An engagement is one of the most exciting times in life as a couple (young or old) anticipates a new life together and a wedding (big or small) to kick off the celebration.
Before all of the planning begins, from house hunting to dress shopping, many brides-to-be spend a fair amount of time just staring at a newly bejeweled ring finger. It's hard to take your eyes off of this outward symbol of love, and an engagement ring symbolizes the commitment and adventure that awaits.
In the midst of daydreams about slicing the cake or setting sail on a honeymoon, it is important to consider something practical: how you will care for your ring. After all, this is a significant investment and one that you want to protect. Read on for everything you need to know about engagement ring care and how you can keep yours sparkling for years to come.
Proper Care Starts With the Proper Fit
Even with the best of intentions, some ring shoppers do not get the fit quite right. After popping the question, they discover they may have over or underestimated their partner's ring size.
A proper fitting is essential to ensure the safety and security of the ring, and having the engagement ring professionally resized—either by the original seller or another skilled jeweler—should be high on your priority list.
In order to get the most accurate fit, you will want to have the ring sized in the right conditions, which generally means avoiding extreme temperatures. Our fingers can expand in high temperatures and shrink in colder ones, so be sure to have your finger sized in moderate temperatures and not directly after a strenuous workout.
A professional jeweler can also take into account the shape of your fingers and how that plays into sizing; for example, "knotted" fingers—or those where the knuckle is significantly wider than the rest of the finger—can be tricky to fit. A jeweler may recommend a sizing bead, which allows you to size the ring so it slides comfortably over the knuckle but also stays firmly in place.
Do not put off sizing your ring, even if you think it is only a little loose. A loose ring is an unfortunate accident waiting to happen, and the last thing you want is to watch that sparkly band drop down a sink drain, go flying overboard on a boat cruise, or slip off on a crowded city sidewalk.
Cleaning Your Engagement Ring
Maybe your grandmother swears by a little bit of toothpaste to keep her jewelry shining, but it is probably best to heed the advice of professionals when it comes to caring for your new engagement ring.
Your ring will collect debris as you wear it, especially if you work with your hands often. Taking your ring off before yard work is always a good idea, but in some cases, you may tackle a chore and forget to remove your ring first.
The best advice on cleaning and caring for your new engagement ring will come from your jeweler, so be sure to ask for their specific instructions and tips. They will recommend techniques specific to the materials used in your ring, from the metals to the stones. Having the ring cleaned professionally by your jeweler is always a good idea, and they will clean it with steam to prevent any damage to the stones or the metals.
For home cleaning, they may recommend a particular cleaning product or the tried-and-true method of gentle dish soap and a soft toothbrush. Before you clean your ring over any sink, be sure the drain has a stopper!
Storing Your Engagement Ring
Many people wear their engagement rings around the clock and rarely, if ever, slip them off of their hands. However, if you do practice the habit of taking your ring off to protect it from getting dirty, or perhaps when temperatures cause your fingers to swell or shrink, follow these tips for storing it safely:
- Save the box your ring came in to use it as a secure storage spot.
- Your ring should be the last item you put on when you leave the house and the first item you take off when you get home
- Place your ring on a tray in a safe spot other than setting it next to a sink, on a windowsill etc., where it can easily fall off or get lost.
- Be especially cautious about taking it off around bodies of water. Going on a deep sea fishing trip? Consider storing it securely at home before you leave.
If, for any reason, you decide to store the ring for an extended period, make sure it is insured and consider storing it in a safe or safety deposit box at your bank. Finally, never slip your ring off, even momentarily, in reach of little ones. Nothing could be more enticing to a toddler than a shiny diamond, and it could be lost or swallowed before you know it. The same rule applies when it comes to our four-legged family members.
Insuring Your Engagement Ring
Engagement rings are significant investments, not only in terms of the actual costs but also in the sentimental and emotional values connected to the rings. With the average American spending upwards of $5,000 on an engagement ring, there is a great demand for insurance to cover them.
Jewelry policies may already be part of your homeowners or renters insurance, or they may be something you purchase separately. Contact your insurance agent to find out the best options for your particular ring and budget.
It may be a good time to consider other pieces you would want to insure, such as a ring passed down from a grandmother, a diamond necklace, or other valuable and sentimental pieces.
Repairing Your Engagement Ring
You may be tempted to make adjustments to your own ring if you spot something like a loose prong. Resist that temptation and leave repairs to the professionals.
High-quality engagement rings are built to last, and diamonds and precious metals are generally incredibly durable. However, there is always the possibility over time of an issue that needs professional attention. A flaw in the setting could lead to a lost diamond or other gem, so those should be addressed quickly.
Choosing a Wedding Band That Complements Your Engagement Ring
Some couples use engagement rings only or wedding bands only; however, many opt to layer both, and this can create a stunning look that enhances the engagement ring. However, before you settle on a wedding band to be worn along with the engagement ring, consider how it can impact the wear and tear on your ring and make sure the fit will complement and not damage your engagement ring.
Bands worn together need to be made of the same metal for reasons more than aesthetic: their hardness needs to be the same to prevent scratches. If you place a platinum engagement ring next to a gold wedding band, the platinum—which is more malleable—will end up scratched over time.
Additionally, you want to ensure that stones in either the engagement ring or the wedding band rest comfortably against each other, which is why many opt for custom-made bands to accommodate particular shapes and styles. High and low settings need different types of wedding band-engagement ring combinations.
Happy Jewelers for All of Your Jewelry Needs
Whether you are shopping for an engagement ring, a wedding band, or an anniversary gift, Happy Jewelers has an unbeatable selection and an expert team ready to offer advice on how to care for your new investment.
Our diamond specialists can work with you to create one-of-a-kind jewelry to bring your ideas to life; we also have ready-to-ship pieces at a variety of different price points. If you don't see exactly what you are looking for in our inventory, contact us, and we will work with you to find or create the engagement ring you want.
We stand behind our rings with a lifetime warranty, including cleaning and repairs. We want to ensure your jewels continue to sparkle and shine for years to come and we are committed to the satisfaction of all of our customers.
