The big day was magical. Now that your wedding is over, do you plan to wear your engagement ring with your wedding band or wear just your wedding band?
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Should you wear your engagement ring?
After the big day, most people choose to still wear their engagement ring along with the addition of a wedding band. It’s a big investment and a symbol of your love for one another, plus the sparkle is always fun to see. It’s up to you.
If you choose to wear it, be careful and take it off when you clean or do other manual tasks with your hands. Failing to do so can cause your ring to become misshapen, loose stones, and become scratched. If you choose to store it, follow our guidelines below to help keep it safe.
Storing your engagement ring
If you plan to wear just your wedding band, you will need to keep your engagement ring safe. It is special and beautiful, and you want to keep it sparkling for many lifetimes.
Diamonds are not unbreakable
Diamonds may be one of the Earth’s hardest minerals, but it does not mean that they are resistant to harmful chemicals or chipping if rubbed against another diamond. It is best to store in a separate jewelry box away from other jewels since the diamond may scratch other jewelry, including other diamonds.
You can also use a storage container that has separate compartments keep your diamond away from other gems. Soft, clean cloth bags are also ideal for storing your diamond ring. White cloth bags are best since there are no dyes that could leak onto your diamond.
Other ways to keep your ring safe
If you choose to wear your ring, be sure to take it off in a secure spot. Avoid putting it on an edge or anywhere near a sink or other drain. When using a jewelry box, it’s best to put it in an area other than the top of a dresser. That is the first place a thief will look for jewels.
If you take it off when you’re on vacation, you may want to consider a hotel safe.
Keep your annual or bi-annual inspections with your jeweler to check the settings. You don’t want to bring your beautiful ring out to wear and realize the stone is loose (or gone) after wearing it.
Insure your beauty to last a lifetime or two
Just because you don’t wear your ring doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have insurance. You can add an endorsement or rider to your homeowners or renters policy. Be sure to read your policy and talk to your agent about coverage and exclusions. Some policies will only cover certain losses like theft but not if you lose your ring. Your insurance policy may not cover repairs, so it is important to stay current on your ring inspections at your jeweler even if you don’t wear it. They want to have a record of any wear and tear.
You will need to have a few details for your policy including:
- Description of ring including cut, carat, and type of metal
- Appraisal by a certified independent jeweler
- Photo of your ring
You can save on insurance if you have a home security system. You may even get a discount with an engraved ring since it is easier to identify.
Keep the sparkle
It’s important to keep the shine lasting just like the day you got engaged. Rings should be clean while being stored. You may want to check on your ring from time to time to be sure it doesn’t get any dust to cloud its shimmer.
You can clean your diamonds by:
- Soaking your ring in warm water and dishwashing soap for a short time. Scrub with a soft toothbrush.
- Soaking your ring in equal parts ammonia and cold water for about 30 minutes. Then let your ring air dry.
You can also use any commercial cleaner. Also, when you get your ring inspected, your jeweler will most likely clean your ring.
Harsh chemicals like bleach can damage your ring by dulling the finish.
Whether you choose to wear your engagement ring after you get married or just your wedding ring, it is still a symbol of your love, and with proper care, it will shine brightly.
