Engagement Ring Essentials

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As one of our most prized possessions, engagement rings are something every lady wants to keep for a long time. Imagine one day passing it on to your daughter and making it a family heirloom that lasts for generations. These symbols of love are so important and precious, and as such require a special kind of care. So, what’s the proper engagement ring etiquette, how to properly clean and store it, and what’s best way to make it last? Let us give you a few tips.

Engagement rings today

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While our parents might have placed huge importance on having a flashy engagement ring, today’s couples are much more versatile when it comes to choices. It’s not uncommon for them to both pick the ring instead of relying on the guy to do it, and diamonds and precious metals are hardly the only choices. The point is, don’t worry about your ring fitting into a specific category, or looking a certain way. You can pick a thin rose gold band with a shimmery opal, or you can go traditional and choose a diamond. Subtle or grand, it’s entirely up to you and your personal preference.

The meaning behind the ring

Round, emerald, pear, radiant, all these cuts tell a different story. Round and oval for more traditional style, emerald for high-class refinement, and pear and marquise shapes for the rebel women with the love for unconventional. Radiant cut stones speak a story of a bright, happy person who loves to laugh and get silly. Your ring is a precious detail that speaks to the world about your heart.

When to wear it

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If you’re not used to wearing a ring, you might be tempted to take it off every time you’re about to wash your hands or take a shower. This could potentially be a bad idea because there are way too many stories of ladies forgetting their ring in the bathroom of a bar or a restaurant. Keep in on your hand as much as possible, and when you take it off, make sure you don’t just put it somewhere random. If you’re out and need to have your ring off for some activity, store it in your wallet where it’s bound to be safe.

When not to wear it

You will, of course, be tempted to show your ring off as much as possible, but there’s one place where you might wish to reconsider: a job interview. Due to various sexist presumptions, a lot of women who are being interviewed for a position tend not to get called back if the employer sees them wearing a flashy engagement ring. Even though it’s illegal, a lot of them will be tempted to ask about whether you plan to get married soon and have children, and a great percentage of men believe that women who always wear expensive jewellery are high-maintenance and difficult to please. Is this fair? Absolutely not, but it’s something to keep in mind.

Proper cleaning and storage

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Precious jewellery requires special care, especially beautiful diamond engagement rings that can be very delicate and expensive. You want to clean your ring often in the solution of warm water and mild soap, and occasionally take it to a jeweller for a high-shine polish and to fix any loose prongs that keep the stone in place. Never ever use harsh chemicals or things like baking powder to clean it, and make sure to keep it in a padded box whenever you’re not using it.

Insure the ring

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The last tip is something that you should do as soon as possible if you haven’t already. Most engagement rings are expensive and hold a great sentimental value, and insuring them just in case can help you feel a little safer.

Help your ring keep its sparkle by caring for it gently, and feel free to wear it proudly as much as you like. It’s a symbol of love and devotion, and as such, it is a wonderful sight for anyone to see.