Protecting your diamond engagement ring may arguably be the most difficult thing to after rocket science. For many, it’s cold, dull, and frustrating to put on so many layers. For others, winter is cheerful, enjoyable, and festive. However you view the winter, the matter of the fact is that you’re probably damaging your diamond engagement ring with these common activities…
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| 3 ways you’re damaging your engagement ring in the winter 3 ways to protect your engagement ring in the winter Final thoughts |
3 ways you’re damaging your engagement ring in the winter
Shovelling
If you’re in a location that’s likely to receive a good amount of snow in the winter, there’s also a good chance you had to shovel a few times as well.
We’ll be the first to say, don’t wear your engagement ring while shovelling!
Common shovelling tools like a shovel, snowblower, and harsh chemicals like outdoor salt can all scratch engagement rings and other fine jewelry.
Although diamonds are very durable, they can still be prone to damages and scratches from shovelling if they’re not handled appropriately.
Jumping between hot and cold temperatures
Next, extreme temperatures can affect both your diamond and metal setting.
You may be sitting by a fireplace or toasting your hands in the car heater, then immediately go outside to grab the mail or run some errands.
Extreme cold can actually impact the internal structure of a diamond.
While the diamond will be very durable to extreme cold, the cold weather can affect the flaws and inclusions within the diamond. This can also affect how the diamond will look in the future.
On the other hand, extreme heat can affect your metal setting.
Especially if the metal is 14k or 18k gold. Since gold is very malleable, it will become softer and easier to bend when exposed to heat.
Although many of you aren’t going from oven-like temperatures to a sub-zero freeze (we hope), this is still a risk to consider, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors in the winter.
Wearing winter gloves
And finally, the most common way people damage their engagement rings in the winter is from wearing winter gloves.
If you choose to wear a diamond ring under your gloves, you may run the chance of having the prongs of the ring get caught inside the glove.
This can loosen the center stone over time and increases your chance of the diamond falling off.
3 ways to protect your engagement ring in the winter
Take it off before any activity
This one goes without saying. But we’d recommend you remove your ring and store it somewhere safe if you plan on doing any outdoor activities in the winter.
Activities can include skating, shovelling, skiing, snowboarding, sledding… (wow they all start with “S”).
Regular activities (even if they’re fairly simple) can over time scratch and damage your ring, especially in the colder temperatures.
But we’d keep a fairly large emphasis on storing your engagement ring somewhere safe (like a ring box) and avoiding a lost ring. And if you lose your ring? It’s a good idea to pick up some insurance which we’ll talk about in the next part.
Get insurance
Insurance is a recommended option if you’re serious about protecting engagement ring(s).
Insurance companies typically offer coverage to protect against theft, loss, or damage to the jewelry.
Some people may opt for additional layers of protection where the insurance company will replace the lost or stolen ring. Some policies can also cover for the cost of cleaning, polishing, and tightening prongs.
Although insurance is an additional cost, many see it as a financial investment for their prized possessions. Consider it as the price to pay for a peace of mind.
Related: How To Insure Your Engagement Ring
Regular cleaning and maintenance
Have your engagement ring checked every once in a while (we recommend every 4-6 months) by a professional jeweller.
Regular cleanings and maintenance can help your ring look beautiful and shine bright for years to come.
Related: 4 Easy Ways To Clean Your Engagement Ring At Home Professionally
Before you select an insurance policy, speak with jewelry insurance companies or a professional jeweller. The insurance coverage will depend on your insurance policy which may be custom-made to suit your needs.
Final thoughts
Now that you know how to winter-proof your diamond engagement ring, it’s time to put them into action!
Remember, shovelling snow can damage your ring so it’s best to store it in a safe place like a ring box.
In addition, jumping from hot and cold temperatures can affect the quality of your diamond and metal setting, so try your best to stay in consistent temperatures.
And finally, wearing winter gloves can loosen your center stone over time, so we recommend wearing some softer gloves and taking your gloves off when you’re not outside.
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