Those less versed in the way of keeping their favorite jewelry pieces hygienic may be wary of damaging or tarnishing their jewelry in the process, causing them to avoid the practice entirely. We can only imagine that this goes doubly so for those of us proudly sporting engagement rings. If you find yourself too terrified of ruining the beautiful symbol representing the love you and your partner share to give it the scrubbing it needs, read on. We're here to give you the run-down on proper engagement ring care.

Why Engagement Ring Care Matters

Let's face the facts; the human body is… not very clean.

We're petri dishes teeming with bacteria, and the more time any object spends in close proximity to us, the more they're going to be covered with the microscopic fauna populating the surface of our skin. It's the reason why you're supposed to take out your earrings every night before bed.

Neglecting to commit to a regular cleaning routine renders you vulnerable to a host of unpleasant ailments; skin irritation, allergic reactions, fungal and bacterial infections. This is to say nothing of dirt and debris from the world at large; is there anything more gag-worthy than finding the remnants of yesterday's lunch in the nooks and crannies of one of the most treasured pieces in your collection?

And not only is it just gross to think about; allowing a film of bodily residue to coat your engagement ring is going to seriously diminish its sparkle and shine in some cases, permanently.

How Often to Do It

The simple answer to this question?

In a broad sense, it depends on how often you wear the piece in question; your fine jewelry, which, one would assume, only makes an appearance on very special occasion, would probably require a less rigorous cleaning routine than a piece like your engagement ring, something you presumably wear every day.

The general rule is that your engagement ring should receive a reasonably thorough cleaning at home every two weeks or so, and be taken into the shop for a professional cleaning at least twice a year.

The degree of engagement ring care your situation requires also depends heavily on lifestyle if your job involves getting your hands dirty, you'll probably want to clean it more often than another woman in a more domestic, clerical profession. If you find yourself participating in an activity that puts it in a position to be marred, such as gardening, taking it off during is a good way to keep it clean.

How to Get it Done

For all of those cleaning sessions between professional appointments throughout the year, you're definitely going to want to choose the appropriate method to avoid damaging your engagement ring.

Most diamond rings can be cleaned by soaking them in a solution of hot water and non-abrasive soap, such as dish soap or baby shampoo, for about forty-five minutes. Once that amount of time has elapsed, gentle scrub its nooks and crannies with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Rinse the ring under warm water, wipe it with a soft cotton cloth, and allow it to air-dry before donning it once more.

It sounds simple, but when it comes to engagement ring care, less is certainly more. Some may try to foist fancy accessories like ultrasonic cleaning machines onto your plate be warned that tools like these run the risk of shaking the diamonds out of their settings.

When to Call the Professionals (That's Us!)

Still unsure? Book an appointment with us today we'll be glad to clear up any confusion surrounding the process. We offer on-site cleaning and repair services, which means your engagement ring never even leaves the premises when entrusted to our team of experts. Whether you need maintenance or merely a consultation, we're always here to help.