Once you’ve received your dream engagement ring, we can understand why you’d never want to take it off – nothing quite beats the beautiful sparkle of a moissanite engagement ring! With a 9.25 ranking on the Mohs hardness scale, moissanite is one of the most durable substances on earth and is highly scratch resistant – making it perfect for daily wear. However, it can be risky to wear your engagement ring all the time and there are some situations where it would be safer to remove your moissanite ring. Read on to discover when not to wear your moissanite ring and learn how to keep it clean so it sparkles for a lifetime.
When to Exercise Caution Wearing Your Moissanite Ring
The main activities that can pose a risk to your ring include swimming, exercising, cleaning, cooking and gardening. When it comes to any activities involving water, on its own water will not harm your moissanite stone, but we still recommend removing any fine jewellery when using a shower, pool, hot tub or going to the beach. Repeated exposure to soap, shampoo and conditioner can create a build-up of oils on the surface of your ring, temporarily dulling its sparkle. Similarly, the chlorine found in most pools will not directly affect your moissanite stone but it can add build up to the surface of your gemstone, blocking light from entering the stone and dulling its sparkle, as well as potentially discolour the alloys and precious metals of your ring.
Another reason we recommend removing your ring before getting into the sea at the beach is due to the cold water and the way it can shrink your fingers. As your fingers temporarily shrink, your ring will fit more loosely and is at risk of slipping off in the water. To play it safe, always remove your engagement ring before going into the ocean.
Should I Take Off My Moissanite Engagement Ring to Wash My Hands?
In general, you do not need to take off your moissanite engagement ring to wash your hands. Using soap and water on your ring is actually one of the best at-home methods for cleaning your ring! However, please be aware that harsh or acidic chemicals can wear down the rhodium plating of your ring if your ring’s metal is 14K or 18K white gold, and a natural yellow hue may begin to appear after prolonged exposure. If in doubt, remove your ring and place it in clear view on a stable surface before immediately putting it back on once your hands are dry. Keep in mind that very hot or cold water may cause your hands to swell or shrink, meaning your ring may feel like it fits differently temporarily. Additionally, exercise caution when using hand sanitiser as they can sometimes contain harsh chemicals that can harm your ring’s precious metals over time.
Can I Wear My Moissanite Engagement Ring to Bed?
This is totally up to personal preference, but to be extra safe we’d recommend removing your moissanite engagement ring before going to bed. Although it isn’t necessarily dangerous for you to wear your ring to bed, there is a chance that you could snag it on your sheets, hair or clothes during the night (especially with a raised setting!). This could damage the prongs of your ring and loosen the stone in its setting. If you do choose to remove your ring, make sure to place your ring in a safe place such as a ring dish, fabric-lined jewellery box or a ring pouch.
Can I Wear My Moissanite Engagement Ring to the Gym?
It is best not to wear your moissanite engagement ring to the gym. If you are performing any activity that involves contact (e.g. lifting weights, boxing), then you should definitely take off your ring. Activities that require you to grip something with force can damage the metal of your ring and with repeated force, may cause your band to snap.
For other forms of exercise, deciding whether to wear your moissanite engagement ring comes down to personal preference and the type of exercise you are engaging in. Some forms of exercise, such as weight lifting or contact sports, can put your engagement ring at higher risk for damage as these activities involve physical contact. Other types of exercise such as running or cycling are not as dangerous and, with the appropriate care, are perfectly safe for your ring. It is important to remember that even though your moissanite centre stone is extremely durable, an engagement ring is still a piece of fine jewellery and needs to be treated with care. If you are even slightly concerned about damaging your engagement ring whilst working out, it is best to remove your ring and store it somewhere safe until you are finished. There is also a chance that your moissanite ring could be knocked during heavy housework, potentially damaging your stone or its setting.
Where Should I Keep My Moissanite Engagement Ring When I’m Not Wearing It?
When you’re not wearing it, you should always store your moissanite engagement ring in a place that is both safe and memorable to you. It is also important to note that moissanite is an extremely hard stone – second only to a diamond! – and can very easily scratch your other gemstones if not stored properly. To protect both your moissanite ring and your other jewellery, it is safest to store your moissanite ring in a fabric lined case, ring pouch or in the box that it came in.
Cleaning Your Moissanite Ring
Cleaning your moissanite engagement ring at home is actually very easy! You can clean your engagement ring at home using products that you already own. Simply fill a bowl with warm water and add some liquid dish soap. Let your ring soak for a few minutes before using a soft toothbrush to carefully scrub your ring, focusing on the hard to reach areas within the claws and setting. After your engagement ring is nice and clean, rinse it well under running water and either let it air dry or use a lint-free cloth to dry it off.
Make sure to avoid using any harsh cleaning products on your ring, as this can corrode your ring’s precious metals. If your ring from Cullen requires a deeper clean, we offer a complimentary ultrasonic cleaning that only takes five minutes and can be booked on our website under the ‘Drop-Off’ appointment type. We recommend having your moissanite engagement ring professionally cleaned at least once a year, as this will remove the natural build-up of oils and grime on the surface of your ring. A professional can also inspect your ring for any loose stones and ensure your prongs are still in good shape. Getting a professional deep clean will bring your moissanite’s sparkle back to its original brilliance!
Insuring Your Moissanite Engagement Ring
Lastly, another way to take care of your ring is to have it insured. Your moissanite engagement ring has been crafted with the utmost care and attention and is a priceless symbol of your love. We understand that it is a valuable investment and for this reason, we provide a lifetime warranty on the fire and brilliance of your moissanite stone. We also provide a lifetime manufacturing warranty on all of our jewellery. To provide yourself with full peace of mind, we highly recommend insuring your ring against loss, particularly if you are planning to travel.
You will be the best judge of whether your ring is in danger but if ever in doubt, we’d recommend just removing your ring and storing it somewhere safe – it is always better to ensure the safety of your beautiful, extremely valuable custom piece. To maintain your engagement ring’s beautiful sparkle, it is important to take appropriate care of your stone throughout your lifetime. This means protecting it from exposure to harmful substances and from activities that could damage either the stone, precious metals or setting of your ring.
Do you still have questions about the care of your moissanite engagement ring? Please feel free to contact us here and we’ll give you our best advice!