As usual, the first thing we do here on Monday mornings is 1) check our voicemail, followed by 2) check our email. In our inbox this morning was a great article from Wedding Channel on how to care for your engagement ring. Here are the highlights:
Take It Off. Believe it or not, caring for your ring occasionally means taking it off, such as during the following activities:
Playing sports. Holding a tennis racket tightly is particularly not good for a wedding band which has stones going all the way around -- especially if you're left-handed. As for taking your ring to the gym, lifting weights with it on can also be hazardous. You wouldn't want a 25-pound dumbbell making contact with your stone.
Gardening. It is possible to chip your diamond or knock the setting loose while doing heavy yard work.
Cleaning. Harsh chemical soaps or cleansers can soil the ring. It's also a good idea not to wear your ring while doing the dishes.
Safekeeping. If you'll be taking your ring off to do the activities above, make sure you have a safe -- and memorable -- place to put it. Diamonds should be stored in their own separate box, pouch or jewelry compartment because they can scratch other pieces of jewelry.
Keep It Free From Lotion, Sunscreen, and Perfume. These products can gunk up your diamond, and even etch colored gemstones. It's a good idea to take your ring off before you put these things on.
Have Your Setting Checked Regularly. Most jewelers recommend you have your setting checked every six months to make sure the stone hasn't been knocked loose, especially if it is particularly large.
Don't Swim In The Ocean. Cold water may shrink your fingers just enough to loosen the ring from your finger, and if you lose it in the deep blue sea, you won't be seeing it again. If you must, you may swim in a swimming pool with your ring -- at least the pool can be drained if it slips off your finger. Note, however, that while platinum can withstand virtually any chemical, experts advise not to expose gold or silver rings to the harsh chemicals found in swimming pools and spas -- the bands can become severely discolored over time.
Be Careful In The Kitchen. Cookie dough, turkey loaf, a piecrust… it's great to mix with your fingers. But these foods can leave a film on your ring and really affect its luster.
Keep It Clean. Most jewelers will clean your ring free of charge, so take advantage of this courtesy. If you don't have time to get to the jewelry store, there are a few ways to clean your ring at home.
Insure Your Ring. God forbid that anything should happen to your ring -- we all know it's irreplaceable. However, it's important to have insurance just in case. Most insurance companies will include your ring under your homeowner's insurance, although you can always insure it separately if you wish.
