How to Care for Your Engagement and Wedding Bands

Engagement and wedding bands are so much more than just beautiful pieces of jewelry. They are also important symbols of love, commitment, and memories that will last a lifetime between them and their partner.

Given the heightened significance that they hold for romance and more, it is essential to take good care of them to keep them looking as stunning as the day they were first placed on your finger! If you are looking for the best advice on this topic, then you have come to the right place.

This guide will take you through all of the best practices when it comes to maintaining your diamond engagement ring and wedding bands of various metals, giving them the best chance of staying in pristine condition for years and years.

Caring For Diamond Engagement Rings

Diamond engagement rings are dazzling, but they can also be incredibly delicate. Whilst it is true that diamonds are known for their hardness, the settings that hold them in place can be fragile at times. Here are some of the most important and essential engagement ring care tips.

Regular Cleaning

To keep your diamond engagement ring sparkling, clean it regularly. Avoid abrasive cleaners, especially general purpose household cleaners. A simple solution of warm water and mild dish soap will give your ring a proper cleaning in most cases. Soak the ring for 20 to 30 minutes, gently brush with a soft toothbrush, and rinse with lukewarm water. Dry with a lint-free cloth. There is also, of course, the option for professional cleaning, especially if you work at a job where grime and debris can accumulate around the setting. Some jewelry experts and professionals swear by ultrasonic jewelry cleaners. 

Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals

Exposure to harsh chemicals like bleach or chlorine can weaken the metal setting making them more prone to damage. Always wear rubber gloves or remove your wedding rings before using cleaning products or swimming in chlorinated pools. Professional cleaning services will always know which chemicals need to be avoided.

Check The Settings

The prongs or bezel setting that holds your precious stone diamond in place can wear out over time. Have your ring inspected by a professional jeweler at least once a year to ensure the center stone is secure.

Proper Storage

When not wearing your ring, store it in a soft, fabric-lined jewelry box or pouch to prevent scratches and other damage. If you have multiple rings, store them separately to avoid contact.

Be Mindful Of Physical Activities

Remove your diamond ring before engaging in activities that could cause impact or put pressure on the setting, such as gardening, weightlifting, or playing sports.

Caring For Wedding Bands

Precious metal wedding bands, whether made from white gold, yellow gold, silver, platinum, or alternative metals like titanium, tungsten, and cobalt, require unique care to maintain their beauty and durability. Here's how to care for all of the different types of wedding bands just mentioned.

Gold Wedding Bands

Cleaning

Like diamond rings, gold bands benefit from regular cleaning. Use warm soapy water as a cleaning solution and a soft cloth to remove dirt and oils. Avoid using abrasive materials, as gold is a soft metal and can scratch easily.

Avoid Chemicals

Gold is susceptible to damage from chemicals, and beauty products so be sure to remove your ring when using cleaning products or applying lotions and perfumes.

Regular Polishing

Over time, gold can develop a patina or small scratches. Regular polishing by a professional jeweler can restore its shine and smoothness.

Storage

Store your gold wedding band in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box to prevent scratches and tarnishing.

Silver Wedding Bands

Cleaning

Silver bands can tarnish over time. To clean, use a silver polishing cloth or a solution specifically designed for silver jewelry. Avoid using tissue or paper towels, which can scratch the surface.

Prevent Tarnish

Store your silver band in a cool, dry place, preferably in a tarnish-resistant bag or cloth. Keeping it away from humidity and air exposure will help prevent tarnish.

Wear It Often

Surprisingly, wearing your silver band regularly can help prevent tarnish, as the oils in your skin can naturally clean the metal.

Platinum Wedding Bands

Cleaning

Platinum bands are highly durable and resist tarnishing. Clean your platinum ring with a mild soap solution (dissolved n somewhere in between cold water and hot water) and a soft cloth or brush.

Avoid Scratches

Although platinum is a tough metal, it can still scratch. Avoid wearing your platinum band when doing rough work or hand-heavy activities that could cause abrasion.

Professional Maintenance

Over time, platinum develops a patina that some people find appealing. If you prefer a high-shine look, have your band polished by a professional jeweler. Some might even offer complimentary cleaning if you purchase the ring from their store.

Alternative Metal Wedding Rings (Titanium, Tungsten, Cobalt)

Cleaning

These metals are known for their durability and resistance to scratching during daily wear, but they are still valuable pieces! Clean them with mild soap, warm water, and a soft cloth. Tungsten rings, in particular, can be cleaned with a soft toothbrush due to their hardness.

Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals

Even though these metals are tough, it's best to avoid exposing them to harsh chemicals which can affect their finish. You would surprised by how many harsh chemicals you can come across during everyday wear.

Check For Coatings

Some alternative metal rings have additional coatings for color or shine. Be sure to follow care instructions specific to these coatings to prevent wear.

Storage

Store these bands separately from other jewelry to avoid potential scratching, especially if the other pieces are made from softer metals.

For engagement rings and wedding bands you can wear with love and pride, browse our collection of superbly crafted items. We also offer a bespoke ring design service if you want your bridal jewelry to be unique to you.