Engagement Ring Care: How to Keep Your Engagement Ring Looking New

You want your engagement ring to sparkle – but wearing it every day means that it starts to collect residue and scratches. Caring for your engagement ring is crucial for ensuring its longevity, regardless of the ring’s style or carat size. Small habits can help your engagement ring look newer for longer and help prevent accidents.

At Valley Rose, our sustainable engagement rings are crafted with Fairmined gold and lab-grown diamonds for longevity, but all fine jewelry requires care and regular maintenance. Below, we’re sharing our engagement ring care guide to keep your ring safe from day 1.

What Causes Engagement Rings to Lose Their Shine?

Most engagement rings naturally lose their shine and sparkle as a result of everyday wear. Even high-quality gemstones and gold can appear dull without regular cleaning and maintenance.  

Soap residue, lotion build-up, dust, oils, and hard water exposure can all make your ring appear dirty over time. Micro-scratches are also a common result of daily wear.

How to Clean Your Engagement Ring at Home

The easiest way to care for an engagement ring is to regularly clean it at home. Here’s a step-by-step guide on the safest way to clean your ring at home:

1. Use warm water and mild dish soap
2. Soak in the water for 15-20 minutes
3. Gently brush the setting and stone with a soft toothbrush
4. Rinse the engagement ring thoroughly
5. Pat the ring dry with a lint-free cloth

Make sure to avoid using harsh chemicals or household cleaners on your ring. While ultrasonic cleaners have gone viral online, they’re not suitable for engagement rings with a delicate setting. Instead, use a soft – not abrasive – toothbrush to manually clean it.

How Often Should You Clean Your Engagement Ring?

We recommend giving your engagement ring a light clean at home every 1 to 2 weeks. If you travel regularly, exercise, or wear skincare products (including SPF!) daily, you’ll want to clean your engagement ring weekly. It’s a good idea to schedule a professional inspection or cleaning of your engagement ring at least every year.

When Should You Take Off Your Engagement Ring?

While most people will wear their engagement ring daily, there are times when it’s best to remove their ring to protect the stone and setting. Here are times when you should take off your engagement ring:

• Gardening
• Cleaning with chemicals
• Applying lotion or sunscreen
• Heavy lifting
• Working out at the gym
• Swimming

Low-profile and bezel settings are the best option if you have an active daily lifestyle and want to wear your engagement ring every day.

Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Require Different Care?

Lab-grown diamonds do not require different care than their mined or natural diamond equivalents. They have the same hardness and durability, meaning that the care instructions for mined diamonds are the same for lab-grown diamonds. You’ll want to make sure to regularly clean it at least every few weeks, schedule a professional inspection annually, and safely store it when not wearing it. 

Read more: A First-Time Buyer’s Guide to Engagement Ring Terminology

Caring for Your Engagement Ring as a Modern Heirloom

It’s important to remember that your engagement ring is a piece of fine jewelry. Your goal should be to preserve your ring long term by giving it the care and TLC that it deserves. While you’ll want to keep your ring sparkly and clean, a well-loved engagement ring reflects years of memories, life, and occasions.  

Get a head start on your engagement planning by exploring our ethical engagement rings or booking a virtual consultation to design a custom engagement ring.