Wedding Ring Care: The Do’s & Don’ts

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Your wedding ring is one of the most important accessories you’ll ever own, and it’s also one of the few items you will wear nearly every day of your life. For this reason, it’s extra important to take care of your wedding ring. This guide to proper wedding ring care will show you how to clean a ring at home. 

Why Should You Take Care of & Clean Your Wedding Band?

With the proper care, your wedding jewelry will shine and sparkle like new for decades. Proper aftercare is crucial because not only does it keep your wedding ring looking nice, but it also helps prevent damage to your ring. Luckily for you, keeping your wedding band clean is simple and easy. To learn how to clean your wedding ring at home, keep reading.

Cleaning a Gold Ring Tips 

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It’s surprisingly simple to clean gold at home. Follow these steps to keep your gold ring shining like new:

  1. Gather the following everyday household items: One teaspoon of non-abrasive hand soap, one cup of warm water, and a dry, clean microfiber cloth.
  2. Mix water and hand soap.
  3. Submerge your gold ring in the mixture for two minutes.
  4. Remove your ring and rinse carefully.
  5. Blot dry and buff to a shine with the microfiber cloth.
  6. Store your ring in a dry, cool place when not worn.

That’s all! It is easy to clean gold rings at home, regardless of the color of the gold. If you start to notice a white gold diamond ring turning yellow, don’t worry. It’s simply time to send your ring to a jeweler for fresh rhodium plating, the metal that gives white gold its vibrant luster. 

There are few rings that shine like clean white gold rings with diamonds. Therefore, it’s important to consider a lifetime warranty, which typically covers replating, polishing, and stone tightening.

How Do You Clean a Wedding Ring with Diamonds?

Caring for diamonds might seem scary, but diamond ring care is straightforward. The best way to clean diamond rings is to follow these easy steps: 

  1. Soak your diamond jewelry in a soapy water mixture for 2 minutes (recipe above)
  2. While submerged, gently scrub the diamonds with a soft-tipped toothbrush in a circular motion
  3. Remove your ring and rinse carefully 
  4. Blot dry and buff to a shine with the microfiber cloth
  5. Store your ring in a dry, cool place when not being worn 

You now know how to clean a ring with diamonds! Congratulations.   

How to Clean a Platinum Ring?

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To clean a platinum ring, follow our instructions for gold rings. There is no difference between aftercare tips for platinum and gold. 

  1. Mix water and hand soap (recipe above)
  2. Submerge your platinum ring in the mixture for 2 minutes
  3. Remove your ring and rinse carefully 
  4. Blot dry and buff to a shine with the microfiber cloth
  5. Store your ring in a dry, cool place when not being worn 

Unlike white gold rings, platinum rings will not acquire a yellow tint and will not need rhodium replating. 

How Often Should You Clean Your Ring?

We recommend cleaning your gold jewelry from home at least once a month. It is impossible to set a specific rule for when to clean your jewelry because your lifestyle and environment will significantly affect how often you should clean your wedding band. 

When Should You Get Your Ring Cleaned Professionally?

We recommend sending your piece in for professional cleaning once a year or as soon as you notice the need. Your ring’s metal type and carat weight will determine how often you should get your piece professionally cleaned. For example, we recommend sending your white gold rings for a professional cleaning and replating at least once a year (if not more). 

Platinum rings without diamonds may be able to go for more extended periods without a professional’s touch, thanks to the metal’s individual properties. Similarly, you must clean custom diamond rings with intricate details more often than a plain yellow gold wedding ring with no fine details.  

5 Things That You Definitely Should Not Do to Your Wedding Band 

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As we mentioned, your wedding ring is one of the most important pieces of jewelry you’ll ever have. If you want to keep your wedding ring around, you should probably avoid these five things:

1. Order the Wrong Ring Size 
A surefire way to lose your wedding ring is to purchase your ring in the wrong size. A tight-fitting wedding ring will be uncomfortable and might get left behind after removal, while a loose-fitting band can easily fall off during daily wear. Not all rings are resizable, making finding your actual ring size extra important. You can find your ring size at home with Rockford Collection’s free ring sizer. 

2. Wash Your Hands with Your Wedding Ring On
You might have read the instructions for cleaning a diamond ring and thought, “I can just wash my hands with my wedding ring on.”Please don’t. When you wash your hands, you use more soap than to clean your ring.

While this is fine for fighting bacteria, constant exposure to soap can cause gunk to build up around your ring. We suggest storing your ring safely and dryly before washing your hands or showering. 

3. Apply Cosmetics with Your Ring On
If too much soap can be harmful, can you imagine what applying lotion daily can do to your ring? Do yourself a favor and put your ring on after you’ve completed your skin and hair routine. Your diamonds will thank you. 

4. Wear Your Ring to the Gym 

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Have you ever heard of ring avulsion? Only look it up if you have a strong stomach. Ring avulsion occurs when your ring gets caught on something while moving, causing muscle tears and even potential amputation. You can easily avoid ring avulsion by removing your ring before performing hands-on activities like gardening, operating heavy machinery, and working out. 

A silicone diamond ring might be perfect if you always use your hands but still want to wear a ring. The fusion of flexible silicone with precious gold and gemstone details results in the ideal band for those who work with their hands. 

5. Take Your Ring Off in Public 
Picture this: You went out to eat and took your ring off in the bathroom while washing your hands. You swear you placed it on the counter but can’t find it.

If you want to avoid the stress and heartache of searching for your ring in a public place, not to mention the guilt of enlisting the help of strangers, we suggest keeping a secure pouch around for when you take off your wedding ring. Creating the habit of consistently placing your ring in its protective place when not being worn is a great way to avoid losing your ring in public.

Final Words

Taking care of your wedding ring is crucial to keep it looking its best and prevent damage. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can easily clean your ring at home and avoid common mistakes that can harm your ring. Remember to clean your ring regularly, store it properly, and avoid wearing it during certain activities. Doing so ensures that your wedding ring remains a cherished symbol of your love for years.


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