.
Do Arrange for Professional Servicing
While routinely cleaning your ring at home is a great way to maintain its brilliance and shine, this isn't the only thing that you need to do for this delicate piece of jewelry. You should have a professional service your ring at least once a year. Some jewelers recommend a twice-yearly inspection and cleanings four times a year to get the absolute best look from your engagement ring. However, if you're cleaning your ring at home, you may not need to have it professionally polished as often.
Most jewelers will clean and inspect your engagement ring for free. If the jeweler notices any loose stones or prongs or sees other issues that need repair, then you can discuss the next steps and any associated costs for major repairs. This type of proactive care is far easier and more affordable than holding off until you've lost a stone.
Following these tips to protect and care for your engagement ring will serve you well in the years to come. Whether you're interested in a ring cleaning or you're shopping for a new engagement ring, we can help. Come into Martin Busch Jewelers for all your fine jewelry needs.