Protect Your Wedding Band: Tips & Tricks

Your wedding band is a precious piece of jewellery that symbolises your eternal devotion to your partner. It is meant to last a lifetime and be passed down as a family heirloom, so it is important to care for it properly. Here are some tips to protect your wedding band and keep it in pristine condition:

- Regular Cleaning and Maintenance: Clean your ring regularly with warm water and soap, a chemical solution, or baking soda. You can also polish it with Windex for extra shine. Different materials require different cleaning methods, so make sure to check before cleaning.

- Don't Wear it All the Time: Remove your ring during physical activities, such as weightlifting or playing sports, as it can get damaged or interfere with your grip. It is also not advisable to wear it in open water, like swimming pools or the ocean, as it can slide off and be lost.

- Proper Storage: When not wearing your ring, store it in a safe and dry place, such as a ring box or a soft cloth pouch. Always keep it in the same location to avoid misplacing it.

- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not expose your ring to harsh chemicals such as bleach or ammonia, as they can damage the metal and affect its colour. If you must handle chemicals, wear gloves to protect your ring.

- Insurance and Warranties: Despite your best efforts, accidents can happen. Make sure to insure your wedding ring and check if it is covered by any warranties to protect your investment.

Clean it regularly

Over time, your wedding band will collect dirt, grease, oils, lotions, and powders. These substances can dull the shine of your ring and cause permanent scratching. To keep your wedding band looking brand new, it's important to clean it regularly.

The best way to clean your wedding band at home is to soak it in a mixture of warm water and dishwashing soap for about 30 minutes. Then, gently brush your ring with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and rinse it under warm water. This method is safe for all types of wedding bands and won't damage any gemstones or metals.

If your wedding band has decorative engraving, you can use the same method, but you may need to use a soft toothbrush to gently run along the engraving to remove any dirt.

If your wedding band has stones set into it, never leave it in water as this can loosen the stones. Instead, dampen a soft toothbrush with warm water and dishwashing soap and gently work the bristles in and around the stones and along the band. Then, rinse and dry the ring with a lint-free cloth.

Avoid using harsh chemicals, bleach, chlorine, acetone, baking soda, or toothpaste to clean your wedding band, as these can damage the metal and gemstones.

By cleaning your wedding band regularly, you can keep it looking shiny and new, preserving its cultural and spiritual significance.

Don't wear it all the time

Wedding rings are traditionally worn at all times as a symbol of a couple's commitment to one another. However, there are several reasons why you may choose not to wear your wedding band at all times. Firstly, consider your occupation. If you work with heavy machinery or use your hands a lot, it is advisable to remove your wedding band during work hours. This will help protect your ring from damage and ensure your safety.

Secondly, if you engage in physical activities such as weightlifting or sports, it is recommended to remove your ring. The ring can get damaged during workouts, interfere with your grip, and be susceptible to sweat, which can be harmful to certain metals. Additionally, if you plan to swim, it is best to leave your ring behind, as it could slide off and be lost.

Thirdly, if you have young children or engage in activities that require frequent handwashing or exposure to chemicals, removing your ring can help keep it in good condition. Cosmetics, toiletries, and chemicals can damage the ring over time, and constant exposure to water can cause your finger and the ring to shrink, increasing the risk of it slipping off.

Finally, some people may choose not to wear their wedding band at all times due to personal preference or comfort. For those who feel anxious or constricted by constantly wearing the ring, there are alternative ways to express your commitment, such as silicone bands or costume jewellery. Ultimately, the decision to wear your wedding band at all times is a personal choice, and it is essential to properly care for and store your ring when it is not being worn.

Get insurance

Wedding bands are often expensive, and they can be prone to damage, loss, or theft. Therefore, it is essential to consider getting insurance for your wedding ring to protect yourself financially in case of any unfortunate incidents. Here are some reasons why getting insurance for your wedding band is a good idea:

Protect Your Investment

Wedding bands can be a significant financial investment, and it is essential to protect that investment in case of any unforeseen events. Jewellery insurance provides financial protection against loss, damage, or theft, giving you peace of mind that you will not be left financially burdened if something happens to your ring.

Specialized Coverage

A standalone jewellery insurance policy offers specialized coverage that may not be included in your standard homeowners or renters insurance. It covers a wide range of scenarios, including mysterious disappearance or unexplained loss, which are often excluded from basic insurance policies. This specialized coverage ensures that you are protected against a diverse range of potential risks.

Repair or Replacement

In the unfortunate event of loss, damage, or theft, jewellery insurance will cover the cost of repairing or replacing your wedding band. The specialists will work with your preferred jeweller to restore or replace the ring to its original condition and quality. This ensures that you will not have to settle for a lower-quality replacement or incur the entire financial cost of repairing or replacing the ring yourself.

Affordable Premiums

Jewellery insurance premiums are typically very affordable, costing only a small fraction of the value of your wedding band. The cost of insurance is usually around 1-2% of the jewellery's value, which means you can have comprehensive coverage at a reasonable price. Additionally, you can often choose your deductible and customize your rate according to your budget, making it even more accessible.

Easy Application Process

Obtaining jewellery insurance is a straightforward process. Many companies offer online applications that can be completed in just a few minutes, and coverage can begin as soon as your application is received. This convenience allows you to protect your wedding band quickly and efficiently without any complicated procedures.

By considering jewellery insurance, you can rest assured that your wedding band is protected against a range of potential risks. It is a worthwhile investment to safeguard your special piece of jewellery and ensure that you can continue to cherish it for years to come.

Be careful with chemicals

While it's tempting to wear your wedding band all the time, it's important to be cautious when working with certain chemicals. Some substances can damage your ring, and others can be dangerous if they get trapped underneath it.

Gold is a highly durable metal that is resistant to many chemicals. However, certain substances can attack gold alloys, including chlorine and chloride, as well as cyanide and strong acids such as sulfuric acid. If your ring is made of pure gold, you also need to be cautious of mercury, which can dissolve into the gold and may burn your finger.

If your ring is made of sterling silver, it is generally safe from most chemicals, although it may become stained by some substances.

To protect your ring from chemicals, it is recommended to remove it when working with hazardous substances. You can also wear it on a necklace to keep it close by. Additionally, regular cleaning and maintenance of your ring can help to remove any harmful substances that may come into contact with it.

Store it properly

Storing your wedding band properly will keep it safe and sound. If you want your ring to last a long time and look as good as the day you got it, there are places you should and shouldn't keep it. Avoid simply placing it on a counter or nightstand.

The best option for storing your wedding band is the original box it came in. This was designed to hold your ring, and it prevents scratches and the build-up of dirt. A ring box is often too big to lose easily. Some jewellers provide a box with a slot for the wedding ring, especially if the wedding and engagement rings are bought together.

Another option is to place your wedding band in a fabric-lined jewellery box. Choose a box that will keep the ring from scratching other jewellery, or vice versa. Many boxes have a ring roll section, which is designed to keep rings apart while displaying them for easy viewing.

If you want a storage option that won't take up much space, consider a soft fabric pouch. You can place your ring inside the pouch, then store the pouch just about anywhere that the ring won't get lost. For instance, you could put the pouch in a kitchen drawer while doing the dishes. This way, the other contents of the drawer won't scratch it—or vice versa. You can also pair the pouch with any wooden box that will stay closed.

Frequently asked questions