The man of your dreams finally popped the question, and now you’re rocking the most magnificent ring on your left hand. But, if you’re like most women, wearing pricey diamond jewelry isn’t exactly your regular routine. You likely have a few questions about how to properly care for your new treasure: Should you take it off when you shower? What about when you sleep? How do you keep it clean? These are all great questions that nearly every bride-to-be has. After all, an engagement ring is often the most expensive piece of jewelry a woman will ever wear, and you want it to last a lifetime. If you’re wondering how to best care for your new prized possession, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve gathered a list of the best tips and tricks for proper engagement ring care to keep your ring dazzling like new.
Keep your ring clean
The golden rule of engagement ring care is to always keep your ring clean. Over time, dirt, oil, and other residue will build up and make your ring look dull and dingy. If you notice your ring is lacking its usual sparkle, that’s generally a sign it could use a good cleaning. Not sure how to clean an engagement ring? You can choose to take it to a jewelry store for a professional steam clean, or you can follow a few simple steps at home. All you need is a small dish, filled with some warm water and mild dish detergent. Allow your ring to soak in the water for several minutes, then remove it and gently scrub it with a soft bristle toothbrush. Return the ring to the water to loosen up any leftover dirt or grime. Finally, rinse your ring under clean, warm water and pat dry with a non-abrasive cloth. Avoid the misfortune of losing your ring down the drain by always plugging the sink before rinsing.
Schedule regular visits to a jeweler
Ring cleanings are important, but so is regular ring maintenance. Most jewelers recommend customers come in at least once a year to have their ring examined to ensure the prongs are secure and that no stones are loose or damaged. Ignoring even the tiniest imperfection will only lead to further, costlier damage to your ring, so this is an errand you don’t want to put off. A visit to the jeweler is also an opportunity to give your ring’s metal a little refresher. White gold rings need to be re-plated with rhodium every few years to maintain their brilliance and shine, while platinum rings require regular polishing to keep them looking lustrous. If you purchased your ring with a warranty, many of these services will be free of charge.
Only resize your ring once
An engagement ring is something you expect to wear for a lifetime, but there may be times when your ring doesn’t fit just the way you want it to. For example, pregnancy, seasonal temperature changes, travelling, and weight fluctuations can all effect the way your ring fits. Instead of running out to get your ring resized right away, give it some time to see if your body returns to normal. Although ring resizing is generally an easy process, overdoing it can make your metal fragile and susceptible to damage down the road.
Be cautious of the diamond
Diamonds are the hardest natural substance on earth, but that doesn’t make them indestructible. They can still chip and fracture just like any precious gem. Avoid knocking your diamond against hard surfaces, especially if you have a diamond shape that’s prone to chipping. Princess and marquise cut diamonds have sharp corners that make them more vulnerable to damage, while round brilliant cut diamonds tend to be less frail. If you’re concerned about the integrity of your diamond, opt for a secure setting, such as v-shaped prongs or a bezel.
Know when you should take your ring off
Once you have the ring you’ve always dreamed of, you’ll probably never want to take it off. But, there are certain occasions when it’s necessary to tuck it away in your jewelry box. Most experts agree that you should remove your ring before cleaning with harsh chemicals, washing dishes, working out, swimming, and playing sports. These types of hands-on activities expose your ring to unnecessary wear and tear and increase your chances of losing it altogether. Jewelers also recommend removing your ring before bed, since it can easily catch on something while you’re sleeping. While it’s sometimes necessary to forgo your ring, there are times when you should keep it planted on your finger. Avoid taking your ring off in public, like when washing your hands in a public restroom. You’d hate to lose your ring down a drain or accidentally leave it behind.
Invest in engagement ring insurance
Like any large purchase, you have the option to insure your engagement ring. This can either be purchased through your existing policies, such as homeowners or renter’s insurance, or through a dedicated jewelry insurer. An insurance policy will protect your treasure against theft, loss, and unexpected damage, and is relatively inexpensive if you consider the tremendous value of your engagement ring. The first step is to have your ring professionally appraised, so you know how much to insure it for. We recommend repeating this step every 5 years or so, as diamonds and precious metals may increase over time. You want to make sure your ring is insured for its current worth, so you don’t end up paying extra.
Safely store your ring
Find a safe place to store your ring when you’re not wearing it. It’s worth investing in a quality jewelry box with individual compartments lined with soft fabric. Store your ring solo to avoid unnecessary scratching. If security is a big concern, you may even consider stashing your ring in a locked safe. Securing your jewelry in this manner can actually help lower the cost of engagement ring insurance, as insurers often advertise additional discounts for safekeeping.
Place ring dishes around the house
If you need to slip your ring off for just a few moments, it’s handy to have ring dishes around where it can briefly rest. Place ring dishes in the rooms where you remove your ring most often, such as in the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. That way, right before you do dishes or wash your face for bed, you can quickly remove your ring without having to pull out your entire jewelry box.
Care for your engagement ring with the help of Leo Hamel’s!
If your ring is in need of a little TLC, there’s only one place to go, and that’s Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers in San Diego! Our full-service store is your one-stop-shop for all of your jewelry and watch needs. Shop an extensive collection of fine jewelry, including unique vintage and antique pieces that you won’t find anywhere else. Have your favorite jewelry pieces repaired and restored to their original splendor so you can continue enjoying them. We even offer jewelry buying services for those looking to trade in their unwanted valuables for some extra cash. No matter the service you’re seeking, you’ll find it here at Leo Hamel’s! What’re you waiting for? Visit us today!
source https://www.leohamel.com/blog/index.php/2019/05/tips-tricks-for-proper-engagement-ring-care/
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