Often worn daily, engagement rings are prone to gathering dirt and grime. Regular cleaning restores the ring’s brilliance and ensures its longevity.
Keeping your engagement ring pristine is essential to preserve its appearance and value. In this guide, we’ll break down the factors determining how often to clean an engagement ring and provide valuable tips to maintain its sparkle.
Factors Affecting Cleaning Frequency
Many of us wear our engagement rings every day. Some rarely, if ever, take them off. Yes, they may get a quick clean as we shower or wash up, but more is needed. To help maintain your rings sparkle, keep in mind your basic activities and the impact they may have on your ring:
Daily Activities
Your occupation and routine tasks expose your ring to varying elements. Activities such as cooking, eating, cleaning or gardening can introduce dirt and grime. It’s better to remove your ring and store it in a safe place while taking part in these kinds of activities.
Routine Exposure
Common acts, like hand washing or applying lotions, expose your ring to substances that can reduce its sparkle over time. Keep this in mind and remove your ring if you don’t want to risk exposing it to other substances.
Cosmetics
Personal products like perfumes or makeup can leave residues on your engagement ring. Gently clean your ring after putting on makeup to ensure that no makeup residue is on your diamond.
General Cleaning Guidelines
Preserving your engagement ring’s shine requires regular cleaning. Here’s a simple method to clean your engagement ring at home:
- Add a few drops of mild dish soap in a small bowl of warm water.
- Place the ring in the bowl
- Using a soft bristle toothbrush, gently rub away the dirt and build-up.
- After cleaning your ring, rinse the ring under warm water to wash away the soap.
- Pat dry with a soft cloth or allow it to air dry.
Professional Cleaning
Everyone can follow the general cleaning guidelines above, and these will go a long way in helping to maintain your ring’s sparkle and, of course, keep it clean. However, home cleaning doesn’t match the thoroughness of professional cleaning care.
We recommend visiting a jewelry store for a deeper clean and inspection. It would be best to have your ring professionally cleaned every 6 to 12 months.
Prevention And Maintenance
Here’s how to protect your treasured piece and reduce the need for constant cleaning:
Limit Chemical Contact
Harsh chemicals can be detrimental, especially in cleaning products. Ensure you remove your ring when cleaning or when using abrasive products.
Mind Your Daily Routine
Consider removing your ring during tasks that can introduce dirt, like gardening. Similarly, if you’re applying lotion, give it a moment to absorb before wearing your ring.
Safe Storage
When not wearing your ring, store it in a clean, dry place, such as the box your ring came in, to reduce exposure to potentially damaging elements, ensuring your ring remains pristine.
Adopting these preventive measures will help maintain your engagement ring’s brilliance, ensuring it remains as captivating as when it first slipped onto your finger.
Signs Your Ring Needs Cleaning
Over time, even the most cared-for engagement ring might display signs of wear. Dullness, a clear indication, is often due to a thin film of compressed dirt that hampers the ring’s brilliance.
Furthermore, if your ring no longer sparkles as it once did, or visible dirt can be seen, especially in crevices, it’s a cue to clean it thoroughly.
Conclusion
Regular cleaning is critical in ensuring the longevity and brilliance of your ring. With the guidelines, you can guarantee that your engagement ring will maintain pristine condition and last a lifetime.