For most people, those first couple of post-engagement weeks usually go something like this: You walk around with a permanent smile on your face; you can’t stop beaming and gushing about your fiancé; your mind is racing with wedding themes and you secretly start planning your honeymoon; and you can’t stop staring at your beautiful new engagement ring.
Whether your engagement took place during the last week or the last decade, one thing’s for sure: You’re probably in love with your diamond ring. According to Indra Jhaveri, the owner of Phoenix’s AMI Diamond & Jewelry, the key to preserving an engagement ring is to know how to properly care for it. Here, he offers tips on how to do so.
Clean your ring regularly
Most brand-new diamond engagement rings sparkle for a reason: They’re clean. To keep yours nice and shiny, develop a regular ring-cleaning schedule. Make a habit of cleaning your ring once a week. You can either purchase a special cleaning solution from your jeweler, or use a toothbrush and toothpaste to scrape away grime. You should also get your ring steam-cleaned about once a month to ensure that it retains its shine. Most jewelers will offer steam-cleaning services for free, so take advantage of their generosity and have your ring tended to by the professionals.
Take off your ring as necessary
In order to keep your engagement ring as perfect as possible, you’ll want to avoid exposing it to the dangers of day-to-day wear and tear. You should always make sure to remove your ring before engaging in any sort of household cleaning, as certain chemicals can have a negative impact on your stone. You should also take off your ring before showering or doing dishes, as soap scum can seep its way into the metal and cause it to look cloudy. If you’ve got access to a hot tub or swimming pool, then go for a dip without your ring: Chlorine and diamonds don’t mix well. And if you have a habit of applying hand cream or lotion, remove your ring first, as the components of such products could dull your stone. Finally, as difficult as this notion may be, you should try to avoid playing with your pretty diamond, as the oils in your fingers could have an unfavorable effect on it over time.
Find a safe place to store your ring
When you take off your ring inside the house, always make sure to put it in a safe place so that you don’t lose it. Also, avoid leaving your ring on a bathroom vanity or countertop adjacent to the kitchen sink; the last thing you want is for it to accidentally get knocked down the drain.
Have your ring inspected
It’s a good idea to have a professional jeweler take a look at your ring once or twice a year to ensure the diamond is secure in its setting. A loose diamond can easily become a lost diamond, but by having your engagement ring inspected, you can avoid this problem.
Keep your ring in a safe place while you’re on the go
If you’re about to embark on a trip or begin an activity where your ring might get dirty, lost, or stolen, it’s a good idea to leave it at home rather than run the risk of having it go missing. Store your engagement ring in a fabric box and put it someplace where it can’t easily be found. If you can’t bear the thought of walking around without a ring on your finger, you and your fiancé could always go out and buy a “faker” – an engagement ring that looks like the real thing but isn’t. This way, while you’re out running, camping, or backpacking through a string of foreign countries, you’ll send the message that you’re taken without having to worry about your valuable ring getting stolen.
Get your ring insured
As much as your ring may carry a lot of sentimental value, there’s a good chance it also carries a fair degree of monetary value. One of the best ways to protect your precious investment is to get it insured. Some jewelers offer insurance programs, but you could also buy insurance independently. And if you own a home, your homeowner’s insurance might allow for a rider that’s specifically dedicated to ring coverage.
Owning an engagement ring comes with a fair share of responsibility, but what’s a little bit of care and maintenance in the grand scheme of things?
