It’s springtime here in Birmingham, which means many lucky men and women have gotten engaged over the past several months. Whether your partner popped the question over the holidays, on Valentine’s Day, or during another special moment, one thing’s for sure: you want to share the news—and that beautiful engagement ring—with the world.
First of all, congratulations! You now have a beautiful symbol of love on your finger, and if you want to keep that gem sparkling, it is crucial to know how to care for it properly. At Bromberg’s, we’re experts on caring for your engagement ring, so we’ve put together this guide with maintenance tips for long-lasting beauty.
It is important to gently clean your ring weekly. You may have heard many solutions for keeping your ring clean, including using toothpaste or special cleaning liquids, but a solution of warm water and mild dish soap will work just fine. Be sure to avoid any harsh or abrasive cleansers for home or regular use.
All you need to do is add a few drops of the soap into warm water, soak your ring for a few minutes, and then gently scrub your ring with a baby toothbrush with soft bristles. This will remove any dirt or grime left over from the week. Finally, rinse your ring and lay it out to dry.
You may already know to keep your ring away from harsh cleaning products and to remove your ring or wear gloves when cleaning your home. However, you may not realize that perfume, lotion, and sunscreen can also add residue to your ring and cause damage. Make sure to apply these kinds of products before you put on your engagement ring.
Lastly, be sure not to wear your ring when you go swimming because chlorine can damage your ring as well.
Your engagement ring is made of precious metals and valuable gems. If you want to keep your symbol of love sparkling, avoid wearing your ring during activities that might expose your ring to unnecessary wear and tear, such as exercising, gardening, or cleaning.
Also, be mindful of how you put on and take off your ring. The precious stones in your engagement ring are magnets for dust, dirt, and oil. When you remove or put on your ring, be sure to grab the band and avoid grabbing or touching the stones.
If the setting for your engagement ring is platinum, store it in a separate box or chamois bag when you’re not wearing it to avoid scratches from other jewelry pieces. Consider investing in a soft jewelry pouch or box for safekeeping.
If your engagement ring has delicate settings or intricate details, consider having your jeweler inspect and reinforce the settings to protect it from damage or lost stones.
If you have a 14K white gold setting, it may start to dim and wear over time, making the band look dull or even yellow. You can make your ring look brand new by having your jeweler apply rhodium plating to make it glow again.
Not only is your engagement ring a symbol of love you hope to cherish forever, but it is often a major investment. You will want to protect your ring against loss, theft, or damage by purchasing insurance coverage. You can get coverage as part of your homeowner’s policy as well.
Just be sure to keep detailed records of your ring’s value, including receipts, appraisals, and photographs, to help with the insurance claims process if it’s ever required.
In addition to daily care and keeping, you should also schedule appointments for professional cleaning every six months to check that the prongs are tight, the gems aren’t loose, and that there are no cracks in the shank. Your professional jeweler will be able to inspect your ring for loose stones or signs of damage and ensure a safe, deep clean.
At Bromberg’s, our jewelery experts are available to keep your engagement ring looking like new. We offer free cleaning services with onsite steam-cleaning and inspections to make sure there are no fractures in your stone and the stones are not loose. Additionally, we provide expert repair services if your ring is ever damaged.
If you are still unsure about how to care for your engagement ring, visit the expert jewelers at Bromberg’s. We can walk you through the best way to care for your unique piece of jewelry so that it never loses its luster.
Take a trip to one of our stores today to learn more about jewelry care or to find more gorgeous pieces that will accentuate the beauty of your engagement ring.
Bromberg & Co. Jewelers has been serving the Birmingham area for nearly 200 years with the finest quality jewelry and customer service. We’re here to answer all your questions about engagement rings, wedding registries, and beyond—after all, we’ve been doing this for quite some time.
Call ahead to make an appointment or to inquire about our selection of fine engagement rings: (205) 871-3276 for Mountain Brook, or (205) 969-1776 for The Summit.