Seven expert tips to keep your engagement ring looking newer for longer
A diamond maybe forever, but if you don’t want your diamond engagement ring to lose its shine you need to look after it properly.
Despite lockdown, love it still in there air it seems. Google searches for “engagement rings” have increased by 55% since March last year. If you’re newly engaged you’re probably still in love with your shiny, new engagement ring.
But as hardy as gems and metal may be, even the most expensive engagement ring can become dull and tarnished over time if you don’t care for it properly.
Cosmetics, perfumes, skin oils and other factors can affect the natural brilliance of them and scratches start to appear on the metal band. That’s why the experts at Hatton-Jewellers have put together their must-follow tips and advice on how to store, maintain and clean your diamond ring.
So if you want to ensure your diamond really does last forever, read on.
How to store and protect to your engagement ring – and keep it looking newer for longer
There are many things you can do to keep your ring looking newer for longer and avoid having to get repairs. Storage is key, alongside removing your ring when carrying out certain everyday tasks.
To help you, here are seven expert tips to keep your engagement ring looking newer for longer.
1) Store your ring away properly
Presumably most of the time your engagement ring will sit proudly on your finger. But if you do need to store it away for any reason, it’s important you do so properly.
In between regular cleaning, store your ring in a clean, dust-free location. For example, the box the ring came in or a jewellery box with a soft lining. Your ring needs to be stored at room temperature and away from direct sunlight.
2) Don’t mix old and new jewellery
Avoid mixing your new ring with old jewellery; leaving your brand-new diamond alongside a tarnished gold chain is most definitely a bad idea as any tarnishing may transfer and your diamond could scratch other metals.
3) Put your ring on last
Always put your jewellery on last when getting dressed. That includes putting on aftershave, perfume, hair products or make-up beforehand, as they can all damage it.
4) Remove your ring for these tasks
Remove your ring when doing any of the following things:
- Washing your hands or taking a bath or shower – you don’t want to submerge it in water or expose it to products like shower gel and shampoo.
- Swimming – salt water can be corrosive to your jewellery item and chlorinated water can have a negative impact making the metal erode.
- Exercising – this causes body moisture which can dull the shine of your jewellery. Whilst this isn’t as big of an issue with rings, they may still get scratched during a workout.
- Gardening or outdoor activities which involve using your hand’s – small rocks can be abrasive and permanently damage the appearance if marked. Sometimes if this is damage to gemstones or diamond it can be costly to repair and can even be irreversible.
6) Clean your ring regularly
If you want to keep your ring looking like new, then you should clean it at least every six months either professionally or at home.
While taking your ring to a professional cleaner is recommended for the best results (especially with antique rings), it is possible to maintain your ring’s shine with home remedies too.
If cleaning at home, avoid using abrasive materials as they could easily scratch or damage your jewellery. You should also use gentle pressure rather than forcefully cleaning as this could lead to further damage.
Here’s how to clean diamonds:
- Get a small bowl of warm water and mix with any mild liquid detergent.
- Brush your jewellery gently with a small soft brush and be careful not to scratch the metal and diamond.
- Rinse thoroughly under water and pat dry with a soft lint free cloth.
- Use a quick dip liquid jewellery cleaner to keep your diamond jewellery shiny.
And here’s how to clean gold or silver metal:
- Light tarnish is easily removed by using warm soapy water and brushing gently with a soft old toothbrush.
- Rinse in cool water and dry carefully with a soft lint free cloth.
- Another way to keep your silver jewellery shiny is to use a silver cloth.
7) Look for warning signs of vulnerability
And finally, its important to regularly check for warning signs of vulnerability in your jewellery, such as loose stones or prongs. This may prevent the need to spend more money to replace lost stones later down the line.
For further information on cleaning your engagement ring and other jewellery, visit the Hatton Jewellers blog.
