How to look after your engagement ring

An engagement ring is likely to be the most cherished and expensive piece of jewellery you own, but do you really know how to look after it properly?

Not that we would admit it to the other half… But, we’ve all snagged the engagement ring on a jumper, knocked it off the night stand and been half way through moisturising only to realise you’ve still got your ring on.

It’s something no one talks about when you get engaged, but there are so many instances where you can’t or rather shouldn’t be wearing your engagement ring. And, its more regularly that you’d expect!

Learn about lab grown diamond engagement rings here.

Advice from an expert

We spoke to Martin Commins of Dublin’s Bespoke Diamonds, and he noted:

“…The biggest risk of causing damage to an engagement ring is damage to the claws holding the diamond/gemstone in place.

This can be subtle and not noticeable immediately, but could result in the stone being loose or in the worst case, falling out unnoticed. It is advised that you have your ring claws checked every 12 months, particularly if there are a lot of smaller stones in a halo or on the band. Most good jewellers will do this for free for their customers.”

When should I take my engagement ring off?

During exercise

Why?
When you’re working out, there is usually a higher chance of your engagement ring getting knocked, scratched or mis-shapen, particularly if you are using weights or participating in a work out class like boxing or strength training. Our hands and fingers swell during exercise as blood flow changes, there is also the small matter of sweating, which won’t damage your ring but may leave it looking dull and dirty.

When sleeping

Why?
This one isn’t the most obvious, like what can happen when I’m sleeping? The claws or prongs holding your stones in place may snag on your blankets or pillows during the night, resulting in the risk of damaging the security of diamond.

In swimming pools

Why?
The chlorine and other chemicals in swimming pools may leave your ring looking dull and cloudy, and in need of a good scrub.

Swimming in the sea

Why?
Another less obvious one, Martin Commins of Bespoke Diamonds highlighted that swimming in salt water pools or swimming in the sea whilst wearing your engagement ring, can cause damage to the gold on your ring – both white and yellow gold – and can lead to more regular re-plating.

Applying cosmetics

Why?
Wearing your wedding or engagement rings when you’re putting on make up, moisturising or fake tanning, won’t necessarily damage your ring but will likely lead to a build up of dirt and excess product making your gorgeous stone appear dull.

So, how do I clean my engagement ring at home?

If you don’t one of those handy Amazon ring cleaning gadgets, fret not – you can easily do this with things you likely already have hanging around the house.

You’ll need: A baby toothbrush or a soft bristle toothbrush, hot water and a squeeze of washing up liquid.

Method: Gently place your rings into the hot water and washing up liquid mix and leave to settle for one or two minutes. Then, remove from the water mixture and gently brush your stone and rings with the toothbrush and then rinse with cold water and dry with a paper towel.

All Images via Bespoke Diamonds.