From cleaning to getting insurance – here are the answers to the engagement ring questions you’ve always had
A gemologist has revealed exactly what we need to do to keep our jewellery sparkling
BEING engaged can be a very exciting time, but knowing exactly how to take care of your new ring can be problematic.
The questions are endless, how can I clean it? What chemicals could harm it? Could make-up ruin it?Luckily, we've got all the answers you need.
How to clean it
Professional cleaning is the usually the best way to go.
Grant Mobley, gemologist and director of pluczenik, spoke to and claimed that most independent jewellers will do this free of charge.
The cleaner of your ring will also be able to inspect whether your stone is becoming loose or not.
To keep it sparkly in between cleans, try using washing up soap and a toothbrush.
However, Mobley recommends not using this method with emeralds or opals, as they are more fragile than diamonds. Mobley also claimed that as long as your ring is gold or platinum diamonds, you can use any household products without concern for chemical damage.
For fragile stones, Mobley recommends using an ultrasonic cleaner from , £29.99
Applying cosmetics while wearing your ring
While Mobley says that applying hand lotion won't directly damage the ring, it can make the diamond very dull.
Mobley suggests storing your ring in a safe place while you use lotion, as forgetting it on the side of a sink is the easiest way to lose it.
Wearing your ring in the ocean/a swimming pool
Chlorine doesn't affect diamonds, but can affect gold or platinum.
According to Mobley, chlorine will make the gold porous, which means a prong could break over time.
In the ocean the water is colder and therefore makes your fingers shrink, meaning the ring is more likely to fall off.
Once the ring is in the sea, you'll probably get flashbacks to that time Kim Kardashian lost her diamond earring while on holiday and thought her life was over.
Covering your ring with insurance
Unfortunately, your ring is not covered by home or rental insurance.
Some companies provide cover for jewellery at an additional cost, but Mobley claims that Jewellers Mutal is the most popular jewellery insurer.
What to do when small stones fall out
Mobley assures women not to panic when a tiny stone falls out of their ring, as it's normal for regular wear and tear.
He suggests taking the ring back to wear you purchased it, where they will likely replace the stone for no charge.
Mobley says: "At most, they'd ask for $50 to $70, depending on how many were loose. But don't freak out - just know it will happen."
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