Photo Source: Laura Murray Photography
from Bettina
Your fiancé liked it so he put a ring on it—and now you don’t want to take off said ring, right? I know what you’re thinking, and I totally understand. However, if you want your bling to continue shining bright like a diamond for a really long time it’s important NOT to wear it while you’re busy doing these things.
Working Out
Before you break a sweat, it’s a good idea to take that pretty little ring off. According to diamond experts, the materials used in diamond jewelry, platinum and gold, are soft to a certain degree. So if you rock your ring while participating in certain activities that put pressure on these metals, you risk changing their shape and the prongs that keep your diamond from falling out. Same goes for sports; if you play soccer, basketball, tennis or participate in any other physical activity, do yourself a solid and keep your ring in a safe place, preferably at home, so you won’t accidentally damage it during competition.
Moisturizing
Lotions and moisturizers may be great for your skin, not so much for your ring, as excess build up can diminish the brilliance and dull your stone over time. To protect your rock and ensure a cloudy layer of film doesn’t form on it, wait until your hands have completely dried before slipping your bling back on.
Primping
Did you know that cosmetics, hair sprays, perfumes and other substances and chemicals commonly used by women can cause a build-up of grime, weakening the natural sheen of your ring? Want to get rid of the grease on your diamonds? Gently rinse them in a bowl with hot water and a mild dishwashing liquid and brush with a soft toothbrush (the kind for babies). If you’re doing this in the sink don’t forget to cover the drain. Once you’re done rinsing, dry your jewelry with a cotton or linen towel before using a polishing cloth for a sparkling finish.
Swimming
NEVER, EVER, EVER wear your expensive jewelry in the ocean or in the pool! Cold water shrinks your fingers, making it that much easier for an already loose engagement ring to disappear during a swim. Also, chlorine and other chemicals used in pools can damage and discolor the metal and mountings of your ring, and your pretty shiny diamond or precious stone may fall out! Let’s just say, clear stone + lots of water = not a good situation. Just take it off and put it away in a safe place at home.
Cleaning
Not only can you easily bang, knock, or chip your engagement ring on tough surfaces (think bathroom counters, kitchen floors, etc.) while cleaning the house, but you can also do serious damage to the stone and setting. Many common household cleaners have harsh chemicals like bleach and ammonia that can potentially alter the stone color or weaken the metal of your ring.
Cooking
Cookie dough, meatballs, a piecrust, are all great to mix with your fingers, but leaving your ring on can mean food particles stuck in it or even extra oil and grease clouding its luster. Do yourself a favor and take off your pretty shiny and store in a safe place before you delve into making yummy treats.
P.S. If you haven’t already, I highly recommend you get insurance for your bling. Heaven forbid that should anything happen to your ring—we all know it’s sentimental to you and 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.