Your engagement ring is designed to last a lifetime, but daily wear and tear can sometimes take its toll. From showering to working out, some surprisingly everyday activities can dull your engagement ring’s sparkle or even put it at risk of damage.
Lorna Haddon (lead image), the Head of Diamonds and Jewellery at Beaverbrooks, warns engagement ring wearers of the things they should take extra care doing when wearing their beloved jewels.
Don’t Wear Your Ring When Working Out
“We all know exercise is great for our health, but regular high-impact workouts and weightlifting can put pressure on rings, which may affect the setting over time. Precious metals can bend under strain, and delicate settings – especially those with pavé diamonds – can become loose over time.
“If you love to stay active, consider safely storing your ring until you’ve finished your workout to help keep it in perfect condition.”
Don’t Expose Your Ring to Harsh Chemicals
“Household cleaning products sometimes contain harsh chemicals, and while these are great for ensuring our homes sparkle, they can affect precious metals and dull the appearance of any gems. Over time, this could weaken settings, increasing the risk of stones becoming loose.
“If you’re tackling chores, it’s best to slip your engagement ring off and place it in a safe place where it can’t accidentally be mislaid, such as a small dish or cup. If you prefer not to remove it, then you can also pop on a pair of protective gloves.”
Don’t Wear Your Ring in the Shower
“To keep your engagement ring looking its best, it’s always a good idea to take it off before showering and pop it back on once your hands are dry. If you wear your ring while bathing, be mindful that soap, shampoo, and conditioner can leave a residue, making it look dull over time.
“Hot water may also cause your fingers to swell slightly, increasing the chance of your ring feeling tighter than usual.”
Don’t Wear Your Ring While Sleeping
“Many people wear their engagement ring to bed, but this can lead to unnecessary wear and tear over time. Engagement rings can catch on bedding, and delicate prongs may become misshapen without you realising.
“Some people also experience mild finger swelling overnight, which can make a ring feel tighter in the morning.
Keeping a small dish or jewellery box by your bedside effectively maintains your ring’s sparkle while ensuring it doesn’t unnecessarily become damaged.”
Don’t Leave Your Ring Uncovered When Gardening
“Soil and debris can easily get trapped in your engagement ring, dulling its sparkle and making it harder to clean. Claw settings, in particular, can catch on rough surfaces or become clogged with dirt.
“If you’re spending time in the garden, wearing gardening gloves is the best way to protect your ring while keeping your hands safe.”
Lorna adds: “By keeping these simple tips in mind, you can help your engagement ring stay as dazzling as the day you got it – and if it ever needs a little extra shine, a professional clean will bring back its brilliance.
“For an easy refresh at home, products like the Connoisseurs Diamond Dazzle Stik (£11.99) are a great option. I never go anywhere without mine – it’s my go-to for keeping my diamonds looking their best between professional cleans.”
To see Beaverbrooks’ Diamonds and Weddings collections and access further advice from its experts, visit www.beaverbrooks.co.uk.
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