3 Ways to Make Your Engagement Ring Sparkle
Between the proposal and the wedding, everyone who knows you, your mom, or your dog will want a firsthand look at your gorgeous ring!
All that extra love for the bling can mean extra wear and tear on your new most prized possession. Whether it's fingerprints, lotion, hairspray, or day-to-day dirt. Here's the best way to care for the sparkle in your life.
Simple Solution This easy, at-home solution is the best way to clean all types of rings. It's safe. And you can do it as often as you want (which is probably ALL the time when you're newly engaged)! Grab a small bowl and mix hot (almost too hot) water with a little dishwashing soap. Let the ring soak in the solution for 20-40 minutes. Then dry it with a soft cloth. If you use a full can of hairspray each month like I do, you might have a little extra buildup. Use a soft toothbrush to gently clean any residue or hard to reach dirt. Note: This is not the time to take out your aggression. Be super soft and gentle while brushing - just like you speak to your fiancé. (Right?)
Store Bought Tips There are plenty of ready-made jewelry cleaners. Just make sure you check the label before dropping in your ring. It should be non-abrasive and chemical-free. Harsh chemicals can leave it discolored or break down the base metals. And any abrasive substance (like baking soda, toothpaste, or similar textures) can scratch your band – especially softer metals like gold.
Professional Services For a guaranteed shine, take your ring into a local jeweler. Some stores offer lifetime cleaning if you purchase your ring from them, so that's a great option to check first. And if your insurance includes maintenance, then definitely take advantage of professional help. The best part about using professional jewelers is they check the security of the setting before they clean. For bands - like pavé - with a lot of prongs, this could keep you from losing a diamond down the road.
Rebecca Yale Photography When all you want is to stare at that glittering stone on your finger, a clean ring is a MUST. As long as you're using a safe and gentle method, you can (and should) clean it as often as you feel. Style Me Pretty Contributor - Madeline Littrell is a corporate PR strategist and freelance writer. Born and raised in the South, she loves big hair, country music, and chicken fingers. Madeline lives in Dallas with her Sheltie puppy, Tennessee.
