Wedding Bands: Diamond Friend Or Foe?

Wedding bands are a symbol of eternal devotion and are meant to last forever, so it's important to take good care of them. While diamonds are the hardest gemstone in existence, they can still be damaged. This can happen in a number of ways, including through intrinsic flaws, setting accidents, cleaning with harsh chemicals, contact with other diamonds, exposure to saltwater, daily wear and tear, and extreme weather conditions. To prevent damage, it's recommended to store your diamond ring in a separate box or pouch, clean it regularly, take it off before doing physical activities, and keep it away from magnets.

Working out or doing labour-intensive work

Wedding rings are a symbol of a couple's eternal devotion to each other, so it's only natural that you'd want to wear yours all the time. However, if you're working out or doing labour-intensive work, it's best to take off your wedding band to avoid damaging it.

Firstly, the metal that forms a standard wedding band, such as gold, silver, or platinum, is typically a soft, precious metal. Salty sweat will degrade this metal over time, causing dullness, bending, or breaking. You may start to notice your ring feeling sticky and grimy after exercising—this is a sign that something needs to change.

Secondly, wearing any sort of jewellery while working out or doing labour-intensive work can pose a risk to your safety. The ring may affect your grip, or it may catch on a piece of equipment and break. Diamonds are the hardest natural substance on earth, so if the diamond breaks off, it could stab you. If your hands ever slip off the equipment, you can also hurt yourself on the ring.

Thirdly, if you're doing labour-intensive work, your ring may be exposed to harsh chemicals that can damage the metal. Products like bleach or ammonia, as well as hair spray, chlorine, and cleaning supplies, can mar the metal and decrease your ring's brilliance.

So, what should you do with your ring when you're working out or doing labour-intensive work? Here are some options:

• Place it in a safe at home.
• Keep it with you using a wearable, secure jewellery safe, such as a pocket-sized safe that can be secured on a lanyard with your keys.
• Purchase a silicone ring for your workout days or labour-intensive workdays. Silicone rings are durable enough to withstand any strenuous activity.

Remember, your wedding band is meant to last forever, so it's important to take care of it!

Exposure to harsh chemicals

Harsh chemicals can damage the metal used in diamond settings and cause gold to lose its shine and brilliance. They can also scratch gold and weaken the prongs, causing the diamond to fall out.

Chlorine, bleach, shampoo, conditioner, moisturizers, lotions, hair spray, and perfumes are some of the everyday products that can cause damage to your diamond ring. When cleaning with bleach or other harsh chemicals, it is best to remove your ring and store it safely. These chemicals can affect the colour of your ring, leaving it looking cloudy.

Swimming in chlorinated pools or the ocean is not recommended with a diamond ring, as the chlorine can eat away at the metals alloyed with gold, creating tiny bubbles that weaken the structure. The cold water can also cause your fingers to shrink, and the ring may slide off.

To clean your diamond ring, use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe the diamond and setting gently. You can also use a soft toothbrush, warm water, and gentle detergent to gently brush the diamond and remove any dirt.

Frequent saltwater exposure

Saltwater can damage the overall appearance of your diamond by ruining its fine polish. Diamonds do not react well to exposure to salt, as these ionic compounds can eat away at the fine polish that gives diamonds their shine and lustre. This can result in a permanent dullness and haziness.

Saltwater can also harm the metals of your jewellery. Salt creates a residue that remains on the surface of your jewellery even after leaving the beach. This residue then continues to eat away at the metal's surface, creating ugly tarnish stains and blemishes.

It is also worth noting that the sand and sun at the beach can also damage your diamond. Sand is a coarse, rough, abrasive substance that could scrape away at the surfaces of your diamond and metal. Sun exposure can lead to discolouration and can soften adhesives holding pieces of your jewellery together.

Therefore, it is recommended to take off your diamond jewellery before going into saltwater. If you do expose your diamond to saltwater, it is advised to clean your diamond with a soft, damp cloth to wipe off any saltwater residue and maintain its shine.

Diamond settings

The setting of an engagement ring can greatly affect its overall cost. The type of metal used, the complexity of the setting, diamond accents, and customization can all impact the price. Here are some popular engagement ring settings:

• Solitaire: A single diamond set on a plain metal band.
• Halo: A central diamond surrounded by smaller diamonds.
• Pavé: Small diamonds set closely together on the band.
• Channel: Diamonds are set between two metal channels on the band.
• Three-stone: Three diamonds symbolizing the past, present, and future set on the band.
• Bezel: A metal rim holds the diamond in place, either fully or partially encircling it.
• Vintage: An antique or vintage-inspired design featuring intricate details and engravings.
• Tension: The pressure of the metal band holds the diamond, creating the illusion that it is floating.

When choosing a setting, consider durability, the number of prongs, and the type of metal. Platinum is the most durable and low-maintenance option, followed by 14k-18k gold. White gold and platinum are popular choices, but yellow gold and rose gold are also trendy. The number of prongs can range from two to six, with four or six being the most common. More prongs offer more security, while fewer prongs allow for more of the diamond to be visible.

The setting of an engagement ring is a personal decision that depends on your style, budget, and lifestyle. Consider the factors mentioned above to choose the right setting for your ring.

Daily wear and tear

One of the most common ways a diamond becomes damaged is through an intrinsic flaw or natural inclusion in the stone. This makes the diamond vulnerable to cracks and reduces its value. Diamonds with inclusions will experience more wear over time because nothing prevents them from being polished away by friction against other surfaces.

It is also important to be mindful of how you store your ring. Keeping your diamond ring in a separate jewellery box or pouch will protect it from being scratched or chipped and prevent it from getting tangled with other pieces.

You should also have your ring cleaned and inspected at least once a year by a qualified jeweller to identify any potential problems before they become too serious. This will help to ensure that your ring lasts for years to come.

Additionally, certain settings may be more prone to damage. For example, prongs can loosen over time from everyday wear and tear, and the constant wear and tear will damage the prongs, making it more likely for diamonds to fall out.

Remember that your diamond ring is a precious accessory that should be safeguarded from any potential damage. Taking these preventative measures will help protect your investment and ensure that your ring remains in pristine condition for generations to come.

Frequently asked questions