Diamonds are often seen as indestructible because they are the hardest substance on earth. But realistically, even diamonds can chip or become imperfect with enough neglect. It’s important to know the best ways to care for your lab diamond engagement ring so it stays beautiful for a lifetime or longer.
There are a lot of misconceptions about caring for your diamond engagement ring. Before your next cleaning, read these important dos and don’ts on how to properly care for your engagement ring.
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USE MILD SOAP AND WATER TO CLEAN YOUR RING
The safest and most foolproof way to clean your diamond ring is to lightly scrub it with soap and warm water.
Begin by making a simple solution of lukewarm water and dish soap. Try to use non-scented soap as it will be safer on your ring. It’s also best not to use anything with moisturizing properties in it. This can lead to a film buildup over time. Once your solution is made, soak your ring for about 15-20 minutes to release the stuck-on grime. Grab a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush your diamonds. After a few gentle brushes, carefully rinse it under a stream of warm water until all soap residue is gone. Make sure to plug your drain when rinsing your ring in case you accidentally drop it.
DON’T USE HARMFUL HOUSEHOLD CHEMICALS TO CLEAN YOUR RING
Never experiment with household cleaners as they may contain harmful chemicals that can damage your engagement ring. If you’re looking for a more potent cleaning solution, look into buying solution from your jeweler. They will know what solution is safest for your particular ring.
Stay clear of household chemicals such as bleach, chlorine, acetone or ammonia. With prolonged use, these harsh chemicals can break down the base metals in your ring. Other common household items, such as toothpaste or baking soda, are likewise bad for your ring because they can easily scratch metals- especially gold. Even with a gentle tool like a soft cloth or soft-bristled toothbrush, it’s never safe to use these types of cleaners.
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MAKE SURE TO CLEAN YOUR RING OFTEN
It’s important to clean your ring often so as to avoid a buildup of grime. Although there is not a concrete timeline, once or twice a month should do. Ultimately, it will depend on the activities you participate in every day. If your job requires hands-on work, you may need to clean it more often. While at-home cleaning will suffice every couple of weeks or so, it is important to take your ring into your jeweler for professional cleaning once in a while. This will allow your ring to be thoroughly cleaned and polished to enhance its luster.
DON’T WEAR YOUR RING EVERYWHERE
When you begin wearing your engagement ring, it’s hard to ever want to take it off. It’s important to know when to leave your ring at home as there are places where you could be at risk of damaging or losing your new adornment. Here are some places you shouldn’t wear your diamond engagement ring.
Any place where you’ll be near a body of water is not an ideal place for an engagement ring. From showering to beach days, you run the risk of tarnishing or losing your jewelry. It’s especially not wise to wear your ring around cold water. This is because your fingers actually shrink when submerged under cold water, which could then cause your ring to more easily slide off and get lost.
Cleaning is also not an ideal environment for your ring. If you clean wearing your ring you run the risk of it being exposed to harmful chemicals. Along with chemical exposure, there’s also a greater chance of damaging your ring. Snagging, bending or denting your ring is not unheard of when near upholstery or other common household fabrics. So remember to always set your ring aside before cleaning around the house, or anywhere for that matter.
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DIAMONDS AS FAMILY HEIRLOOMS
Now that you know the best ways to care for your lab diamond ring, you can be sure it will sparkle for a lifetime and longer. While diamonds are the hardest substance on earth, they can still be damaged if not cared for properly. By cleaning it often, protecting it from chemicals and making sure to take it off during hands-on activities, you should be on your way to keeping it in mint condition.
When you care for your ring properly, you are contributing to its worth so it can be a family heirloom handed down for generations. There is no greater joy than handing your ring off to your child, grandchild or another member of your family that is dear to your heart. Your engagement ring is an extremely sentimental adornment. It represents the love you have for your significant other, which is why keeping it beautiful is so important. If you follow these care instructions, your lab diamond ring will be the star of the show for years to come.