Deborah Chan
Wedding rings are often expensive and precious items, so it is important to know how to protect them. There are many ways to protect your wedding ring, including removing it before performing certain tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, applying lotions, working out, and sleeping. It is also recommended to get your ring professionally cleaned and tuned up annually or bi-annually, as well as insured. Some people choose to wear inexpensive look-alikes or silicone rings to protect their actual wedding ring from damage or loss.
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What You'll Learn
Take your ring off when performing certain tasks
Taking your wedding ring off when performing certain tasks is a great way to keep it in pristine condition. Here are some activities during which you should consider removing your ring:
Cooking and Washing Dishes: It is advisable to take off your ring when cooking or washing dishes to prevent it from slipping down the drain or accidentally getting baked into food. Working in the kitchen can be abrasive, and rubber gloves may not always protect your ring from damage when handling ceramic plates or other hard objects.
Applying Lotions: Before applying hand or body lotion, sunscreen, makeup, self-tanner, or getting a manicure, it is recommended to remove your ring. This prevents the buildup of products in the crevices of your ring setting, which can weaken the prongs and dull the shine of any stones.
Working Out: Working out with your ring on can expose it to scratches, especially when handling gym equipment with rough edges. Additionally, the impact of certain exercises can loosen the setting or damage the band. It is best to leave your ring in a designated safe place at home or consider using a protective case, such as a keychain earplug holder, to keep your ring safe during your workout.
Sleeping: Removing your ring before sleep is essential to prevent accidental banging, which can loosen the setting. Sleeping with your ring on can also cause your hair to get caught in the ring, weakening the prongs.
Washing, Showering, or Swimming: It is highly recommended to take off your ring before any activity involving water, such as washing your face, showering, bathing, or swimming. Soap, shampoo, and chlorine can accumulate in the crevices of your ring setting, causing discolouration and weakening the prongs. Additionally, there is a risk of losing your ring down the drain or in a body of water.
If you are concerned about misplacing your ring when you take it off, consider purchasing inexpensive look-alikes, such as a plain silver band or a silicone ring, for everyday wear. You can also invest in ring dishes and place them conveniently around your home, providing a safe spot for your ring whenever necessary.
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Keep it in a safe, designated area
Keeping your wedding ring in a safe, designated area is a great way to protect it. When removing your ring, always place it in a designated location, such as a ring dish, jewellery box, or soft cloth pouch. You can place these ring dishes or boxes in various places around your home, such as in the kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom, ensuring they are away from the sink or drain. This way, you'll always know where to find your ring, and it won't accidentally end up in the trash or go down the drain.
If you're travelling, consider leaving your wedding ring at home in a safe place and just taking your wedding band. The hustle and bustle of travelling, handling luggage, and washing hands in airport bathrooms increase the risk of losing or damaging your ring. If you do decide to take your ring with you, place it in the hotel room safe or carry it in a travel jewellery case inside your carry-on bag, then store it in the safe.
It's also important to be mindful of certain activities that may damage your ring, such as scrubbing tubs, gardening, lifting weights, or handling machinery. In such cases, it's best to remove your ring and keep it in a safe place, like a locker, rather than risk damaging or losing it.
Additionally, when storing your ring, ensure it doesn't rub against other jewellery or metals to avoid scratches. The original ring box is a good option for storage as it was designed to hold your ring and prevent scratches and dirt. You can also use a fabric-lined jewellery box with a ring roll section to keep rings separate and displayed for easy viewing.
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Get ring insurance
Wedding rings are often among our most prized possessions, both financially and sentimentally. As such, it's important to consider getting ring insurance to protect against loss, theft, and damage.
Engagement and wedding ring insurance can protect your ring from almost every imaginable risk, including accidental damage, theft, loss, and natural disasters like floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes. Some policies even cover mysterious disappearance or unexplained loss. You can also get coverage for your ring when travelling, so you can rest easy on that European vacation or Caribbean cruise.
The cost of ring insurance varies, but it typically ranges from 1-3% of the value of the ring. For example, a $5,000 ring could cost around $50 per year to insure. You can get a quote by providing detailed information about your item, including purchase receipts and photographs.
It's important to understand your policy thoroughly. Be sure to discuss any nuances with prospective policy providers, such as whether you're insured for replacement or a cash payout. You should also consider getting an appraisal every two to three years to ensure your ring is insured for its full value.
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Wear a cheap look-alike ring
Wearing a cheap look-alike ring is a great way to protect your wedding ring. This is a good option if you work with your hands or in a field where you are clumsy and bump your hands a lot. You can buy an inexpensive replica of your ring, or simply wear a plain silver band. Sterling silver with CZ is a good option if you want something pretty, and it won't be a huge issue if it gets damaged.
Silicone rings are another popular choice for a cheap look-alike ring. They are comfortable, durable, and safe, as they rip off easily and won't pinch your fingers. Silicone bands are also a good option for activities like sports, swimming, and gardening, as they are easy to get gloves on and off over them. If you're looking for something more stylish, titanium and silver rings are a great option. They are hypoallergenic and resistant to scratches, moisture, and extreme temperatures. However, titanium may be heavier than other metals.
If you're looking for an extremely affordable and durable option, consider a stainless steel ring. These rings are lightweight, resistant to scuffing and corrosion, and can be worn in water, chlorinated pools, and while doing chores. For an eco-friendly alternative, wooden bands are a unique and timeless option. Wooden rings are typically coated with a waterproof finish, making them durable enough for daily wear.
Ultimately, the choice of whether to wear a cheap look-alike ring to protect your wedding ring is a personal one. Some people may prefer to wear their wedding ring on a necklace or choose an alternative piece of jewellery, like a bracelet, to symbolise their commitment.
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Clean with gin or vodka
If you're in a bind and need a quick clean, you can use gin or vodka to clean your wedding ring. This method was used by a user's sister-in-law on her wedding day, and it is also reportedly used by Queen Elizabeth. The ethanol content in gin or vodka is a natural solvent that dissolves dirt molecules attached to the diamond.
To clean your ring with gin or vodka, fill a shot glass with the clear hard alcohol and drop your ring into it. Allow the ring to soak for several hours.
Gin and vodka are not the only substances you can use to clean your wedding ring. Other methods include using warm water with dish soap, rubbing alcohol or non-acetone nail polish remover, and baking soda. You can also boil your rings in a saucepan, but this method is only recommended for diamond jewellery.
It is important to note that while some sources recommend using gin or vodka to clean your wedding ring, others advise against it. One source mentions that vodka is for cocktails, not for dunking your precious stones in. It is recommended to have your jewellery professionally cleaned every six months.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you should. Working out with your ring on can damage the band and precious stones. It's best to leave your ring at home, but if you forget, you can use a protective case, like a keychain earplug holder.
Yes, you should. Working with your hands in the kitchen can be abrasive, and rubber gloves won't always protect your ring from damage. Take your ring off before cooking and doing the dishes, and keep it far away from the kitchen sink.
Yes, you should. Take your ring off before applying hand or body lotion, sunscreens, makeup, self-tanner, or before getting a manicure.
Yes, you should. Accidental banging of your ring during sleep can loosen the setting, and catching your hair in your ring can weaken the prongs.
If you work in a field where you are clumsy and bump your hands a lot, or in healthcare, it's best to wear a cheap look-alike ring to work and keep your real one at home.
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