Jewellery Care 101: Rings
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Your Ultimate Guide to Caring for Your Ring Collection
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Rings are a best seller in any jewellery shop for a reason. They're not only the perfect mantlepiece to show off a gemstone, but have become an entrenched part of our culture by symbolising romantic eternity.
Similar to love though, rings can quickly fade without the proper care and attention that is needed. Not only does the shine and colour of the ring fade away, but some dirty rings may also leave horrible smells and even green/black marks on your fingers. To help preserve their shine and prolong their lifespan, join us today as we learn about simple cleaning and storage techniques for keeping your ring looking, smelling and feeling good.
If you would like to see a professional jeweller, such as in accordance with Tip 5, book an appointment here and browse some pieces of our collection at our office while you wait.
Also check out
Jewellery Care 101: Earrings
Jewellery Care 101: Necklaces and Pendants
Jewellery Care 101: Bracelets and Bangles
1: Understanding your ring
So why do rings make your finger turn green or black? It's not as simple as saying that your ring is unclean. Rather, what is actually happening is that the metals in the ring are reacting with either your sweat, bodily fluids or any soap or lotions you are putting on.
However, you would be correct to assume that not all metals will react with these fluids, such as gold. Rather, the real culprits that discolour your ring finger are mainly silver, copper or nickel. Why are the latter two included here? These metals are typically used to make precious metal alloys, as gold and silver by themselves are too soft to make jewellery.
Therefore, cleaning your ring is only one way to maximise the shine, appearance and value of your ring. Other methods to do so would be discussed in tip 5.
2: Constant Polishing and Correct Storage
One way to enhance the shine of your ring, whether containing a gemstone or not, is to use a microfibre cloth. These can be found when you purchase a pair of glasses or sunglasses, or would usually come with the ring that you have decided to purchase.
We recommend polishing your ring at least once a week, especially if it is made of sterling silver as it discolours and oxidises very easily. Giving it a consistent polish would enhance its shine, appearance and maximise the colour and vibrance of the precious metals and stone.
To store your ring properly after daily wear, there are a few must-do habits to keep in mind. If you're using a ring box which the jeweller has given you, make sure it is lined with velvet or soft fabric material such as suede, silk or microfibre. Such materials prevent scratches between the jewellery and outside surfaces, protect against dust and provide a soft cushiony material for the ring to lie atop of.
3: At Home Deep Cleaning Routine
For a more thorough deep clean at home, first soak your ring in a bowl of warm (not too hot) water and a very small amount of detergent (literally 1 or 2 small drops). Putting more than the recommended amount can damage the stones so be very conservative with the soap or detergent.
Whatever you do, don't wash your pieces under running water over a sink. We have seen many customers lose their rings into a drain only for them to not be seen again.
After a brief soak, use a soft toothbrush and brush the ring entirely, ensuring that your remove any grime or oil on it. Don't forget to brush both the top and the underside of the ring.
Once you're done with this, rinse the jewellery with another clean bowl of cold water and use a hairdryer to dry each piece ensuring that your remove all the condensation. Make sure to use cold air, as some stones or pearls may be glued on to the piece, and hot air can cause the glue to melt
If you have bought a piece from us, and one of the stones has fallen off, feel free to contact us and we can see how to repair it together.
4: When to take off your ring
You should take off your ring when:
Showering
Playing sport or going to the gym
Swimming
Deep cleaning your house
Washing your hands
By taking your rings off in these situations, you would be reducing the amount of chemicals, body oils or other fluids that would react with the metal alloys in the ring as indicated in tip 1.
5: When to call a Professional
To truly protect your ring, you should consider calling a professional. In particular, rings made of sterling silver and lower karat golds are more likely to discolour, cause 'green finger' and ultimately lose the shine. Therefore, we recommend that you visit us if:
You are looking for Rhodium or Platinum Plating: By plating the underside of the ring, we can make an outstanding unique look to add another layer to your ring's appearance while protecting you from 'green finger'.
Your ring is in need of repair: Discolouration, at-home deep cleaning processes and corrosive reactions may lead to any gemstones on your ring falling off. Contact us if you are looking for any repair services and browse our collection while you wait if you wish.
You would like a professional clean: You should seek a professional clean if the discolouration, oxidisation or other reaction to your ring cannot be removed through our recommended at-home deep cleaning process. At our office we have an ultrasonic bathing machine that is deliberately made to clean jewellery. If you would like to use this, do feel free to contact us.
We hope you have enjoyed this article. Please do browse our collection or book an appointment with us if you are interested in our portfolio or a bespoke service.
