More than likely, you remember some parts of how you became engaged: from where you were, to what your partner said, to finally seeing that beautiful engagement ring. Your engagement ring is a beautiful sign of your love and commitment— but just like marriage, caring for your engagement ring requires some regular maintenance.
By creating a few simple habits now, you can make sure your engagement ring continues to shine like the day you first got it! Below we share a seven key tips to keeping your engagement ring as dazzling as the very first day.
Clean at home with mild solutions.
Regularly wash your ring at home by soaking it in a mixture of warm water and mild dishwashing liquid for roughly 30 minutes before gently scrubbing it with a soft bristle toothbrush. You can also clean metals and precious stones with baking soda with its mild, non-abrasive consistency that makes it perfect for cleaning . Simply pour a bit of baking soda into a bowl and mix it with a bit of warm water to create a soft paste. Take off your ring and use your fingers to gently rub the paste around the stone, the setting, and the ring. Rinse the ring in warm water and dry with a lint-free cloth.
Consider an alternative ring.
Many brides are choosing to also have a “backup ring.” This ring is an alternate ring to your engagement ring that is often less valuable and can be worn without worry of it getting lost or damaged. When you don’t want to put your engagement ring at risk (a long day at the beach or gardening, for example), leave the real bling at home and opt for an alternative ring.
Have a go-to safe spot.
Whether you always take your ring off to sleep or shower, or if you only remove it when you really must, it’s wise to have a designated spot for it. Whether you choose a specific area in your jewelry box, or a small dish on your dresser, having a go-to location will cut down on the chances of forgetting where you put it.
Avoid harsh chemical residue.
Chemicals from everyday products (like the ones in perfume, sunscreen, and lotion) can add residue to the ring and diamond, which can cause potential damage. Make it a habit to remove your ring before applying products that may be made with harmful chemicals.
Get insurance.
As with any serious investment, it’s wise to consider getting insurance for your engagement ring. While it might be emotionally difficult to ever have to replace your engagement ring, knowing you wouldn’t have the financial upset if you ever did lose it can be more than worth it.
Restore shine to white gold and platinum.
No matter what care you give your ring, every white gold ring will start to dull and a yellow hue will start to shine through. This is natural and unavoidable, but the gold’s original sheen can be easily restored through a process called Rhodium plating. While platinum rings do not need Rhodium treatments as platinum does not originally start off as yellow, those who want a shinier look to their platinum engagement ring can opt to have their platinum band plated for more shine.
Schedule professional cleanings.
Our jewelers at here at Reiner’s Fine Jewelry are happy to give your engagement ring a thorough professional cleaning. Not only will we clean your ring, but we will examine it under magnification to make sure the prongs are secure, and to check for diamond fractures and loose stones. We recommend having your ring professionally cleaned twice a year to maintain the structural integrity of your ring and keep it as dazzling as the day you first saw it.
Learn more about jewelry repair