Practical tips for wedding ring care preserve the sparkle of wedding jewelry

Wedding bands and engagement rings are among the most intimate and cherished possessions.  Engagement rings are often the most expensive and valuable pieces of jewelry owned by an individual; however they are also priceless family heirlooms representing love, marriage, unions and family histories. Proper engagement and wedding ring care is one of the keys to preserving an engagement jewelry for generations to come, as well as preventing loss, theft, or damage.

Great care should be taken when selecting, purchasing or custom designing an engagement ring.  Once that perfect ring has been found, obtaining a professional written appraisal is one of the first step toward proper ring care and protection.

Photographs, receipts, and official documents detailing a ring’s appraisal should be stored or filed away in a fireproof safe, vault or bank deposit box.  

As a rule of thumb, all documentation pertaining to treasured jewelry or other priceless family heirlooms should also be provided to an insurance company. Providing specific details and characteristics, photographs, purchase dates and receipts, appraisals or certificates of authenticity will help your insurance company and the authorities to identify particular valuables should they ever be stolen.

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While insurance coverage is vital there are also some very practical do’s and don’ts of wedding band and engagement ring care. It is wise to remove a valuable ring if you plan to undertake household chores such as gardening (yes, even a rock can scratch or damage a gemstone) or cleaning with harsh chemicals or abrasives.

Removing a ring before playing contact sports or before swimming is also a sound idea. Many rings are lost in swimming pools simply because the chlorine makes skin more slippery.  

However, if you do plan to remove your ring, make a habit of storing it in the same safe place.  Never place your loose ring on a shelf, table, or particularly a kitchen counter top, bathroom vanity or bathtub rim where it could easily be knocked, slip or ultimately topple into an open drain or garbage disposal. (We’ve all heard the horror stories about desperate couples hiring plumbers to retrieve diamond rings from drain pipes!)

Select a specific jewelry box or drawer for keeping your ring while you are not wearing it. Be sure that box is lined with satin, velvet or another soft and protective cushioning. Don?t store your precious engagement ring with other jewelry in a crowded jewelry box where it could be easily scratched or chipped by other gemstones or diamonds.

Leaving a valuable engagement ring at home may be a wise idea if you plan to be traveling. If you do need to travel with valuable jewelry, consider purchasing a small diversion safe. Diversion safes, made to look like everyday items such as soda cans, bottles of shaving creme or shampoo, will be the last place a thief will look should your hotel room or travel accommodations be burglarized.

Cleaning an engagement ring is one of the best ways to keep it looking bright, dazzling and in tip-top condition.  Wedding ring care “101” is definately knowing how to clean your jewelry. Every ring requires unique cleaning procedures.

Visit your local jeweler to learn about the specific methods for cleaning your particular gemstones or precious metals.

Last but certainly not least, pay attention to the unique fit and characteristics of your ring. If something feels amiss, for example if a prong feels loose or suddenly catches or snags on a piece of clothing, visit your jeweler immediately. This can save you the heartache of a lost diamond or missing gemstone. 

As the saying goes, a stitch in time can save nine.  Occasional maintenance and proper wedding ring care will keep your engagement ring looking brilliant and beautiful for decades to come.