Getting married is one of the happiest times in people’s lives, despite all the stress and planning that are involved. You wear your rings with pride and affection, as they signify the bond and commitment you have made. But now that you’ve embarked on your new life adventure together, with all it entails, it’s easy to forget that you need to look after those precious pieces of jewellery.
Insurance
First and foremost, get the rings adequately insured. Find out how much your rings are worth from a reputable jeweller who’s a qualified valuer. Some charge a flat fee and others charge a percentage of what the jewellery is worth. Either way, a valuation is essential for insurance. If you’re unsure where to go, you could enquire at a local auction house. For a diamond or other gem, you’ll need to know the cut, clarity, carat weight, together with the metal. Taking a good quality, close-up photo is also prudent. And don’t be tempted to under-insure. You may qualify for discounts if the rings are laser inscribed or you have home security systems.
Cleaning
It’s amazing what can get onto your rings and dull the sparkle: soap, lotions, sweat, etc. To keep them shining, you can soak them in water and mild washing-up liquid, and use a soft toothbrush to remove any stubborn residue, then polish with a soft cloth. You can also make a soak using a 1:1 ratio of ammonia to water but this is only to be used on diamonds, as it can damage other gems. There are also proprietary jewellery cleaners available but always check the label.
Maintenance
As women tend to wear their engagement rings whilst doing all sorts of activities, it’s advisable periodically, to take them to a jeweller for checking. The setting can become damaged or prongs loosened, which could result in a lost stone. Some jewellers recommend as often as every six months, but annually should probably suffice. With this in mind, if you are a keen gardener or sportsperson, etc., it’s a sensible idea not to wear your ring during those activities, ensuring that you’ve put it in a memorable and safe place.
Engagement and wedding rings are a time-honoured tradition symbolising love and union, so it’s important to ensure that these precious tokens are properly looked after.
Sarah Gildersome is a freelance blogger who loves writing about anything and everything to do with weddings. Sarah’s currently planning her own wedding, and will be tying the knot next summer!
