The Right Way to Take Care of Your Diamond Engagement Ring

Once you’ve received your dream ring, we can understand why you’d never want to take it off – nothing quite beats the beautiful sparkle of an engagement ring or the sentimentality of a stunning wedding ring. While these are pieces of fine jewellery that are perfect for daily wear, 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 ring. Read on to discover when not to wear your rings and learn how to keep it clean so it sparkles for a lifetime.

The main activities that can pose a risk to your engagement ring and other rings include swimming, exercising, cleaning, cooking and gardening. When it comes to any activities involving water, on its own water will not harm the precious metals or gemstones, 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's gemstone, temporarily dulling its sparkle. Similarly, the chlorine found in most pools will not directly affect your gemstone 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 or wedding ring before going into the ocean.

In general, you do not need to take off your engagement ring or wedding 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 away from the sink 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.

This is totally up to personal preference, but to be extra safe we’d recommend removing your 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.

It is best not to wear your engagement ring or wedding 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 bend or warp, and even snap.

For other forms of exercise, deciding whether to wear your rings 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 centre stone and its setting 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 engagement ring could be knocked during heavy housework, potentially damaging your stone or its setting.

When you’re not wearing it, you should always store your rings in a place that is both safe and memorable to you. It is also important to note that either moissanite or diamonds can very easily scratch other gemstones such as emeralds, rubies or pearls if not stored properly. To protect both your rings and your other jewellery, it is safest to store them in a fabric lined case, ring pouch or in the box that it came in.

Cleaning your 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. This also works great for other rings such as your wedding ring or other fine jewellery pieces.

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 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 claws are still in good shape. Getting a professional deep clean will bring your ring’s sparkle back to its original brilliance!

Lastly, another way to take care of your ring is to have it insured. Your 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 all of our engagement rings, wedding rings and fashion rings. To provide yourself with full peace of mind, we highly recommend insuring your ring against loss, particularly if you are planning to travel.