Ring Care Guide: Do’s & Dont's
There is a common ideology that engagement and wedding rings are indestructible however this is not the case. Whether it be a diamond or gemstone, gold or platinum, we have covered off our essential do’s and don’t to ensure the longevity of your special piece. Read more below.
SHOULD I HAVE MY RING INSURED?
When it comes to caring for your LOUISE JEAN ring one of the best things you can do is enlist an independent insurance company to protect your special piece in the event that it is lost, stolen or damaged. This will cover anything outside of our warranty and protect you and your ring from circumstances out of your control. Here at Louise Jean we highly recommend Q Report, who specialises in fine jewellery and engagement ring insurance. To find out more click here.
* Please ensure you undertake your own insurance research as the above information is provided as a general guide and has not taken into account your specific objectives, needs, and/or financial situation.
IS IT OKAY TO WEAR MY RING 24/7?
Your ring is crafted with precious metals and gems that are not indestructible and can easily be damaged with improper care. Your special piece is delicate and valuable and should be treated as such. See below for commonly asked instances of when you should avoid wearing your engagement ring.
Pool & Ocean
The pool and the beach are certainly two places you should avoid wearing your engagement/wedding ring. The pool for example contains a multitude of chemicals that can tarnish and reduce the lustre of your ring. Not only can it affect the overall appearance but the chances of losing your rings increases significantly. This can occur due to the colder temperatures causing your fingers to reduce in size. For some, this can be quite a significant size difference and quite often the end result is a client not being able to retrieve their rings that have unknowingly fallen off.
Cleaning & General Household Tasks
Similarly to the pool, you should always remove your ring(s) when cleaning, completing household activities or working with harsh chemicals. For instance, bleach and other cleaning agents can significantly compromise the ring's appearance. General household activities such as making your bed can also put unnecessary pressure on your ring.
Cooking
We recommend taking off your jewellery before cooking to not only avoid trapping food and other particles in your piece but to also reduce the risk of cross-contamination with your food. When wearing your rings in the kitchen you will also increase the chances of damaging them with sharp and heavy objects such as knives, cooking pans and chopping boards.
Shower & Beauty Routines
Other harmful chemicals that can harm and affect your ring(s) include ones commonly found in the shower and during beauty routines. Dust from powders and grease from lotions will quickly accumulate in the small corners of your piece and will dull the sparkle of the ring. Not to mention when wearing your ring(s) during these instances they can easily spread bacteria to unwanted areas or create a reaction such as dermatitis.
Gym
One of the most common ways we see rings get scratched, dented or bent is during weightlifting or other manual and exercise activities. Sweat build-up can also dull the sparkle of your ring. Overall the gym is not the place for your engagement and wedding rings, and by avoiding these conditions you’ll not only increase the longevity of your ring but also reduce the chance of it getting lost or damaged.
Sleeping
While it's not the most dangerous activity for your ring (s), sleeping with them on is still not recommended. It can put unnecessary pressure on your ring, which can lead to a multitude of issues such as bent prongs, dislodged diamonds, and overall can affect the integrity of the piece. Additionally, you run the risk of hand swelling, torn sheets, getting caught in hair, and also scratching yourself or loved one.
WHEN MY RING NEEDS A CLEAN WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Although there are instances we can avoid to reduce build-up and dirt getting trapped in our pieces, it is also inevitable that your ring(s) will need to be cleaned. With all of our engagement and wedding rings, we offer annual complimentary cleaning and servicing to ensure your piece is kept in its best condition.
Additionally, there are cleaning routines that we recommend implementing in-between professional cleans. To follow our at-home cleaning routine click here.
