Jewelry Care

WHEN TO TAKE YOUR RING OFF

This is by far our most asked question! We love that our customers love the jewelry we’ve created for them and want to keep it on always. That said, engagement rings and wedding bands are not invincible or immune to damage. We highly recommend removing your ring when working out (weight lifting is a big culprit of damage), during heavy cleaning or any situation where your ring may come in contact with chemicals/harsh solutions, when moving/lifting boxes, and gardening. This is not an extensive list, and we always advise using your best judgement when wearing or removing your ring. 

INSURANCE

Considering your piece’s value, you’ll want to make sure it lasts for a lifetime. The first step after receiving an engagement ring or other piece of fine jewelry (typically valued at over $1,000) is to get it insured. You can typically do this through homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, or take out a policy with a specialty insurer. We can provide quotes through Jeweler’s Mutual Insurance or Brite Co. In order to do this, you’ll need a description of your ring or jewelry, any stone certifications and details, and sometimes an appraisal by a certified, independent jeweler. Photos of the piece are also needed.

NATURAL WEAR & TEAR

Platinum and gold rings won’t tarnish, but may scratch and dull over time. Gold is softer than platinum, so it is prone to scratching faster and more often. A quick polish by a professional jeweler can repair a ring back to its original appearance, but please note that scratching and dulling is normal for fine jewelry - we consider it a sign of a well loved piece! 

CLEANING

While professional cleaning is sometimes needed, and encouraged on at least a yearly basis, it’s very easy to clean your ring at home. The best way to do this is to use hot, soapy water (we recommend Dawn Dish Soap) and a clean toothbrush. Simply soak your ring in the soapy substance for a few minutes, then scrub the ring gently, making sure to focus on places where dirt can accumulate such as in between prongs, underneath the setting, and in the back opening behind the stone.

Stones like opal, moonstone, and turquoise are softer than diamonds and can be porous. Do not immerse these pieces of jewelry in water to clean. Instead, go gentle with a very soft damp cloth only and avoid using chemical cleaners. 

STORING YOUR JEWELRY

Diamonds are the hardest stone, so while they make great stones for an engagement ring that you will wear every day, they can scratch other jewelry or chip other stones). Be sure to keep diamond away from other jewelry while storing – a soft fabric pouch or a jewelry box is best. 

For necklaces, we recommend storing each individual piece in a clear, zip lock bag to prevent chain from tangling.

CHEMICALS & EVERYDAY IRRITANTS

Many people wear their diamond engagement ring daily without giving much though to what the ring is coming in contact with. Substances that are likely to accumulate on and around your ring include shampoo, sunscreen, make-up, flour, dust, soap residue and hairspray. Taking off your ring before you work with greasy or dirty substances or embark on cleaning or lifting and carrying will ensure that your engagement ring stays looking clean for longer. While everyday substances won’t typically cause harm, common chemicals such as bleach, chlorine, furniture polish, cleaners, and more can cause major damage to your ring. Be sure to remove your ring before using harsh chemicals and cleaners, or when swimming in a pool or hot tub.

CHIPPING

Although diamonds are an extremely hard stone, they are also a naturally occurring material, so it is incorrect that they are immune to chipping and scratching. You should be mindful of any manual work that may cause your diamond to scratch, chip, or loosen in its setting. 

Softer stones like opal, moonstone, and turquoise are especially prone to chipping. We recommend removing these pieces when sleeping, working out, or doing any physical labor. 

PROFESSIONAL CHECK UPS & CLEANING

Even the most secure diamond settings may loosen over time, especially if they are worn daily. It is important to have your engagement ring checked by a professional on a yearly basis to make sure the setting is still secure. Diamonds that are prong set may need to be retipped or repronged after several years of wear and tear. If your stone becomes loose in any setting, please let a professional jeweler know immediately, and refrain from wearing the jewelry until the stone is secured.