Whether you are spending hours on end staring into that sparkling diamond sitting proudly your ring finger, or refuse to take it out of the box until you can be sure that it won’t slide straight off again, getting used to being the proud owner of an engagement ring typically proves to be more than any of us bargained for.
And, given the fact that the average couple spent around $3,756 on their engagement ring in 2020 not to mention what it symbolizes it’s not hard to understand why wearing and taking care of this almighty piece of jewelry requires a sharp learning curve.
As a result, we have put together a thorough guide to wearing, protecting, cleaning and maintaining your engagement ring, and ensuring that it stays perfect for the long haul.
Get it Sized
The last thing any newly-engaged couple wants to do is part from that engagement ring but, in the majority of cases, it is necessary for the band to be resized by a professional jeweller. Unfortunately, even soulmates have a few gaps in their knowledge when it comes to their betrothed, which means that most soon-to-be fiancs will struggle to gauge the exact size of their partner’s ring finger.
While you may feel that sheer willpower will keep it on your hand, it will only be a matter of time before it slips off and disappears forever.
So, wear it for a few minutes, get those just-engaged photographs snapped, then take it off and have the professionals size it perfectly to you.
Get it Insured
As with anything valuable in life, one of the first things you should do after it comes into your possession is make certain that it is covered by a strong, sound insurance policy.
There are plenty of options for couples looking into engagement ring insurance, with the most popular option being to add it onto your existing homeowners’ policy under extra coverage’. For most people, the value of an engagement ring far exceeds the cost of other jewelry, which is why the existing coverage offered within your policy will likely prove insufficient.
While your engagement ring seems irreplaceable right now, the fact of the matter is that, should something go wrong (whether that be theft, loss, or irreparable damage), you will definitely want to be able to replace it. By ensuring that you are covered against these worst-case-scenarios, you can feel confident that the money will be there to set your ring finger sparkling once again, and ensure that you don’t have to dry out your savings to do so.
Keep it Clean
It can often feel as though the most valuable things in life also happen to be the most vulnerable to everyday life. And, in spite of the fact that diamonds are formed via extremely pressurised conditions not to mention the fact that precious metals are valued for their strength and resilience engagement rings can be highly susceptible to damage and dirt.
From the oil on our fingers to the dust and dirt that inevitably arise as we fulfil the day-to-day chores around our homes and gardens, plenty of seemingly harmless contaminants will have a big impact on the appearance of your precious stone. It may turn cloudy, or get little pieces of dirt stuck underneath it.
Ensure that you are touching the stone as little as possible and that you are removing it before certain activities. What’s more, make sure you are giving your stone a quick clean every two weeks. There are many different kinds of diamonds and precious stones, so you should speak to your jeweler about your ring’s unique needs; most precious stones, however, will shine up wonderfully with nothing more than a brief soak in soap and warm water.
Keep it Maintained
Just as your teeth need to be checked by the dentist, your ring should be booked in for regular maintenance appointments with a professional jeweler. So, alongside choosing your wedding dress and nibbling your way through cake samples, you should spare a few moments for preserving that just-engaged luster.
For most rings, any precious stones will be held in place by prongs, which can work themselves loose over time. Of course, this can be disastrous particularly if you don’t notice it has happened until it is too late to go hunting for your missing diamond. A quick trip to the jeweller will mean you can feel confident in the staying power of those prongs, and free from any worries about looking down to see a crater where your stone should be.
Your jeweller can also ensure that any of the early signs of wear and tear are repaired before they turn into more significant issues.
Despite their high cost, you will be pleased to know that the vast majority of engagement rings prove to have very few demands in terms of maintenance. There are only a few steps to remember and, once you do, you will quickly grow used to wearing it around even if you never quite get used to seeing it!
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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