Wedding Ring Care: 7 Essential Tips

A wedding ring represents more than jewelry. It represents love, commitment, and promises made. Therefore, keeping it in top condition is crucial. Proper wedding ring care involves regular cleaning to maintain its sparkle and brilliance.

While $5,500 is the national average cost of an engagement ring, a study by The Knot revealed that the amount couples spent often vary. Nearly half of the respondents to this particular survey stated that they have spent somewhere between  $1,000-$4,000 when purchasing their engagement ring - in fact, only 9% spent under this threshold! It does not matter if its a engagement or the wedding ring, caring for them requires the same effort. 

Here are seven expert recommendations from jeweler benches on how best to care for it.

1. Wedding Ring Care Starts With Regular Cleaning

Like any jewelry piece, wedding rings require periodic care to retain their sparkle and remain beautiful. Dirt, oils, and everyday residue can detract from their appearance over time. For optimal results, thoroughly cleanse them at least once every week to preserve their splendor.

How to Clean Your Ring at Home: Step-by-Step Instructions:

Mild Soap and Warm Water: Mix some mild dish soap in warm water with just a few drops, soak the ring for 15-20 minutes, and use a soft-bristled brush (such as an old toothbrush) to gently scrub its surfaces—especially around its settings and stones—before polishing with any metal cleaner.

Rinse and Dry: Carefully rinse your ring under warm water to eliminate any soap residue, then pat it dry using a soft, lint-free cloth.

Take your ring to a professional jeweler for ultrasonic or steam cleaning services to give it the ultimate deep clean. They have special tools designed specifically to clean intricate details or settings safely and thoroughly.

2. Avoid Harsh Chemicals to Safeguard Metal and Stones

Harsh chemicals like chlorine, bleach, and everyday household cleaners can severely harm the metals and stones of a wedding ring. Avoiding them then is a crucial aspect in wedding ring care. They can cause discoloration, weaken metal prongs, and cause severe damage to certain gemstones.

Suppose you want to safeguard your ring from these potential hazards. In that case, it's wise to avoid harsh chemicals that might otherwise damage it—chlorine, bleach, and some household cleaners as they can be detrimental.

When to Avoid Wearing Your Ring

Cleaning: Before using cleaning products or swimming in chlorinated pools, it is wise to remove your ring.

Beauty and Hygiene Products: Lotions, perfumes, and hairsprays may leave a residue that dulls the ring's shine. Therefore, it is better to wear your ring after applying them so they do not accumulate on the surface and dull the sparkle.

3. Regular Inspections to Spot Problems Early

It is wise not to neglect regular check-ups for your wedding ring just as much as you care for your car. Over time, prongs could become loose, stones chipped, and settings worn down. A jeweler can inspect it thoroughly to identify and address potential problems before they become major headaches.Regular inspections are an important part of wedding ring care, ensuring that settings remain secure and stones stay in place.

When to Inspect: Schedule a professional inspection every six months for optimal ring health and condition.

After Taking a Hard Hit or Being Caught in Something: If your ring takes hard hits or gets caught on something unexpectedly, having it checked by professionals would be recommended as soon as possible.

4. Proper Storage to Prevent Scratches and Damage

Storing your ring is crucial part of wedding ring care. For optimal protection when not wearing your wedding ring, storage should always take precedence in preventing scratches or damage to it from other jewelry in your jewelry box. Doing this ensures your precious item won't get scratched up by other pieces and become irreparably damaged over time.

Best Storage Practices for Jewelry: For permanent and safe storage, utilize an individual jewelry compartment box or fabric-lined drawer, while temporary solutions like ring dishes may serve well on bedside tables, kitchen counters, or bathroom sinks for short-term storage needs.

Travel: Utilizing a padded travel case or jewelry roll will keep your ring safe during travel.

5. Take Mind of Activities and Protect Your Ring

While wedding rings should generally remain worn every day, certain activities could compromise their integrity - being aware of when to take steps, such as taking off or changing it, can protect them against damage.

When to Take Off Your Ring

Physical Activities: Remove your ring before engaging in sports, gardening, or heavy lifting to avoid scratching or bending its metal structure.

Cooking and Baking: Eating can clog your ring with food debris, while cooking activities can expose some gems to extreme temperatures that could damage their gemstone properties.

Showering and Swimming: Soap and water can leave behind a film on your ring that can dull its shine. Cold water can shrink your fingers, increasing the risk that the ring will slip off its place.

6. Protect Your Investment

A wedding ring is more than a sentimental piece. It is an investment. Wedding ring care includes considering insurance to protect your investment against loss or damage

Some insurance companies specialize in offering more comprehensive jewelry insurance policies to cover loss, theft, damage, or mysterious disappearance. You should research the different policies and understand how they work before picking one that best suits your needs.

Maintain an up-to-date appraisal of your ring, as its value can change over time, to ensure sufficient coverage if a claim arises.

7. Resizing and Adjustments to Archie Comfort and Security

Your finger size may change over time due to weight fluctuations, pregnancy, or weather changes. A wedding ring that does not fit can be uncomfortable and increase the risk of losing it. Resizing when necessary is a critical component of wedding ring care, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit throughout life's changes.

When to Resize

Tight Fit: If your ring becomes too tight to take off easily and is uncomfortable, resizing might help alleviate circulation issues and avoid discomfort.

Loose Fit: Resizing could prevent further slipperiness if your ring comes off your fingers easily. Otherwise, you are likely to lose it.

Process of Resizing:

Visit a Jeweler: When taking your ring for resizing, visit a professional jeweler who can measure and adjust it to fit your finger ideally. Depending on its metal and design features, jewelers may either stretch out the band further or add pieces of metal from inside for adjustment if necessary.

Winter and Summer: Remember that your fingers may swell during summer heat waves while shrinking back down during cold snaps. An experienced jeweler can help you find an accommodating solution that considers these changes.

Conclusion

Your wedding ring is an irreplaceable symbol of love and commitment. These seven essential wedding ring care tips will ensure that your ring remains beautiful and intact for years and a heirloom cherished by future generations. 

Regular cleaning, avoiding harsh chemicals, scheduling inspections, proper storage, and being aware of activities are all integral parts of preserving its beauty and ensuring its value throughout your marriage journey together. Treat your ring with the care it requires to maintain its significance and beauty throughout this special journey together!