So, it’s finally happened! Your partner surprised you with the ring of your dreams and popped the question. Of course, you responded with a joyous “yes” and now you can’t stop staring at the gorgeous stone adorning your ring finger.
But as the excitement of the proposal and engagement settles down, you realize that maintaining the ring in mint condition isn’t going to be easy.
Yes. Diamonds are supposed to be invincible because they’re the hardest known substance on the planet. But this doesn’t safeguard your ring from dirt and damage. Worse still, if you’re not particularly cautious, you could end up losing or misplacing or losing your ring.
The good news is that taking care of your engagement ring isn’t rocket science. All it requires is a bit of common sense and the dedication to protect your ring from any kind of damage.
In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of the most common mistakes people make when taking care of their engagement rings. Let’s take a look.
1. Ignoring Routine Maintenance
Here’s the thing – while your diamond ring might not break as easily, it’s going to attract a ton of dust and grease if you wear it every day. Eventually, this could dull its shine and make it look less appealing.
Of course, this shouldn’t stop you from flaunting your diamond ring wherever you go. Instead, you should make it a point to regularly clean the ring. Dip a soft-bristled toothbrush into some soap water and gently rub your ring with it.
Make sure you do this at least once every alternate week. Depending on your lifestyle and profession, you might have to clean your ring more frequently. For instance, if you’re involved in hands-on hobbies, such as sculpting or baking, your ring will need a weekly cleanup.
Irrespective of how often you clean your ring, make sure you don’t use any harsh chemicals, such as acid or bleach. Also, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with your jeweler, at least twice a year, for a professional cleanup.
Apart from the stone, you should take the right precautions to protect the band. It’s recommended that you get the metal frequently polished by a jeweler to retain its shine.
2. Not Getting Engagement Ring Insurance
If you own an engagement ring, this is one of the worst mistakes you can make. Getting the right engagement ring insurance coverage is crucial for avoiding any financial hiccups if you need to repair or replace the ring in the future.
Ideally, your fiance should get the ring insurance right after purchasing it. If they haven’t done that already, it’s high time you get the ring appraised by an experienced jeweler. They’ll have a better idea of the kind of coverage you should opt for based on the ring’s valuation.
For instance, rare stones, such as pink diamond rings, are going to have a higher valuation than traditional solitaires. Also, don’t forget to get the ring appraised every 5 years and upgrade your insurance policy accordingly. This is crucial because the market price of gemstones and precious metals will escalate in the future.
3. Touching the Center Stone Too Often
This is one of the most common mistakes you’ll make while adjusting your ring or taking it off. But the more frequently you touch the stone, the greater its chances of becoming dull. Worse still, it could accumulate scratches and stains.
As a ground-rule, you should avoid touching the center stone. If you’re wearing or taking the ring off, grab the band surrounding the stone. Likewise, when you’re cleaning or wiping it, hold the metal part of the ring.
4. Not Knowing When & Where to Take It Off
You’d want to wear your engagement ring to every party and vacation. But the last thing you want is to lose your precious ring at the beach while soaking in the sun. Or it could accidentally slide off your finger while you’re enjoying a roller coaster ride at an amusement park.
That’s why you should be cautious about wearing your ring on an outing. If you’re going swimming, diving, or hiking, it’s best to leave the ring at home. Likewise, if you’re planning to try any adventure sports or hands-on activities on a vacation, don’t wear your ring.
Likewise, you should avoid wearing the ring when you’re exercising or doing household chores. Make sure you keep a few ring dishes in the bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen to avoid misplacing your ring.
Are you guilty of making any other engagement ring maintenance mistakes? Share your experience in the comments section below.
