If you have been wondering whether all that hand sanitiser affects your engagement ring, this article will answer your question and give you some tips on how to avoid potential damage.
Hand sanitiser has become an everyday part of life for people all over the world, just like masks. For most, it has become automatic, with sprays of sanitiser before entering any shop, a bottle kept by the front door, a bottle kept in the car, and one in your bag. Aside from the sprays and gels, you also use wipes whenever you are at the shops or anywhere else that puts you in contact with people. You may wipe down groceries before they are unpacked. Along with sanitiser, you are also washing your hands more often than ever before. These measures are essential and should never be avoided.
With that said, can sanitiser cause problems with your engagement ring? And, is there any way to minimise wear and tear that may happen as a result of increased use of this product?
Hand Sanitiser and Engagement Rings
Hand sanitisers contain a very high percentage of alcohol (a minimum of 60% in order to effectively kill germs). This can be drying for the skin and it can also cause a slow weakening of metal over time. When you are using sanitiser on a regular basis, multiple times a day, it goes without saying that your engagement ring may begin to take a bit of strain. In many cases, this will not cause major damage. In some cases, it could wear prongs, which in turn, could loosen settings. What it will often do, however, is increase the risk of dullness and make your ring band more prone to scratches and other surface damage.
There are a few things that you can do to minimise the effect of sanitiser on your ring:
Avoid rubbing sanitiser directly onto your ring.
This might sound obvious, but the more you rub sanitiser into the ring and its setting, the more you will damage the metal. The harsh chemicals will get into tiny parts in the setting that you cannot easily see and when the sanitiser dries on your hand, it will stay onto the ring.
Remove your ring to apply sanitiser.
At home, you could try removing your ring, using sanitiser, letting it dry completely and then putting your ring back on. This will make it far easier to avoid contact with the ring when you still have wet sanitiser on your skin. This can be a bit impractical when you are not at home, however.
Wear your ring around your neck.
We know how much you love your ring. To protect if while you are out, you could put it onto a chain and wear it around your neck instead of your finger. You can then put it back on at home or choose to wear it this way for a while. Although rings belong on fingers, there is no right or wrong way to wear the symbol of your love. The important thing is keeping your ring AND your health protected. If wearing your ring on your neck achieves this goal, then it is worth considering.
For more advice on maintaining your ring or designing your new custom engagement ring, contact Cape Diamonds today.
