By Panashe Ngundu
It goes without saying, but your sparkler is an important piece of jewellery. Proper wedding ring care should be a top priority after your significant other pops the question. After all, you’ve spent months, perhaps years, dreaming of the perfect wedding ring. So now that it’s a permanent fixture on your left hand, you’ll want to ensure it stays shiny and sparkly for years to come.
From avoiding certain chemicals to storage ideas, here are a few dos and don’ts for taking care of your wedding ring.
Don’t remove the ring in public. Hand washing is a must in a public restroom, but resist the temptation to remove your wedding ring while you’re lathering up. The possibility that you might leave your ring on the ledge of the sink or, worse, drop it down the drain, is too great of a risk.
Don’t touch the centre stone. Wondering how to take care of your diamond wedding ring? Avoid touching the centre stone at all costs. “Diamonds and other precious stones are magnets for dust, dirt, and body oil,” says Taylor Lanore, diamond consultant and wedding ring designer for Lauren B. Fine Jewelry and Diamonds. When you put on or take off your ring, try grabbing the band on either side of the stone instead of grabbing the stone itself. If your stone ever looks hazy or cloudy, it’s likely that something is stuck underneath it.
Don’t treat your ring with harsh chemicals. You should always remove your ring when cleaning or touching harsh chemicals. Bleach and other cleaning agents can dull the finish of a ring and actually harm porous colored gemstones like emeralds.
Don’t put your ring through needles wear and tear. “A diamond is one of the world’s hardest natural materials, says Adelaide Polk-Bauman of Forevermark, “but that doesn’t mean a cut and polished diamond cannot chip. Sometimes the table of a cut diamond can be susceptible to wear and tear. Be sure not to knock it against other hard materials.”
Do remove your ring during hands on activities. Make sure you’re taking off your ring during all hand-heavy activities (yes yogis, no downward dog in your wedding ring. I advise against gardening, cleaning dishes, moving furniture, and exercising with a wedding ring. Of course, you can use these rules on a case-by-case basis with good judgment.
Do schedule monthly maintenance appointments with your jeweller. It is very important to schedule maintenance appointments with your jeweller at least once a year to make sure the prongs are tight, the diamond isn’t loose, and there are no hairline cracks in the shank. All-around maintenance is vital.
