Jewelry Maintenance

Engagement rings are one of the most cherished possessions that a person can own. These rings symbolize love and commitment, and they are often treasured for a lifetime. However, engagement rings can also be delicate pieces of jewelry that require maintenance to ensure their longevity. In this article, we will discuss the importance of ring maintenance, especially when it comes to engagement rings.

Jewelry Worn Daily Needs Maintenance Over Time
Just like our vehicles and homes, engagement rings and bands with stones need maintenance due to wear that happens over time and not instantaneously. Diamonds and Moissanites are among the hardest substances on earth. However, they are not indestructible. Over time, wear and tear can take its toll and the jewelry can lose its shine due to dirt, damage or developing a patina.

To keep an engagement ring looking as good as new, it is important to take it for maintenance. The small stones and large stones that need to be polished and tightened should be examined by a professional jeweler. This is because the prongs holding the stones can wear down or loosen over time, which can lead to the stones falling out of the ring. To prevent this from happening, it is important to have the ring checked and serviced every six months to a year, depending on how often it is worn.

Generally jewelry insurance companies recommned that a professional jeweler inspect the ring every six months to a year, a person without a background in jewelry can also perform a casual inspection to identify potential issues.

Tips For Checking For Problems
The first step in inspecting an engagement ring is to examine the prongs holding the stones. The prongs can become damaged or bent over time, which can cause the stones to loosen or fall out. To check the prongs, use a magnifying glass or loupe to examine them closely. Look for any signs of damage, such as bent or misshapen prongs. If the prongs are damaged, it is essential to take the ring to a jeweler to have them repaired or replaced.

Next, examine the band of the ring. The band can become misshapen or bent over time, especially if the ring is worn daily. To check the band, look for any signs of misalignment or bending. A misshapen band can cause the stones to become loose or fall out. If you notice any issues with the band, it is best to take the ring to a jeweler for repair.

Finally, inspect the stones themselves. Loose stones can be an issue with engagement rings, and they can be sometimes be identified with a casual inspection. Gently tap the ring on a soft surface and listen for any rattling sounds. If you hear any rattling, it could indicate that a stone is loose. You can also use a magnifying glass or loupe to examine the stones closely. Look for any signs of movement or gaps between the stone and the prongs holding it in place.

Jewelry Insurance
In addition to regular maintenance and inspections, it is also important to consider getting jewelry insurance for the engagement ring. Jewelry insurance can cover the ring against accidental damage, loss, theft, and other unforeseen events. This type of insurance provides peace of mind knowing that the ring is protected and can be repaired or replaced if anything happens to it. Our company recommend Extend Accident Protection and Jewelers Mutual.

Not All Wedding Bands Are Compatible
It is also important to note that fine jewelry such as engagement rings and bands with stones can be more delicate and more susceptible to damage if paired with non-matched rings. For example, if you wear an engagement ring with a wedding band that is not designed to fit perfectly with it, the rings can rub against each other and scratch or loosen the stones. To prevent this from happening, it is recommended to have your engagement ring and wedding band custom made together to ensure they fit perfectly, or have the rings soldered together. Depending on the design, a 3rd option may be to put a spacer band in between.

In conclusion, while it is recommended to have a professional jeweler inspect an engagement ring every six months to a year, a person without a background in jewelry can also perform a casual inspection to identify potential issues. Checking the prongs, band, and stones themselves can help identify any issues early on, which can prevent further damage to the ring. Additionally, getting jewelry insurance can provide added protection and peace of mind. With regular maintenance and proper care, an engagement ring can be cherished for a lifetime.