How to Keep Your Engagement Ring Looking Like New

Arguably, an engagement ring is a woman’s most prized possession in more than one way. Not only is it one of the most expensive pieces of jewelry you ever possess, but it also holds a lot of emotions too. It marks the day when you get betrothed to the man of your dreams. It is only fair that you wear that ring all day everywhere.

But this obsession may be harmful to your ring. It may lose its shine and beauty without you realizing it. No one wants to lose precious stones out of their ring or get the band tarnished. Fortunately, there is a lot that you can do to avoid all that.

Taking good care of jewelry is not as hard as it sounds. You just have to be careful about when to wear it and when to take it off. Similarly, as much as you love your engagement ring, there are times when it is better to take it off and keep it in a safe place. If you are worried about your engagement ring, fear not! We have compiled an exhaustive list of ways that will keep your ring looking as good as new:

When Not to Wear Your Engagement Ring

1. In the Shower

bath-bathroom-bright-chrome-cleanThis one should be obvious. But just in case you need an explanation, products like shampoo and body washes have chemicals that can potentially damage your ring if exposed to them frequently. These products can form cloudy backup on the stone or, worse, under the stone. Once your ring’s stone loses its shine, you can’t get it back. It is better to leave your ring on the stand before going in the shower than to be sorry later. Check out the link to see genuine lab diamond engagement rings.

2. At the Gym

At the GymSweating is no problem during a workout as it won’t tarnish your ring. But the real problem happens when you lift weights or use other equipment. The pressure that the ring will get may cause it to bend and de-shape. There is also a possibility that the smaller stones may get loose and fall out. In general, leave your precious ring at home before hitting the gym.

3. Before Using Hand Sanitizers

hand-washing-soap-wash-hygieneFrequent exposure to hand sanitizers can tarnish your ring. The harsh chemicals like chlorine, bleach, and rubbing alcohol will gradually de-color your band and dull the stone in the ring. It can also loosen the stone by weakening the prongs of the ring. It’s best if you take your ring off when using hand sanitizer and put it back on after your hands dry.

4. In the Swimming Pool

woman-pool-swimmingTypically, the water in swimming pools has chlorine and other anti-bacterial stuff. These chemicals can dull your gold band and cloud the diamond in it. Therefore, keep your ring safe by storing it away before going for a swim.

5. At the Beach

woman-sea-oceanAvoid wearing your engagement ring to a beach vacation due to some solid reasons. One, there is a high chance that your valuable ring can wash off with the water. That will be a nightmare and a good enough reason on its own. Secondly, the sand grains can do so much harm to your ring that you’ll regret wearing it to the beach. The grains can loosen the stone and even make scratches on it. You don’t want to lose the expensive stone like that, right? So, make sure to leave your ring at home before going to the beach. Better safe than sorry!

How to Clean Your Engagement Ring

Let’s just say that you took your engagement ring for granted and never took any care of it. So, now we are with a tarnished engagement ring and a very sad you! You are reminiscing all the times you could have taken better care of your ring, but alas, time went cannot be fetched again.

Well, you are in luck – we have made a list of tips and tricks to remove tarnish from your engagement ring. Ideally, you should clean your ring once a week by following simple cleaning methods. Follow these methods, and your ring will be as good as new again.

1. Soap and Water – All Metals

Soap and Water – All MetalsThis is an effortless yet effective way to clean your engagement ring. Whether your ring is of platinum, silver, gold, or white gold, this trick works like a charm.

Take a bowl and fill it with hot water. Add plain dishwashing soap but make sure it has no harsh chemicals. Put your ring in the bowl for 20 to 40 minutes, depending on how dirty it is. If there is visible gunk that needs to be removed, use a soft brush and rub the ring gently. Rinse the ring with warm water after this.

2. Windex and Hydrogen Peroxide – Silver & Gold

Windex and Hydrogen Peroxide – Silver & GoldHydrogen Peroxide is known to remove tough stains, but its direct use can do more damage. That is why we present to you a magic solution – Windex (a famous surface cleaner) and hydrogen peroxide. Take a bowl and make a solution of 50% Windex and 50% hydrogen peroxide. This combination will remove everyday stains and bacteria. Use a soft toothbrush to remove any residue. Rinse thoroughly afterward.

3. Vinegar and Baking Soda – Silver

Vinegar and Baking Soda – SilverSoak your diamond ring in a solution of ½ cup white vinegar and two tablespoons of pure baking soda. Let it be soaked for two to three hours. Make sure to rinse thoroughly under cold water. You will get the shine on your ring back after completing the process.

4. Beer – Pure Gold

Beer is great not only for drinking and cooking, but it can also serve you well in cleaning. If your pure gold ring has lost its luster, beer can save you. Soak a soft cloth with beer and gently rub your ring with it. Ensure that you avoid getting the stones and diamonds in contact with the beer. Use another clean cloth to dry it later. Do not use dark beer for this purpose.

5. Polish and Jewelry Cleaners – Platinum

Polish and Jewelry Cleaners – PlatinumIt is advised by jewelers to get your jewelry polished at least once a year. Doing so will ensure that your ring stays free of scratches and maintains its shine. Platinum is a metal that wears with time and gets marks and scratches. You can polish your precious engagement ring with the help of jewelry polishes that has no harmful chemicals in them. Alternatively, you can use tested jewelry cleaners that are readily available for purchase, such as the Connoisseurs Precious Jewelry Cleaner.

Maintaining Your Ring is Essential

Engagement rings are not only expensive, but they mark a new beginning in a woman’s life. It is sad to get such a fine piece of jewelry ruined with time just because of carelessness. Like any other thing in the house, engagement rings are meant to be maintained. We don’t want them to lose their charm now, do we? Of course, they will be replaced with a wedding ring soon enough, but a little care goes a long way. You’ll be happy to look at your engagement ring after some years and see that it looks just how it was on its day of purchase. Once a couple settles for good, these household must-haves for newlyweds are also important.