A custom engagement ring is incomparable. The sentiment that goes into its creation is priceless, regardless of whether it features a flawless higher carat diamond or an aquamarine at its centre. It’s what it represents that is important. That is why it’s the last piece of jewellery that you ever want to damage.
So, what shouldn’t you be doing if you want your custom engagement ring to last a lifetime?
Five Things You Shouldn’t Do When Wearing Your Custom Engagement Ring
Exercise
Whether you prefer running, swimming, or working out at the gym, it’s always a really good idea to remove your engagement ring before you start. Using gym equipment can bend the band of your ring out of shape. And, changing the composition of the ring, this can loosen its stones. When swimming, the chemicals in the pool can soften both the band and stones of your ring.
As a side note, if you need any further incentive, wearing an engagement ring when working out can be dangerous, even resulting in finger loss. So, it’s better not to take the risk.
Housework
You always knew that housework was bad for you, didn’t you?! The thing with housework is that it presents all kinds of ways to damage jewellery worn on the hands. Handling equipment such as vacuum cleaners and mops holds the potential of damaging the setting or stone by accidentally knocking the ring. While many cleaning products – especially bleach – can be extremely abrasive. This can seriously damage the metal of your ring. And even erode some precious stones. Anything below 9 on the Moh’s scale is vulnerable. So, that includes many popular stones, such as emerald, topaz and amethyst.
Applying hand sanitiser
OK, there is no argument that you shouldn’t be using hand sanitiser right now. You should. Hand cleaning is integral to getting us through the Covid-19 pandemic. But if you’re going somewhere that will probably necessitate frequent use of hand sanitiser, then it might be sensible to leave your engagement ring at home.
Why? Partly because, much like cleaning products, the chemicals within hand sanitiser can damage both precious stones and metals, altering their finish and tarnishing their sparkle. And partly because it has the potential to degrade the setting of your ring after a prolonged period of use. And this can mean that stones loosen, or even fall out.
Inappropriate cleaning
When you first get engaged, you’re so excited by your beautiful new ring and all that it represents that you determine to do everything properly. Gentle cleaning at home once a week. Professional cleaning every six months. Returning your ring to its box every single time you take it off. But as life moves on and the novelty wears off, it’s common to cut corners. And you turn to the internet to find out how to clean your ring yourself. The problem is that if you use the wrong technique – even if it’s a natural solution, like bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar – you can destroy your ring. If you’re not absolutely, one hundred per cent certain, do not do it. It’s not worth the risk.
Wearing in the bath or shower
There are two reasons why wearing your custom engagement ring in the bath or shower is a bad idea.
- If a stone comes loose, or the ring slips off, it can be washed down the drain, never to be found again.
- The things we use to clean ourselves can leave a residue on precious stones and metals. This not only makes them lose their lustre in the short term, but can make them much harder to clean professionally.
While most custom engagement rings can be repaired, it is usually quite an expensive process. Chipped or missing stones, and reshaped bands, can change the character of a ring. And can mean that you’re unable to wear it for a prolonged period of repair while replacement materials are sourced. But by taking care, and remembering to remove your ring before doing anything that might cause it damage, you can help ensure that your custom engagement ring lasts a lifetime.
Are you considering investing in a custom engagement ring or match wedding band? Find out how Durham Rose can help.
