Keeping Engagement Rings in Top Shape
September 30, 2009
Diamond engagement rings are among the most popular pieces of jewelry purchased on a regular basis. They are usually worn on a daily basis from the moment they are received, and this means that they can end up being one of the dirtiest pieces of jewelry anyone can own.
Consider that engagement rings are worn while doing housework, gardening, crafts and projects and cooking, and you can only imagine the grime and debris that might accumulate in the setting and on the surface of the stone.
Is there a single way to cleanse engagement rings? Actually, there is no one “set” way for cleaning any jewelry, and the primary rule is to always give priority to the weakest or softest area of the piece. For example, a ring with opals and diamonds is going to have to be carefully handled because opals are very soft, easily fractured and require very gentle cleansing.
Because most engagement rings will have a diamond that is held in place with prongs, it is quite likely that debris and grime will accumulate behind the stone. This can actually diminish the sparkle and glitter of the gems by interfering with the amount of light that reflects throughout them.
Additionally, many diamonds are coated with a special material that enhances their surface glitter and reflection as well. When soap or chemical films accumulate on the top of the stone, this can make the ring lose much of its original appeal.
Most jewelry experts recommend a very gentle bath for engagement rings. The thing to always remember is that the stones and the band are not bound together and can become separated. For this reason engagement rings should NEVER be washed in a bathroom or kitchen sink because the stone can end up heading down the drain along with the detergent and water.
Instead, create a warm bubble bath using a mild detergent in a container such as an old margarine tub or plastic bowl. Gently soak and swirl the ring, check to ensure the stones are intact, and then rinse away the soap before drying the ring.
