Your engagement and wedding rings are more than just beautiful pieces of jewellery – they are timeless symbols of love, commitment, and the moments that matter most. Whether they sparkle with diamonds, moissanite, or other precious stones, these rings are designed to be worn every day and treasured for a lifetime. But with daily wear comes exposure to dirt, moisture, oils, and physical impact, all of which can dull their shine or even cause damage over time.
Just like any cherished possession, your rings deserve regular care and attention to ensure they stay as stunning and meaningful as the day you first put them on. Our top tips of everything you need to know about wedding ring maintenance will guarantee your rings remain brilliant reminders of your love story for years to come.
Taking care of your rings starts with how you wear them every day – the small daily habits make a big difference in the long term. While engagement and wedding rings are meant to be worn constantly, there are times when it’s sensible to remove them to prevent unnecessary wear or damage. You should take off your rings while cleaning, as household cleaning agents like bleach, ammonia, and other harsh chemicals can erode metal finishes and damage gemstones. Remove your rings before cleaning or wear protective gloves. Activities involving weights, pressure, or repetitive impact can bend ring bands or loosen prongs. Consider removing your rings during gym sessions, yoga, or sports. Chlorinated water, saltwater, and even some soaps and shampoos can cause build up or corrosion over time. It’s best to leave your rings in a safe place before swimming or showering. It’s also wise to take off your rings before sleeping. Although this is less common, sleeping with your rings on can expose them to unnecessary pressure, especially if you toss and turn or have bedding that might snag the setting. Creating these small daily habits can significantly extend their lifespan and brilliance.
Cleaning your rings regularly helps with your jewellery upkeep. Over time, rings can collect a build-up of natural oils, lotion, dirt, and soap residue that dulls their sparkle. Regular cleaning helps keep them looking their best. For most rings, a gentle at-home cleaning routine once a week will do wonders:
- Mix warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap.
- Soak your ring for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub the setting, underside, and band
- Rinse with clean lukewarm water and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.
This simple routine is safe for most precious metals and common gemstones. Be cautious with vintage or
delicate settings and soft stones like pearls or opals, which require extra care.
You must avoid ultrasonic cleaners. While these are effective, they can loosen stones if used too frequently or improperly. Also, never use abrasive materials such as baking soda, toothpaste, or other gritty substances that can scratch metals or stones. Hot water or extreme temperature changes can shock certain gemstones and damage settings so do not use hot water.
Storing your rings properly can prevent unnecessary wear, scratching, or loss. Our smart storage tips include using a dedicated jewellery box with padded compartments to keep rings from rubbing against other items. Ring dishes placed near sinks or bedsides are perfect for short-term storage. If you bring your ring on trips, you must travel with care by using a secure travel jewellery case when bringing rings. Never toss them loosely into a purse or suitcase. If you have more than one ring, such as an engagement ring and a wedding band, consider storing them separately to avoid scratches, especially if one features diamonds or harder stones that could damage the other.
Inspecting your rings regularly is a valuable tip as even the most well-crafted rings can experience wear and tear over time. Regular inspection is key to spotting issues before they become major problems. You should look for loose stones. If you notice any shifting, rattling, or gaps in your setting, get it checked immediately. Prongs or claws can fail over time, especially on high-set rings. Bent or thinning prongs should be repaired by a professional.
Discoloration or tarnish is another problem that needs professional maintenance. Certain metals, like sterling silver or white gold, may require polishing or re-plating over time to maintain their finish. You also need to watch for scratches or dents. Minor surface wear is normal, but deep scratches can indicate it’s time for professional maintenance. For your peace of mind, it’s best to conduct a self-check every few weeks and consider scheduling a professional inspection once or twice a year.
Even with regular home care, nothing compares to the sparkle your ring gets after a professional clean. Jewellers have tools and expertise to clean hard-to-reach areas, polish the metal, and inspect the setting for any issues. There are a variety of benefits to professional maintenance. For example, steam cleaning reaches deep into settings for a thorough clean. Prong tightening and setting checks ensure stones remain secure. Re-polishing or rhodium plating restores the original shine to metals like white gold. Most jewellers offer these services at a low cost – or even complimentary if you purchased the ring from them. It's a worthwhile investment in keeping your jewellery safe and stunning.
While it’s not a part of physically caring for your jewellery, insurance is an often overlooked but essential step in protecting your engagement and wedding rings. Whether it’s loss, theft, or accidental damage, having your rings covered provides peace of mind. You can insure your rings through standalone jewellery insurance policies, add-ons to your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance or policies offered at the time of purchase. Be sure to keep appraisals, receipts, and photos in a secure place as part of your documentation.
Explore all of our care tips and bespoke jewellery services, or book a consultation now to keep your meaningful pieces shining forever.
