Archive for March 13, 2011
Diamond Engagement Ring Care Advice
Let’s be logical for a moment – isn’t it strange that women tend to wear what’s probably their most valuable and emotionally significant piece of jewellery day in day out? Jostling for space on the commute, hosing off the dog on a muddy Sunday afternoon, washing the car and emptying the bins – is that REALLY the place for diamond engagement rings?!
Diamonds are TOUGH, so the effects of daily wear on stones themselves is minimal. Some develop a frosty appearance, but such imperfections are easily remedied and cause no long-term damage. Sadly, the same cannot be said for the settings of engagement rings. Gold engagement ring bands particularly will slowly thin with constant wear, and facets will also loosen over time. Refurbishing a gold engagement ring band is usually very straightforward, so be sure to chat with our jewellers and discuss the best options for your degraded precious metal.
Checking facets and structural integrity at home is fairly easy – use a magnifying glass and good light source to spot any potential problem spots. Our jewellers also recommend an annual once-over and steam-clean from an expert jeweller too.
Home cleaning is perhaps the easiest way to care for your engagement ring on a regular basis. Be sure to STAY AWAY from toothpaste, gritty detergents and wire brushes, all of which can scratch and damage ring settings. Perhaps the simplest home cleaning technique is to regularly polish with a soft cloth, although small make-up brushes are fantastic for getting into tricky facets.