You love your beautiful bling – learn how to take care of it with this handy guide to ring maintenance.
Take It Off.
Believe it or not, properly caring for your ring sometimes means taking it off, especially during these activities:
Sports: Gripping a tennis racket tightly can be particularly damaging to a ring with stones encircling it, especially if you’re left-handed. Wearing your ring at the gym is also risky—lifting weights could cause a heavy dumbbell to come into contact with your stone.
Gardening: Engaging in heavy yard work could chip your stones or loosen the settings.
House Cleaning: It’s wise to remove your ring while doing dishes, as harsh chemical soaps and cleaners can tarnish it. For personalized photo rings, it’s also a good idea to take them off when washing your hands.
Safekeeping.
Avoid Lotion, Sunscreen, and Perfume: These products can accumulate on your ring, potentially dulling its shine. It’s best to remove your ring before applying any of these products, as they can gunk up diamonds and even damage colored gemstones.
Regularly Check Your Setting: Most jewelers recommend having your ring’s setting inspected every six months to ensure nothing has loosened.
Don’t Swim in the Ocean with Your Ring: Cold water can cause your fingers to shrink slightly, making it easier for the ring to slip off. If it falls into the ocean, it’s unlikely you’ll find it again.
Be Cautious in the Kitchen: Mixing cookie dough, turkey loaf, or pie crust with your fingers can leave a residue on your ring, diminishing its luster.
Avoid Wearing Jewelry in Pools and Spas: Chlorinated water can react with the metals in your jewelry, leading to discoloration and potential structural damage. It’s wise to remove your jewelry before entering a pool or spa.
Take Off Jewelry Before Bathing: Soap can leave a film on your jewelry, making it appear dull and dingy. By removing your jewelry before showering or cleaning, you’ll reduce the need for frequent servicing.
Keep It Clean.
Most jewelers offer complimentary ring cleaning, so be sure to take advantage of this service. If you’re short on time, you can also clean your ring at home with a few simple steps.
MyJewr recommends using a mild dish detergent to remove lotion buildup from the bottom of the setting. Gently scrub the top and bottom of the ring with a soft toothbrush, then rinse thoroughly in hot water. For added sparkle, soak your ring in a small bowl of ammonia diluted with three parts water. Brush the top and bottom of the setting gently with the toothbrush, dip the ring back into the solution, and rinse several times in warm water to ensure all residue is removed. You can either set the ring on a soft towel to air dry or gently pat it dry.
Important: If you’re cleaning your ring near an open drain, always use a strainer to avoid losing it!