Thank you Bevilles Jewellery for this wonderful article…
Your engagement ring is one of the most precious items you own, but it can be tough to know how to care of it.
From correct fit to cleaning tips, here are some important hints about how to care for your engagement ring.
1. Clean it gently every few weeks…
Add a few drops of mild dishwashing detergent to a mug of warm water and let your ring sit in the mixture for an hour, or even overnight.
Gently scrub the stone and the stone housing, with a very soft baby’s toothbrush, and pat it dry before wearing.
Cleaning your ring will help it retain its mesmerising sparkle, whether you have a diamond, gemstone or plain banded ring.
Top tip: Never leave your ring soaking near an open sink, as someone (or even you!) may pour the mixture down the sink by mistake.
2. Leave it on more often…
If you’re like most women, your engagement ring is the most valuable piece of jewellery you have ever owned.
Taking it off to do anything, including washing your hands, seems like a good way to take care of it, but try not take it off too often.
Not only do you risk leaving it at a café bathroom after washing your hands, but any temperature change can make it hard to put straight back on, making you more likely to lose it.
Tip: Try to leave your ring on when washing your hands.
If you have a delicate ring with tiny pavé stones, take it off during any activity involving grip such as tennis or golf.
3. Check your setting every few months…
Gently shake your ring, and if you hear any rattling, make sure you take it to a jeweller to inspect.
Rattling means the setting is getting loose and is the best warning sign you may lose your gemstone or diamond.
Also check the prongs, and if any are shorter than the rest, get it examined by a jeweller.
4. Ensure your ring fits without it easily spinning…
Many brides wear their rings too loose, which allows the ring to spin upside down easily.
This can be dangerous for your ring, as you may not realise the ring has spun while griping the steering wheel or pulling on something, causing damage to the stone and setting.
Tip: Get your ring sized in the afternoon or after exercise.
This allows for normal swelling to occur in your hands, but will ensure it is not too loose.
5. Take it off when you swim…
When you swim, your temperature drops, making your fingers slimmer than normal.
The last thing you want, is to lose your ring in a pool or at the beach!
Instead, put it on a chain around your neck for safekeeping, or leave it in a jewellery pouch, in a separate compartment to your other jewellery so it doesn’t get scratched.
6. Keep ring dishes around your house…
Whether you’re taking some me-time and applying nourishing hand cream, or working on your favourite DIY project and need your hands free for tools, you’re bound to take off your precious ring from time to time.
Place a few small ring dishes around the house, so you get into the habit of placing your ring in them while it’s off your finger.
Ring dishes help keep your ring safe, while also saving you from the heart-stopping fear you feel when you’ve taken your ring off and don’t know where you left it.
Tip: Line your ring dishes with a square of fabric or carpet to protect your stone and setting.
Engagement rings are priceless, no matter how much they’re worth, and taking care of your precious ring will help it look radiant for decades to come.