Guide to Engagement Ring Care

Your engagement ring is probably one of the most valuable things you own in more ways than one. Not only did choosing an engagement ring likely come with a high price tag, but the sentiment it represents is also irreplaceable.

There is no doubt about it, engagement rings are a piece of jewelry worth protecting. However, if you are not accustomed to wearing fine simulated diamond jewelry, you may be wondering how to care for your engagement ring. The good news is – you’re not alone. Taking proper care of your ring is crucial to preserving the longevity of its beauty and will ensure that you don’t lose or damage it in a way that could have been prevented.

Caring for Your Engagement Ring

Our complete engagement ring care guide will educate you on the essential steps you need to take to maintain the shine of your ring, no matter the style – from classic engagement ring styles to those that are more unique. Plus, we’ll share some of our favorite tips and tricks that will really make your diamond and diamond alternative sparkle, so you can always look down at your ring with pride.

Get Insurance

First things first, you will want to get your ring insured as soon as possible, preferably before you even leave the jewelry store with it. In most cases, you will be able to add the ring to your existing homeowners or renters insurance policy with a rider that includes a valuation of all the characteristics of the ring. The specifics of this document will come directly from the jeweler and go into more detail than the purchase receipt would, providing a detailed description of the ring rather than just the price.

Too often, the ring is purchased and taken home but not used in a proposal for months. During this time, anything could happen to the ring, including damage, loss or theft. Protect yourself and your investment by sending the proper documentation to your insurance company right away and having the ring added to your policy. If, for some reason, you are not permitted to add the ring to your homeowners or renters insurance policy, you may consider taking out a separate policy to cover the ring, such as valuable personal property insurance.

Keep It Clean

As you wear your ring throughout your everyday life, dirt, oil, and other residues can cling to the diamond and lodge itself into the setting, blocking the interactions of light in the stone and dulling its shine. If you do not commit to regularly cleaning your ring, there is no point in investing in a beautifully cut diamond or simulated lab diamond since you will not be doing it justice. Keeping your ring clean does not require professional cleaning, and there’s a simple process you can follow that can be done in just a few minutes. Here’s how to clean your engagement ring at home:

1. Start by filling a small bowl with lukewarm water and adding one drop of dish detergent. Stir the water and dish soap together using a spoon or your finger. Do not use a chlorine-based cleaner, bleach or other abrasive chemicals as they could damage the precious metal or finish of your ring’s setting.
2. Carefully place the ring in the soapy water and allow it to soak for about 10 minutes. This helps to loosen any dirt or grime.
3. Next, remove the ring and gently clean it with a soft bristle brush, such as a toothbrush, paying particular attention to all sides and edges of the ring as well as the back.
4. Continue this soaking and brushing process a few times to ensure all residue is removed from the ring’s surface.
5. Once you are done, rinse your engagement ring with clean running water over a plugged drain (just in case you drop it).
6. Dry your ring using a lint-free cloth or hair dryer. While allowing your ring to air dry is acceptable, you may notice water stains on your diamond as a result, which are not harmful to the ring but do diminish its appearance.

How often to clean your engagement ring will depend on what it is subjected to on a daily basis. Generally, we recommend cleaning it at least four times each year to keep it shining its brightest. If you are not confident in your ability to clean your ring at home, or simply prefer not to, most jewelers can clean your ring in just a few minutes and at no additional cost to you!

Have It Checked

Speaking of jewelers, it’s best to have your ring professionally checked at least once each year. This allows a trained individual to examine your ring and ensure it’s in perfect condition. Such appointments will usually consist of a prong check to make sure the engagement ring setting around the stone is not loosening over time, which could result in the stone falling out. In addition, various metals will require special care to maintain a smooth surface and shine. Platinum and yellow gold, for example, will need to be polished, while white gold must be treated with rhodium every few years to retain its color and luster. Many jewelers will offer these check-ups for a small fee and may even provide all or part of the service for free.

If you purchase a diamond alternative from Diamond Nexus, every stone comes with its own Lifetime Stone Guarantee, which ensures your stone will maintain its perfect ratings on the diamond quality scale and should never chip, crack or discolor. If it does, we’ll replace it free, forever. Additionally, every engagement ring purchase comes with the Everything’s Covered Plan, which covers everything for up to one year after the purchase date. This includes lost stones, repairs of loose stones and metalwork.

