Caring for Your Engagement Ring

An engagement ring may be a symbol of an impending marriage, but without proper care, it will no longer represent the love and commitment the couple shares. Caring for your engagement ring will ensure that not only does it look its best before the wedding, but that it remains a treasure that can be passed down from generation to generation.

General Do’s of Caring for Your Engagement Ring

• Do take your ring off before participating in a sport or other vigorous activity that could involve sharp blows.
• Do place your ring in the same, safe place every day to avoid accidentally misplacing it.
• Do clean your ring at least once a week to keep it as brilliant as the day you first put it on.
• Do remove your engagement ring before beginning housecleaning or yard work that involves harsh chemicals or rough equipment.
• Do have your ring inspected at least twice a year by a qualified jeweler to guarantee the setting is secure.
• Do have an accurate appraisal of your engagement ring done and updated every few years in case of loss.
• Do insure your valuable engagement ring against theft, loss, or accidental damage.

General Don’ts of Caring for Your Engagement Ring

• Don't take your ring off or place it near vulnerable places, such as sinks or bathtubs, where it could easily be knocked off and lost.
• Don't wear your engagement ring while cleaning with harsh chemicals because they may discolor, dissolve, or otherwise damage either the stone or the metal.
• Don't wear your ring while applying heavy makeup, lotion, or creams to your hands to avoid excessive buildup that can dull the stones.
• Don't wear your ring while swimming in a pool or other open water such as a lake or the ocean when your fingers could shrink, allowing the ring to fall off.
• Don't excessively touch the stones in your ring – the oils in your hands can cloud the gems and reduce their sparkle.
• Don't store your engagement ring with other jewelry where it can be easily scratched or chipped by other diamonds or gems.

Cleaning Your Engagement Ring

Many people believe that simply wearing your engagement ring while washing your hands is an adequate way to clean it. In fact, the soaps and other cleaners used on your hands can cloud and dull your ring, and it should be cleaned periodically to keep it brilliant. The easiest way to clean a diamond ring is with solution of water and mild liquid detergent. A soft bristled brush can loosen dirt and a soft, lint-free cloth should be used for drying.

Store-bought jewelry solutions may also be used for soaking diamond rings as well as solutions of ammonia and ethyl alcohol. Ammonia (in a mild solution with three parts water) is particularly good for brightening yellow gold, but should never be used with fracture-filled diamonds as it may cause the diamonds to become cloudy or discolored. Engagement rings can also be professionally cleaned if they become overly dirty. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are the most popular choices among jewelers.

Diamonds can also be boiled in sulfuric acid by a professional if they become extremely dirty, though this is often a last resort. If your engagement ring has any serious flaws, however, such as fractures or cracks in the stone, be sure the jeweler is aware of them because certain cleaning techniques may exacerbate the flaws. If your engagement ring contains different types of stones, be sure that whichever cleaning method you choose is appropriate for all of them. Pearls, for example, are far softer and more delicate than many gems, and can easily be scratched or pitted by cleaning solutions recommended for diamonds.

Protection from damage and theft should be your primary concerns when storing your engagement ring. Jewelry boxes should be lined with soft fabric, but be aware that a noticeable jewelry box is the first place a burglar will look. A diamond engagement ring should be wrapped in soft fabric and placed in a padded jewelry bag for long-term storage. It's best to keep seldom-worn jewelry in a safe deposit box. Never store diamond jewelry loose with other pieces – the diamonds could easily scratch or nick other pieces, while the gold or platinum setting on the engagement ring can be damaged by other gems.

Unusual Care for Unusual Rings

Unusual Engagement Rings require some unusual care. Elaborate Art Deco Engagement Rings, for example, need more detailed cleaning to remove dirt, dust, and buildup from the intricate settings. Antique Engagement Rings need delicate handling from a reputable jeweler who is experienced with older, less sturdy rings, and they should be treated even more delicately than a typical engagement ring. Minute settings and designs such as Pave Setting Engagement Rings or Celtic Engagement Rings will require detailed cleaning more frequently than less intricate rings. Because the rhodium coating that gives them a brilliant white luster eventually wears off, White Gold Engagement Rings require periodic reapplication of the coating.

No matter what type of engagement ring you need to care for, your best resource is the jeweler. Ask them about unique care and cleaning requirements, and if possible, always return to that jeweler to service and inspect your ring.

With practical habits, regular cleaning, and careful storage, caring for your engagement ring is easy and efficient. Not only will the ring remain glamorous throughout the engagement, but as its sentimental and monetary value continues to grow after the wedding, the ring's brilliance will remain as sparkling as the day it was first put on your finger.

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