10 Things Not To Do While Wearing An Engagement Ring

Do you wear your engagement ring every day? Wearing it feels like an extension of you, so taking it off may feel like an odd thing to do. Despite your ring being resistant to knocks, bumps and day-to-day activities, it's important to recognise that certain activities can pose risks to the appearance and safety of your ring.

An engagement ring is more than just a beautiful piece of jewellery—it symbolises a commitment and a promise of a lifetime together. Treat your engagement ring with care to preserve its beauty and sentimental value.

Even though it may seem unusual to remove a piece of jewellery that's become an integral part of your daily routine, being mindful of the situations where it's prudent to take it off is essential. Remember, a little precaution goes a long way in maintaining the glimmer and charm of your engagement ring.

We’ll explore 10 things you should never do while wearing your engagement ring to ensure it remains exquisite and pristine for years to come. Plus, we also share 3 engagement ring care tips for you at the end of this article.

It may sound unlikely, but one of the most common causes of damage to engagement rings we see at Queensmith is from the wearer clapping their hands.

Hitting the metal, particularly if you have rings on the other hand, can cause it to warp. Warping is when the ring metal becomes bent or is twisted out of its original shape when it's subjected to too much force, like clapping your hands while wearing multiple rings. This can lead to problems like a misshapen ring, loose gemstones, and discomfort when wearing the ring.

Should you take your rings off when washing your hands? It depends.

Most soap will cut through the oils on the diamond's surface and help it sparkle more.

However, you should take your ring off if:

• Using exfoliators: Gritty beads in exfoliating washes can scratch the metal or "softer" gemstones like emeralds. Strong chemical exfoliators could also weaken the metal.

• Moisturising: Lotions and hand creams are "diamond magnets" for grime. They create a film beneath the stone that can make a high-quality diamond appear to have inclusions.

• Using hand sanitiser: The high alcohol content can tarnish the rhodium plating on white gold over time.

When going to the gym or doing any low to high-impact sport, taking off your ring is recommended to protect it from unexpected damage.

Diamonds are the most durable substance on earth. While your diamond can withstand pressure, weight machines, dumbbells, or any kind of pressure, the metal that secures them in place is not indestructible. If a ring is warped, the diamond or gemstone can become loose and fall out without you noticing.

If your engagement ring is set with a gemstone like a sapphire, emerald or ruby, you’ll need to take extra caution. These gemstones are much less durable, so they could crack with impact or pressure.

It’s also worth noting that some diamond shapes have ‘weak points’, such as the tip of a pear diamond of the corner of a princess cut. A sensible setting will secure these with metalwork, but it’s worth removing your ring regardless when exercising, as the metal isn't indestructible either.

‘Can I wear my engagement ring in the pool?’ is a common question. The answer: No. While your diamond is durable, the metal is not due to chemicals and the environment. Swimming, particularly in chlorinated pools or salt water, is not the best choice when it comes to keeping your sparkling engagement ring in its best condition. Chlorine and salt can be harsh on the metals and gemstones in your ring, potentially causing them to corrode or lose their shine over time.

Also, cold water can cause your fingers to shrink, increasing the risk of the ring slipping off and getting lost. It's better to leave your precious ring in a safe place before taking the plunge into the water to ensure its longevity and beauty.

Really want that romantic holiday underwater picture while wearing your engagement ring? We'd recommend a holiday engagement ring to avoid any accidents or saltwater damage to your high-value ring.

Cleaning products are very harsh on the skin and reactive with metals. Try not to clean the dishes or the oven with your engagement ring on, especially when oven cleaning solutions are well-known for their strong and harsh properties.

If cleaning spray comes into contact with your engagement ring, it could cause significant damage. Simply putting on gloves isn't enough to protect them, as some cleaning agents can still harm rings through barriers.

Wearing your ring whilst gardening might not be advisable if you like to keep your ring sparkling at all times. Beyond the risk of losing the ring in the soil, dirt and debris can get lodged in your ring and settle in it.

Any claw setting, known for its delicacy and elevated display of the diamond, presents a susceptibility to this. Dirt can lodge itself in the crevices of the claws and settle beneath the diamond, ultimately diminishing its brilliance. The presence of dirt not only dulls the appearance of the diamond but can also affect the overall aesthetics of the entire ring.

