Diamonds rings are a classic accessory without compare. Whether in the form of an engagement ring or an anniversary memento, a diamond ring is truly something special. There’s no doubt that diamonds go with every outfit and can instantly elevate even the simplest look. It’s easy to understand why you love showing off your diamonds. If you want to ensure their beauty has real staying power, you’ll need to know how to care for your precious stones. Here are seven simple ways you can keep your diamond ring in beautiful shape.
1. Insure Your Ring
Your ring is priceless to you, therefore, it’s essential to make purchasing an insurance policy a priority, in the event it is ever lost, stolen or damaged. Investigate your options, and be sure that you understand the fine print of each policy.
You can generally insure jewelry pieces through either a specialty insurance company or the company that provides your home or rental insurance policy. If you own a valuable stone or designer ring, look for a policy that provides for a replacement of the same quality and grade instead of a policy that will pay out the value of your ring at the time it was purchased or assessed.
2. Don’t Let Dirt Build Up
Diamonds tend to attract grease and dirt, so daily wear can take a toll of your ring quickly. Preventing dirt buildup is key to keeping your ring in great condition. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) recommends washing diamonds with a mild detergent once or twice a week to maintain sparkle.
GIA cautions that you should use a soft touch when cleaning your rings. Use mild dish soap and a soft-bristle brush for these grease-busting cleanings. Allow your rings to air dry thoroughly before you put them back on. This will help prevent moisture buildup that can irritate your skin or dull the metallic surfaces of your ring.
3. Take Your Ring Off from Time to Time
Your diamond ring is beautiful, and you want to wear it as much as possible. Unfortunately, this isn’t the best way to keep your ring looking sharp. It’s important to take your ring off regularly, especially when you’re doing activities where it’s likely to get dirty or damaged.
You should always take your ring off when:
- Cooking
- Washing dishes
- Working in the garden
- Doing heavy manual labor
- Cleaning the bathroom and other wet areas
- Bathing
- Applying lotions or creams
- Exercising
The big caveat here is that you shouldn’t take your ring off in public unless absolutely necessary. This means that you’ll have to think ahead and store your ring at home if you’re headed to the gym, community garden or another active setting.
4. Store Your Ring with Care
When you’re not wearing your ring, store it in a jewelry box or a case with lined compartments that prevents different jewelry pieces from rubbing against one another. It’s also a good idea to keep ring holders, dishes or boxes around your house. This will make it easy to take your ring off when you need to wash your hands, bathe, cook or do anything else that might damage your ring. Of course, you should always keep rings far away from sink drains.
5. Try Not Touching the Center Stone
It can be tempting to touch that beautiful diamond, but you should avoid doing so whenever possible. The grease on your hands will diminish the diamond’s shine and attract dirt. Touch the center stone on your ring as little as you can manage. If you need to adjust or remove your ring, try to do so using the metal ring itself and not the primary diamond or its setting. Remember that you should take particular care not to touch the diamond while wearing or applying lotion.
6. Never Use Harsh Chemicals On or Near Your Ring
When you’re wearing a diamond ring, you should avoid using harsh chemicals. These include dish soaps, detergents and household cleaners that you might not typically think of as harsh or abrasive. If you work in an occupation where you handle chemicals or hazardous materials regularly, it’s a good idea to store your ring at home during the workday. You can choose an inexpensive fitness ring made from silicone if you’re unable to wear your diamond wedding ring during your workday but still want to show that you’re married.
Of course, you should also avoid using harsh chemicals to clean your ring. Ask your jeweler what type of cleaner would be best for your ring. It’s important to double-check with your jeweler before cleaning rings that have both diamonds and other stones. Some of the cleaners that are compatible with one stone might not be compatible with other stones.
7.Schedule a Yearly Checkup
Diamonds are durable, but that doesn’t mean that you should neglect professional care. Schedule a yearly visit with your jeweler to assess your ring’s condition. Your jeweler can perform a professional cleaning at this time if necessary. Issues with the ring’s prongs or other elements of the stone’s setting can also be addressed. If you notice that your diamond seems to wiggle or move in its setting at any time, store the ring in a safe place and schedule an appointment with your jeweler immediately.
Taking good care of your diamond ring is essential to protecting its value. If you’d like to schedule a professional cleaning or need to have repairs or resizing completed on your ring, get in touch with Rocky Mountain Gold & Silver Exchange. Our friendly, professional jewelers have been serving Albuquerque and the surrounding communities for more than 20 years.