Your diamond engagement ring is a very dear possession – and you’ll want to take good care of it for years to come. But when you’re wearing an engagement ring every day, it can be a challenge to keep it sparkling and luminous. Luckily, there are a few simple things you can do to keep it in prime condition. Here, Peter & Co. Jewelers discusses basic jewelry care for these and other treasured pieces.
Keep Your Engagement Ring Clean
Hand soap, lotion, and other common products typically dull the shine of diamond engagement rings. A simple way to gently clean your ring is by soaking it in a bowl of warm water with a couple of drops of dish soap – let it sit in this mixture for a few minutes. You also can use a clean, soft bristle toothbrush to gently scrub the stone and setting. Carefully rinse off your ring and dry it with a cotton or microfiber cloth. A polishing cloth can keep your band looking nice and shiny.
Our jewelry store offers a variety of products for at-home use or while traveling. If your engagement ring has other gemstones, such as rubies or sapphires, ask the professionals for the best method to keep your ring clean while protecting these precious stones from accidental damage.
Remove Your Ring When Needed
It might seem counter-intuitive, but taking off your ring can be the wisest choice in certain instances. For example, if you’re cleaning your bathroom or doing other chores with household cleansers, place it back in your jewelry box. Some of these cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can dull or damage your ring. Other ways to protect it include:
- Dish washing: When washing dishes, you can use protective rubber gloves to guard your jewelry.
- Swimming: Consider taking your ring off and storing it somewhere safe – cold water causes blood vessels to constrict, making it easier for your ring to slide off your finger and get lost in the deep end. Pool chemicals can also be damaging to the metals and gemstones in your jewelry, especially pearls.
- Yard work: If you work outside at home or are in any hands-on profession where your ring could get dirty or damaged, stash it away and put it back on at the end of the workday.
If you're ever unsure if a specific product or task will damage your ring, consult our jewelers. We can provide guidance backed by years of experience in the industry, among other helpful store services.
Keeping Your Ring Secure
You’ll be wearing your ring most of the time, but make sure it’s stored in a safe place when you’re not. For instance, don’t leave your ring sitting out on a bathroom counter if you’re cleaning the house. Instead, place it inside a jewelry box or on a ring holder. If you’re on vacation, putting your ring in the hotel safe is one of the best ways to ensure it's secure.
Also, be sure to keep your other precious pieces in mind. Because a diamond is the hardest substance on earth, it can scratch metal jewelry and other gemstones. Try to avoid keeping your ring stored haphazardly in a dish or a drawer. Individual jewelry pouches or multi-compartment jewelry boxes make it easy to keep items separated and protected.
Consider Insuring Your Ring
Your engagement ring has significant sentimental and monetary value. To protect your investment, look into adding protection for it to your renter’s or homeowner’s insurance policy. Some insurers offer a separate jewelry rider. For help choosing the right type of coverage, Jewelers of America offers an insurance guide.
Learn More from Peter & Co. Jewelers
It’s a wise idea to take your engagement ring to the professionals at Peter & Co. Jewelers at least once or twice a year. We can thoroughly clean and inspect it for loose stones, damaged settings, or any other potential issues. We can also help you find everyday ways to keep it safer. You can count on our experienced team of jewelers for the following and more:
- Fine jewelry repair and maintenance
- Watch repairs
- Jewelry resizing
- Ring removal from an injured finger
We proudly serve customers in Avon Lake and the surrounding Cleveland, Ohio area. To learn more about our selection of engagement rings and other services, contact us today.