While we recommend having this check done at your jeweler, it may not be entirely necessary if your ring has a classic setting – such as a solitaire set in platinum – as long as you keep an eye on the ring yourself. Simply looking the ring over and taking note of any irregularities in the prongs can help you maintain the safety of your diamond or diamond alternative. If you happen to notice one prong is shorter than the others, take it into your jeweler for adjustments. Similarly, you may also consider placing the ring between two fingers and shaking it next to your ear. If you hear any sort of noise, it’s time to take your ring in to have the setting tightened.

Avoid Resizing

If your ring feels tight or loose, it is tempting to head to your jeweler for a resizing. However, it’s important to remember that there are several factors that could cause your ring to feel as though it may be the incorrect ring size. The weather, changes in temperature, weight fluctuations, and traveling can all impact the fit of your ring. That being said, if you notice your ring is consistently tight or loose, a size adjustment may be appropriate, as a missized band could cause the setting to lose its shape.

You may be able to avoid resizing your ring by keeping a few tips in mind when making the purchase in the first place. First, consider having your finger sized in the late afternoon or after you have just exercised. It sounds strange, but this can help accommodate for natural swelling that will occur during daily wear of the ring. Additionally, if you are buying the ring somewhere other than where you live, tell the jeweler where home is for you. This can help them guide you to a size that will account for differences in weather. For example, if you purchase the ring in a warm, humid climate but live in a cooler, more temperate environment, you may want to size down slightly. Finally, do not make any changes to the size of your ring while you a pregnant. If your ring begins to feel too tight or loose, simply take it off and store it somewhere safe until after your baby is born.

Know When to Take It Off

Diamonds and Nexus Diamond™ alternatives are extremely durable, but they are not invincible. When subjected to certain conditions, a diamond or diamond alternative can chip or crack. Additionally, though it is rare, it’s even possible to knock a stone out of its setting. This is why it’s critical to know when to take your engagement ring off. So where should you wear your engagement ring? Some scenarios in which it would be appropriate to remove your ring would be a day at the beach, swimming or doing hand-heavy activities like yoga. Exercises such as swimming and yoga especially can have a significant impact on your body temperature that will result in your finger shrinking or expanding and, in turn, causing unnecessary wear and tear on your ring.

However, there are other circumstances when you should not remove your ring. One common mistake many women make is taking their ring off to wash their hands in a public restroom. Not only could this result in it falling down the drain, but you might forget to put it back and leave it on the bathroom counter. If you’re in public, including in the scenarios listed above, it is safest to keep your ring on.

When you do choose to take your ring off, do it at home and make sure you always have a safe place to put it. Consider placing ring dishes throughout your home, like in the bathroom and kitchen, so you always have a designated place to put it.

Think Twice Before Upgrading

Many couples are tempted to upgrade the stone of their engagement ring to celebrate significant milestones or life events. While this seems like a harmless and wonderful idea, make sure that the changes you are looking to make are substantial enough to warrant the increase in cost. Diamonds with high grades for cut, color and clarity generally are indecipherable from one another to the untrained eye so making upgrades to these characteristics may not be noticeable if you already have a high-quality stone. Similarly, carat is simply a measure of the weight of a diamond, not its size. As a result, if you’re looking for a larger stone, make sure the physical appearance, or millimeter measurement, is larger than what you currently have. Otherwise, you may end up with “upgrading” to a diamond that is nearly the same as what you already had.

There are a few ways to circumvent this potential problem if you’re looking to upgrade your diamond. The first is with the beautiful Nexus Diamond alternative. These lab created diamond simulants are similar to mined diamonds in look and feel, but are absolutely perfect in every way. With these stones, you can ensure that your diamond alternative will be colorless, Ideal cut and durable for years to come, no matter the carat size. Another great option to changing or upgrading your style is to consider the different ways of how to wear your wedding rings. Adding a new band into your mix or incorporating some customization can make your ring mix feel brand new!

Caring for your engagement ring is one of the most important things you can do to keep it in peak condition. It is, after all, one of your most prized possessions. By committing to just a few simple tasks and following these do’s and don’ts, you will ensure that your diamond or diamond alternative engagement ring maintains its beauty and sparkle for years to come.

*Here at Diamond Nexus, we strive to provide valuable information while being clear and honest about our products. The Nexus Diamond™ alternative is a patented lab created diamond simulate that, among all simulants, most closely imitates the look, weight and wear of a diamond, with two exceptions – it is absolutely perfect in every way, and it costs significantly less. Price points and environmental facts expressed in this blog were taken from popular online retailers and may vary. Learn more about the environmental impact of mining by visiting our blog: blog.