We recommend removing your ring before any gardening activity that could expose it to potential damage through force and accumulating any dirt. But remember - a little dirt is easy enough to clean away.

Washing your hands in a public restroom is a must, but try not to take off your engagement ring while you're scrubbing your hands. The chance of accidentally leaving it on the sink, or it getting stolen or slipping down the drain is just too risky.

When going on holiday you may want to opt for a safety ring, which is worn for safety or practical purposes rather than for aesthetic reasons, as it is an easy solution to save you the worry.

There are numerous reasons why it's a good idea to remove your engagement ring while cooking. Firstly, nobody wants bacteria from fresh meat or fish on their diamond.

In the kitchen, when kneading dough or preparing cake and cookie mixes, residue from making your sweet or savoury treats can get caught under the stone.

It's best to keep your ring safely stored away when you're cooking unless you're simply popping your favourite pizza in the oven or pouring yourself a drink.

If you do get some food or cooking oils on your ring, it is typically easy enough to wash these off with hot water, washing up liquid and a soft-bristled toothbrush.

If you tend to rest on your hands, there's a chance the pressure from your body weight could distort the band, potentially causing stones to come loose. While sleeping with your engagement ring on means you can't misplace it, it may not be worth the risk of damage.

Some people also find their fingers swell during the night due to heat or the pressure of lying on their hands; which can cause discomfort.

As a general rule, your ring should be the first thing you take off at night and the last thing you put on in the morning, after moisturising or putting on make up.

While indulging in your beauty routine, using hairspray, hair products, and other grooming essentials, it's advisable to remove your engagement ring. The various products we use for hair styling, such as hairspray and hair gel, can leave a residue that sticks to the ring, diminishing its shine and overall look.

Loose powders from foundations, eye shadows, and blushes can build up on the surfaces of the stones in diamond rings, causing them to lose their shine quickly. Liquid foundations and other liquid-based makeup can also get trapped in the settings and intricate details of diamond wedding rings, resulting in unpleasant residue build-up.

This is easy enough to wash off, but do you want to clean your ring every day?

What happens if I dirty my ring with make-up or beauty products?

If you get your ring dirty, remember it isn't the end of the world. You can quickly and easily get the shine back with hot water, washing up liquid and a soft-bristled toothbrush.

We’ve walked you through what not to do with your engagement ring from not using it when baking to when you go to bed, but let’s face it, it’s not always easy or even possible to follow this advice.

No one is perfect when it comes to looking after an engagement ring, but here are some engagement ring care tips that you can put in place to help keep it in the best condition. Read our Ultimate Engagement Ring Cleaning Guide to learn how to clean your ring safely at home.

You may already have insurance for your ring, but it's crucial to double-check and ensure that your valuable piece of jewellery is adequately protected. Having insurance or a lifetime warranty provides peace of mind, knowing that you're financially covered in case of loss, damage, or theft.

It’s recommended to have your ring professionally cleaned when you can, and checked every other year or so – depending on your jewellers warranty terms. This not only keeps your ring looking its best but also allows professionals to inspect the settings and prongs for any signs of wear or potential issues. Timely detection of such concerns can prevent future problems and help preserve the structural integrity of your ring.

Any piece of jewellery purchased from Queensmith is entitled to a lifetime of free cleaning and polishing services. We recommend cleaning your jewellery at home as often as needed and booking a professional polish every 3 to 5 years.

Lastly, designating a safe spot for your ring when you need to remove it, like a jewellery box or a safe in your home, is a simple yet effective measure to avoid misplacement or accidental damage. Taking these precautions ensures that your engagement ring is secure and in its best condition at all times.

We’ve seen a massive shift toward chunky gold bands and bezel settings recently; for example, the popular Taylor Swift’s engagement ring - an elongated cushion-shaped old mine cut diamond in a Georgian-style setting, complete with smaller bezel set accent diamonds and a yellow gold band.

Bezel settings (where the metal fully encases the stone) are significantly more care-friendly than traditional claw settings. They don't snag on sweaters or bedding, making them the better choice for those who want to wear their ring nearly every day. If you want a bespoke engagement ring that requires low maintenance, then this setting is your top choice. However, even with a secure bezel, you should still remove your ring for weightlifting or gardening, as the pressure of a metal bar or heavy tool can still misshape the band.