An engagement ring is among the most prized possessions of jewelry that a woman will possess throughout her lifetime. As for daily wear, it might look like this but, of course, it needs some attention to look like new again. Here is a short useful guide as how to take care of your engagement ring and have it looking as good as when it was bought.
- Regular Cleaning at Home
Everyday use also puts stress on the engagement rings which get in contact with oils, lotions and dirt that cause them to loose their glitter. Regular at-home cleaning can restore its brilliance:
Mild Soap and Water: To clean, rinse your ring with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap, soak the ring for about 20-30 minutes. Now, using a soft toothbrush, clean the stone and setting paying most of your attention to the area round the prongs. hand wash in warm water and dampen with a dry cool towel and make sure no fabric softener was used on the cloth.
Frequency: If you are not likely to use your ring daily, then you would be safe to clean your ring every two weeks; if you work with chemical products that may find their way on the ring you might have to clean the ring once a week.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Substances found in most common domestic products, such as bleach, ammonia, and acetone, often pose threats to the metal and stones used in engagement rings. Cosmetics, including hair sprays and lotions, also create this kind of residue.
Tip: Take off your ring while washing your hands, applying any creams, or using any aerosols. The protection that is most vulnerable to anything abrasive is the finger on which the ring was placed, so if you are using anything abrasive, it is safer to have the ring removed until the task or work is complete.
- How to Minimise Your Ring’s Exposure to Physical Damage
Traditional engagement rings are made to a standard, and though they are strong, a powerful force could push out the setting or even chip the stone on other intricate settings.
Remove for Physical Activities: You get the best look and protection if you take this ring off frequently used hands, such as those used for washing dishes, weightlifting, gardening, etc., since these can scratch the metal and stone.
Safe Storage: If you’re taking your ring off, store it in a jewelry box lined with fabric or a soft pouch to prevent the ring from scratching the other Jewelry.
- APCI: Annual Professional Cleaning and Inspection
It is recommended that you take your ring to the jeweler for cleaning every year, ensuring that it lasts as long as it should. Jewelers can clean the deeper levels of the ring using special products that make the stone glow.
Inspection for Damage: Professional checks involve inspecting the prongs, setting, and band for signs of wear, lost or missing stones, or worn prongs.
Frequency: This is usually done once a year but more often with rings with complex settings may require more frequent inspection.
- Take Care of Issues to Do with Temperature
Often, engagement rings are affected by temperature changes. High or very low temperatures can hurt metal properties and increase the likelihood of cracks.
Avoid Extreme Heat: Remove your ring for hydrothermal procedures, including hot tubs and saunas. However, while diamonds can easily handle high temperatures, the same cannot be said of metal settings.
Cold Temperatures: Cold tends to decrease the size of fingers a little and as such rings tend to be loose and can easily slip off especially during the winter.
- Insuring Your Engagement Ring
It is rather practical to wear engagement rings, and when you lose, steal, or destroy these accessories, insurance will help with replacement.
Appraisal: Get a professional appraisal done to determine the true value of the ring; do it every few years since the value of gemstones and metals change.
Insurance Policy: Select a policy that acts against theft, loss, and any form of damage. As we mentioned earlier, insurance is a small amount of money you pay to ensure that your ring is safe in terms of monetary value as well as sentimental value.
- After losing the ring, the subject needs to create a “Safe Place” for the ring.
These objects should not be misplaced or lost accidentally; As for some items a ‘safe place’ can be set. A ring holder can be a small dish or box placed by the sink, at the nightstand or the door to remind the owner to wear it.
Travel Tip: On the move, use a travel jewelry case instead of having it rolled around in pockets or bags, where it is vulnerable to scratches and loss.
Some Final Notes on How to Take Care of an Engagement Ring
Maintenance of an engagement ring is not a complicated affair because the following practices must be observed: washing with benign solutions, storing, and viewing the ring annually. For rings, engagement is not just accessories but a sign of marriage intentions, thus expected to shine to eternity. In fact, if you want your ring to remain a symbol of your story, then giving just a little care will be highly beneficial.