Engagement rings are symbols of love and commitment, making them one of the most important items you will own. Whether you have a classic ring, something modern, or a bold style with a high-carat stone, keeping your ring safe is essential. When life gets hectic, it gets easy to forget to follow basic maintenance measures. You may forget to clean your ring. You may not notice any wobbly stones. You may forget to take your ring off when you’re washing the dishes, heading to the gym, or doing some work in the garden. You might keep reminding yourself to take your ring to your jeweller to get that scratch sorted. When something happens to your ring, it’s completely natural to panic and wish you’d done something sooner.
Before you beat yourself up too much, there are a few quick fixes that can prevent an engagement ring emergency. While these fixes will hopefully reduce the risk of lost stones or other damage, it’s important to note that they are temporary fixes. You will need to take your ring to a professional jeweller as soon as possible once you’ve avoided a ring crisis.
Emergency Engagement Ring Fixes
Here are a few fixes to help you deal with any engagement ring emergencies.
Loose Stones
Discovering a wobbly gemstone in your ring can have you in a panic very quickly. If you notice your diamond or gemstone is loose, take it off immediately and do not wear it until you can get it professionally secured. Once it’s off your finger, you can use clear nail polish or a ring guard to keep the stone in place. Gently apply a layer of clear polish on the inner band of the ring and then place it in its original box or another safe place where it can’t move around too much. A ring guard can also secure the stone temporarily by wrapping it around the setting.
Wear and Tear
Over time, some metals can start to lose their sheen. Some stones can also begin to lose their sparkle – especially if you do not have a high-clarity stone. If your ring looks a bit dull or discoloured, a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap, and a soft toothbrush can help get it shiny again. Gently scrub the ring with this solution, being extra careful to prevent damaging the setting. Always remember to dry it thoroughly after cleaning.
Poor Fit
Pregnancy, weather, weight changes, and other factors can all affect your ring fit. If your ring feels too loose, there is a bigger risk of losing the ring – something you really don’t want to happen. If possible, remove the ring until you can get it resized. You can also try a silicone ring adjuster that wraps around the base of your ring if you don’t want to take it off until you get to your jeweller. If your ring feels too tight, remove it using soap or hand lotion, then take it to get resized. Remember that your ring should always feel comfortable, with a fit that is not too tight or too loose.
Scratched Surface
Minor scratches on the surface of your ring’s band can make it lose its gleam. Using a polishing cloth designed for jewellery can help reduce the appearance of scratches. It’s a temporary solution, but it can bring some shine back until you get the ring professionally polished.
While these emergency fixes can be useful in a pinch, it’s essential to remember that they are just that—temporary solutions. Always consult with a professional jeweller to ensure that your ring receives the proper care it deserves. Regular maintenance and check-ups will not only keep your ring sparkling but also ensure its longevity.
At Cape Diamonds, we offer a range of beautiful engagement rings, along with bespoke design, insurance replacements, and other solutions that help you find your dream ring.