There is no jewelry quite as precious as an engagement ring. The mesmerising effect it had when you first glanced at it, however, may be a bit more of a challenge than anticipated. Let’s be honest, wearing fine jewelry on a daily basis is something not every woman is accustomed to.
Since we want you to spend less time worrying and more time enjoying your engagement ring, we have put together a few tips that will help you care for this timeless piece of jewelry.
How to keep your engagement ring safe
Rocking that shiny setting and a sparkling gemstone with everyday wear does not come naturally; it requires careful nurturing.
Gemstones used to decorate engagement rings are selected particularly for their hardness and durability, however, this does not make them indestructible, and the same goes for your golden setting.
Wearing your engagement ring day-to-day, all the time, may sound romantic but it may also leave you with a scratched gemstone, missing diamonds, or a dulled setting.
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Know when to take it off:
- A day at the pool or the beach: Leave your ring at home when you’re off for a swim. The beach sand can scratch the setting, the sea may wash it away as cold water makes your fingers shrink, and the chlorine in pool water can damage it.
- During your beauty routine: Lotions and creams may do wonders for your skin but beauty products are the slow-burner of ring damage. Over time the buildup will attract grease and grime, not to mention it may also cause the stone to loosen. Take it off when washing, applying creams, spraying perfumes, or using makeup products.
- When exercising: Your engagement ring will not work well as a sporting accessory. In addition to it probably being uncomfortable for you to move around freely with, there is a high potential for damage from knocks, the salt from sweat, and the increased presence of oils being secreted from the skin causing dirt to build up.
- When cleaning or cooking: Housework is a no-no for fine jewelry as harsh cleaning chemicals can damage both the metal and the stone. Same goes for cookery, as it is probably the next biggest contributor to detritus attaching itself to your engagement ring as the process often involves two of the worst ingredients imaginable for long term damage: fat and flour.
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Store it properly when going ringless.
Fine jewelry needs extra care even when it isn’t worn. When you take your engagement ring off it is advisable to store it in a soft jewelry box. When you’re on-the-go, drop it in a small soft zipped pouch by itself to find it easily and avoid it from being entangled with other jewelry or damages by other items it may potentially rub against.
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Regularly check it to make sure everything is in order.
Every so often check your engagement ring to prevent serious damage by closely examining it. Notice if the claws are firm, if some prongs are shorter than others, if the stones are moving, or if there are any significant scratches or residue sticking on the setting. If you notice anything particularly out of place, have it checked by your jeweler.
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How to clean your engagement ring at home
Having your engagement ring maintained professionally on a regular basis may often be unfeasible. Fortunately, you can keep it shiny with simple household items without too much hassle.
- Drop your ring into a mug of warm water mixed with a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid and let it sit for a 10-15 minutes.
- Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, softly scrub it to remove any dirt lodged in nooks and crannies.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water to remove any soap residue. To be on the safe side avoid doing so in the sink where you might drop it down the drain; instead, swish the ring around in a clean bowl of water.
- Using a soft cloth, pat dry your ring thoroughly and buff it gently to bring back the shine. Careful never to clean it using tissue as it contains small wood fibers that may scratch it.
How to care for your engagement ring in the long run
Looking to go that extra mile? Make sure you take it for professional maintenance once or twice a year. A jeweler will know how to clean it properly and they will also be capable of fixing any issues that may arise, making it look brand new and sparkling!