You’re engaged! What an exciting time in your life. You’ve been given the ring of your dreams and while you plan for the big day ahead, you want to make sure that the incredible piece of jewelry given to you stays in tip-top shape. Engagement rings can be passed on for generations if treated with care. With a few simple tricks and tips, you can keep your engagement ring in pristine shape to be bestowed upon future generations and to keep shining on your finger long after the day you got engaged.
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Keep Your Ring Clean
Life gets messy and your ring will sometimes look a little worse for wear. That’s why having a small ring cleaning kit at home can help you take care of the dirt and residue that happens when you go about your day-to-day. Take a soft cloth, Q-tip, or even a tissue to remove some of these particles. Be gentle, don’t force anything and if something is too deeply embedded, bring it to a professional. When in doubt, bring it in for cleaning so you avoid damaging the setting.
It is advised to have your ring professionally cleaned a few times a year. That way, for real build-up or something that requires more finesse, a professional will be able to take the care needed to properly get your diamond or band looking brand new. This is particularly important if you have gemstones on the ring band as these can sometimes collect dust or dirt.
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Check-Ups
While you’re getting your jewelry cleaned, a professional can also do a ‘check-up’ of your engagement ring. From looking at the prongs to the shape of the band, a jewelry expert will be able to make any adjustments that may be needed. Although any professional jeweler can provide this care, it’s always advisable to bring the ring back to where it was purchased. These professionals will know the design better than anyone. Set a reminder in your calendar to do this at least twice a year.
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Avoid Wearing Your Ring During Physical Activities
If you can, it’s a good idea to take off your ring before physical activities or jobs. If you like to lift weights or play sports, you should buy a safe-keeping ring box to put your engagement ring in while you take part. Diamonds, although incredibly strong, are not invincible and you wouldn’t want to damage your ring while doing something you love.
The same goes for someone with a physical job- if you are dealing with machinery or tools during the day, it’s a good idea to leave your engagement ring somewhere safe. It can be hard to part with a beautiful gift and symbol of your relationship for the day but in the end, it will help your ring last for a lifetime.
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Insurance
Accidents happen so the best way to provide yourself with peace of mind is to get insurance on your engagement ring. This can help provide relief should something happen to the stone or setting. As careful as you can be with such a precious piece of jewelry, having insurance will mean you don’t need to be overly worried about something happening to it. There are now a number of companies that will help insure engagement rings, find one that fits with your values and budget. It won’t take long to set up but can save you a headache down the road.
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Take Off Your Ring When Sleeping
This is a long-argued piece of advice. Some say not to bother, others say this is imperative but it could be said that if it’s that simple, you might as well keep it off while you’re sleeping. Rings can snag on fabric and get damaged. Keep ring dishes around your house so you will know where you placed your engagement ring should you take it off for sleeping, showering or cleaning. This small step could help save you time and money by avoiding any accidents that might take place while you are asleep. In the end, engagement rings are fine pieces of jewelry and need to be treated with care.
Your engagement ring should be treasured. By taking precautions and providing regular upkeep, your jewelry could become an heirloom to pass on to your grandkids and their kids after that. Rings should be handled like any other piece of important jewelry and requires attention. By following these simple tips, you can feel assured that your ring will last for a long time and remain in its original condition.