One of the most precious things, symbolizing love and commitment, is a diamond engagement ring. From the classic round-cut diamond to the rapidly gaining popularity emerald cut diamond engagement rings, proper care must be done so that it can shine through your lifetime of wear. Here is a guide on keeping your ring in good condition.
Regular Cleaning to Maintain Sparkle
Dirt, oil, and every grime from your daily routine can collect on your diamond and dull its luster. Keep your ring in its best state by doing the following:
- Place the ring in a bowl filled with warm, soapy water, using mild dish soap.
- Clean around the setting and diamond gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Rinse under warm running water and dry with a lint-free cloth.
For emerald cuts, pay extra attention in the step-cut facets where dirt can be more noticeable on the flat surfaces.
Professional Cleaning and Maintenance
Even with the regular cleaning done at home, professional maintenance is required. Professionals in the field of jewelry use ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning to remove dirt deep inside your ring as well as polish it up for you. Your ring needs professional cleaning every six months.
Professional inspections are also meant to ensure the environment is safe so that your diamond doesn’t accidentally go missing.
Safe Storage When Not Wearing
Store your diamond engagement ring safely when not wearing it to avoid scratching and damaging it :
- Store in a soft, lined jewelry box with individual compartments.
- Store your ring in a fabric-lined pouch when traveling.
Store your emerald cut diamond engagement rings away from other jewelry because, being of large flat facets, they are prone to scratch marks, visible or otherwise.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals and Activities
Certain activities will cause your ring considerable damage in the years to come:
- Never wear your ring when using those common household cleaners containing bleach, chlorine, and ammonia because these chemicals can degrade metal settings.
- Avoid applying all your lotions, perfumes, and hairsprays with your ring on, as some of it will settle on the ring.
- Never take your ring to the swimming pool, as chlorine damages metals and cold water shrinks your fingers, hence losing your ring.
- Never use the ring when doing weightlifting, gardening, or any other high-impact sport, as a rough knock may damage the ring inadvertently.
Insurance for Your Ring
Your engagement ring is an investment, so getting it insured is a great comfort. Reach out to your insurance company to:
- Obtain jewelry-specific insurance coverage.
- Make sure your policy includes theft, loss, and damage.
- Have your ring appraised and updated every few years to reflect current market values.
Check and Tighten Settings Periodically
Over time, prongs and settings holding your diamond may loosen. Ask your jeweler to examine your ring once a year. They should confirm that the prongs are firm and not bent. There must be no chips or cracks on the diamond, and the band must be sound with no appearance of excessive wear.
Be Observant of Every Day Wear
Whereas you want to wear the engagement rings as frequently as possible, with some sensibility for where and when you wear it, its life will be ensured in the following ways:
- Take off before you do heavy manual labor or strenuous exercise.
- Take it off at bedtime, not to scratch it against garments.
- Be careful when putting on gloves. They can tend to pull down on the ring setting.
Resizing and Metal Maintenance
At some point, your ring will need to be sized because your finger size will evolve due to natural changes. If your ring fits too tightly or loosely, take it to your jeweler for sizing. And so on:
- White gold rings will need to be rhodium plated periodically to maintain their white color.
- Platinum and gold bands can be polished to their original shine.
Final thoughts
An engagement ring has to be cared for brilliance and longevity. Be it a round-cut diamond or one of the gorgeous emerald cut diamond engagement rings, it is through regular cleaning, professional maintenance, and cautious handling that your ring can symbolize love forever.
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