As a custom jeweler who has helped hundreds of couples get engaged, we have heard many engagement ring horror stories. We make our rings super durable, but, what most people don’t know is that regular care is a huge factor when it comes to how long your engagement ring lasts. Avoiding wearing your engagement ring in these situations will save you time, money, and headaches in the future.
1. Any form of exercise at any intensity level.
An object in motion stays in motion…and has a higher chance of running in to hard
surfaces. This means rock climbing, skiing, hiking, mountain climbing, kayaking,
snowboarding, ice skating, mountain or road biking, pilates, contact sports, practicing
yoga, or going for a jog, are off limits.
2. Showering or bathing.
Water and hot temperatures can be risky for softer metals and gemstones.
3. Applying any topicals.
Like lotion, SPF, oils, makeup, hair products, and perfumes. Not only can they
make your stones look cloudy, but some lotions have chemicals that are damaging to
jewelry.
4. Cooking or baking.
Again, lots of hard surfaces involved here. Hitting your jewelry against pots and
pans is a recipe for bent metal and scratched stones.
5. Washing the dishes.
Washing the car, or washing the dog, especially with harsh cleaning agents and
chemicals. You may notice a trend here, using harsh chemicals can be ultra damaging to your ring.
6. Swimming.
That includes hot tubbing, steaming, and saunas. The temperature and pressure
changes can cause the ring to slip off your finger and temperature and chemical
changes can damage softer stones.
7. Crafting of any type.
This includes painting, ceramics, gardening, and other equally messy hobbies. These materials can get stuck in the tiny crevices in your ring and are very difficult to remove without professional help.
8. Certain 9-5’s.
If you use your hands a lot for your work or are constantly washing your hands, it may be best to leave your jewelry at home. Examples include delivery drivers, nurses, surgeons, fly fishing guides, construction workers, artists, chefs, etc.
9. The Beach.
Cold water = shrinkage-induced roominess around your ring. The middle of the ocean is definitely not the place to lose your ring. You also risk sand scratching your metal and sunscreen clouding up your stones. Also, sharks are attracted to shiny sparkly things (ahem, diamonds).
10. High Elevation.
High elevation levels cause our fingers to swell and with a certain degree of
swelling, the risk of nerve damage exists. Better to take your ring off and slip it on the
chain of a necklace you’re already wearing when you summit that fourteener. Once
you’re back to normal levels, pop your ring back on your finger.
Moral of the story: If you want to be able to pass on your engagement ring to future
generations, keep these tips in mind the next time you decide to take that kickboxing
class.
_______________________________________________________________________________
After being frustrated by the traditional jewelry industry, Abby Sparks created the anti-jewelry store,
where there’s nothing to buy, only things to make. She helps those who know nothing about jewelry
become diamond and gemstone experts with honest jewelry advice and tips on her blog .