Proper Ring Care & Preventative Maintenance

There is a very common misconception that diamonds, gold and platinum are the hardest materials out there and that makes them virtually indestructible. While diamond is the hardest natural material on earth, under the right circumstances, a diamond can be broken, chipped, or scratched. But the part of the ring that is most vulnerable to heavy wear and tear is the metal itself, particularly small prongs. Platinum and properly alloyed gold are both very durable metals that can withstand wear every day. However any activity where you are using your hands roughly, during sports, chores, using tools, gardening, carrying hard/heavy objects, excessive grip, and of course getting it caught on something, can cause damage.

Another way to prevent damage is to wear the ring conscientiously; Try to always be aware of the ring on your finger and what is coming into contact with your ring. When wearing rings next to each other, (like a wedding band) how the rings sit next to each other should always be taken into account. Having them more flush will decrease damage. Rings rubbing together will cause wear over a long time, mostly just scratches but dissimilar metals can increase this wear. E.G. platinum against gold. Don’t worry or stress about this – nothing that can’t be re-polished or repaired.

Two common instances that can damage your jewellery is in the shower and while sleeping with the item.

• Showering can cause a problem if your ring is caught running your finger through hair or on sponges or loofas. Exposure to certain cleaning agents, hand sanitizer, lotions, hair dyes etc. can cause discolouration.
• Wearing a ring to bed is also not a good idea, as you never know what could happen while you’re asleep. Fabric is perhaps a claws worst nightmare; Fibres from the bedspread can get caught and can loosen or break a prong and cause the loss of a stone.

One other area to be aware of is to never wear jewellery while swimming – many many people have lost jewellery in water, whether it be in a pool, a lake or the ocean – even washing dishes can cause lost rings! The water will shrink your finger and act just like a lubricant, and your ring will slip right off your finger. Remove your ring before getting in the water.

Other than being conscious of how you wear your ring, the best way to insure you don’t lose your ring is to only take it off when in safe locations. You should have a few designated spots for taking it off, for example your nightstand, your ring box or a ring holder. Keep true to these spots and you will never misplace or lose your ring.