How the Environment Affects Engagement Rings

As engagement rings represent a lifelong commitment, they must last a lifetime, and that is why rings are made of metal and hard gems like diamonds. While these materials are beloved for their beauty, they are also adored for their hardness. Diamonds are the strongest natural stone known to humans. Even soft metals like gold and silver can last lifetimes if treated properly. However, the outdoors does not take kindly to our hubris. The environment can hurt and even ruin the most durable jewelry. Our team at Thom Duma Fine Jewelers goes over some preventative measures to maintain their brilliance.

The Sun: Jewelry’s Natural Killer

Sunlight gives us life. The heat keeps us from freezing from the cold void of space, which is pretty neat. Sunlight also feeds plants, ensuring that we have enough air to breathe. For all of the wonderful things the sun does to help us, there’s one thing we could do without damaging the jewelry.

While sunlight’s heat is great for our survival, it can make metal white-hot. That’s because metals are excellent conductors of heat, so they will absorb much more of it than most substances. Engagement rings and other jewelry can get so hot that they soften, making them warp and bend. Never leave engagement rings in the sun. If you have to take them off outdoors, make sure they are in the shade.

The Water: Jewelry’s Other Natural Killer

Like the sun, water is essential for life. Also, like the sun, it’s terrible for jewelry. There are many types of water, but it’s inadvisable to wear an engagement ring in all of them. The salt in saltwater corrodes precious metal and dulls gemstones. Porous gemstones like opals and emeralds can take in salt and crack from the inside. Freshwater is not kind to engagement rings either. It can cause your fingers to shrink, making it easy for a ring to slip off.

You are not safe in pools, either. Chlorine can and will tarnish engagement rings, wedding bands, and fashion jewelry. If you’re going swimming, make sure to take the ring off. In fact, it may be best to leave it at home or take a dedicated storage container with you. Your engagement ring deserves more than to be hidden in a shoe.

The Body: Oils and Sweat

While your body is a temple, that temple is oily and sweaty. Humans are always shedding cells and liquids. Whether you are jogging on a treadmill or taking a nap, there’s going to be some residue. Since engagement rings are worn often, they collect a lot of this residue. Your salty, mineral-laden grime can tarnish and dull these exquisite luxurious symbols for romance. Once you factor in lotions, sunscreens, and ointments, jewelry is always in a dangerous place.

The solution is simple: clean your engagement ring. Every single day, wipe your ring with a soft cloth. For a more extensive cleanse, leave it in a bowl of warm soapy water for 45 minutes. Give the piece a scrub with a soft (emphasis on soft) toothbrush. Finish the process with a soft (another emphasis on soft) cloth.

Find the Perfect Engagement Ring in Any Environment at Thom Duma Fine Jewelers

In Ohio, there’s no better place to go for romance and luxury than Thom Duma Fine Jewelers. Our Warren jewelry store is staffed with the brightest jewelers in the Midwest, as well as a peerlessly perfect selection of popular jewelry designer brands. We are passionate about our community and do everything we can to ensure that its couples remain in love with a pristine engagement ring to prove it. Call us at (330) 393-4696 or email us at [email protected] today.