At Ethan Lord Jewelers, our Chicago team specializes in creating and maintaining fine jewelry designed to last a lifetime. Here’s everything you should know about cleaning, resizing, and protecting your engagement ring, so you can keep looking as brilliant as the day you said yes.
1. Everyday Care: Protecting Your Ring From Damage
Your engagement ring is meant to be worn, but not everywhere. Daily activities like lifting weights, gardening, or using cleaning products can expose your ring to unnecessary wear or harsh chemicals.
Here’s how to keep it safe:
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Remove your ring before working out, swimming, or using any household cleaner.
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Store it properly in a soft pouch or separate jewelry box compartment when not wearing it.
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Avoid contact with lotions or perfumes, which can leave residue on stones and metal.
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Get your prongs checked every 6–12 months by a jeweler to ensure your diamond or gemstone stays secure.
2. Cleaning Your Engagement Ring
Even with gentle wear, oils, dirt, and daily residue can dull your diamond or gemstone’s shine. Luckily, keeping your ring clean doesn’t require professional equipment, just consistency.
How to clean your engagement ring at home:
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Fill a small bowl with warm water and mild dish soap.
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Soak your ring for 20-30 minutes.
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Use a soft toothbrush to gently loosen any debris.
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Rinse thoroughly and dry with a lint-free cloth.
This method works for most metals and settings, but avoid abrasive or chemical cleaners as they can damage both the diamond and the metal.
For a deeper clean, you can bring your ring into our Chicago showroom for a complimentary professional cleaning.
3. Can an Engagement Ring Get Wet?
A little water won’t hurt your ring, but it’s best to remove it before swimming, showering, or washing dishes regularly.
Here’s why:
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Chlorine and salt water can corrode metals over time.
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Soapy water makes rings slippery and easier to lose.
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Hard water minerals can build up on the stone, dulling its sparkle.
If your ring does get wet, pat it dry with a soft cloth rather than air drying, it prevents water spots and residue.
4. Resizing an Engagement Ring
If your ring feels loose or tight, it’s worth having it resized, especially before it risks slipping off or causing discomfort.
Professional resizing ensures the metal’s integrity and the stone’s security. The process usually takes just a few days and can adjust your ring up or down by one to two sizes without affecting its overall design.
Our master jewelers at Ethan Lord perform all resizing in-house in our Chicago workshop, ensuring your ring is treated with precision and care.
5. Long-Term Maintenance
Think of your engagement ring like a luxury car, it deserves regular tune-ups! Routine maintenance can help you avoid costly repairs later.
We recommend:
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Professional inspection every 6 months to check settings, prongs, and stones.
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Annual deep cleaning to remove buildup from everyday wear.
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Re-polishing or rhodium plating for white gold rings every few years to maintain their shine.
These small steps will help your ring last generations.
6. Traveling With Your Engagement Ring
When you travel, it’s often safer to wear your ring rather than pack it. If you must pack it, store it in a secure travel jewelry case or soft pouch to prevent scratches. Avoid keeping it in checked luggage.
If you’re heading somewhere adventurous (like the beach or mountains), consider leaving your ring safely at home, especially if you plan to swim or hike.
Your engagement ring represents one of life’s most meaningful promises, and with a little extra care, it can shine just as brightly decades from now.
From routine cleanings to resizing or design updates, our team at Ethan Lord Jewelers in Chicago is here to help your ring stay as beautiful as your love story.