Caring for Your Engagement Ring


Your engagement ring is more than jewellery, it's a symbol of love meant to last a lifetime. With proper care, your ring will continue to sparkle for generations to come. Here's everything you need to know to keep it looking as beautiful as the day you first wore it.

Everyday Care

The simplest way to protect your ring is to be mindful of when you wear it. We recommend removing your ring during:

  • Cleaning with household chemicals or bleach
  • Gardening or heavy manual work
  • Swimming in chlorinated pools or the sea
  • Applying lotions, perfumes, or hairspray
  • Exercising at the gym
  • Showering or bathing

Chemicals, abrasives, and impacts can dull the metal, loosen settings, or damage your stone over time. When you're not wearing your ring, store it safely in a soft pouch or lined jewellery box, away from other pieces that could scratch it.

Caring for Your Gemstone


Different stones require slightly different care. Here's what to know about yours:

Diamonds (Lab-Grown & Natural)

Diamonds are the hardest gemstone, scoring 10 on the Mohs scale, making them highly resistant to scratches. However, they can still chip if struck at the right angle, so avoid knocking your ring against hard surfaces. Diamonds attract grease and oils, so regular cleaning will keep them at their most brilliant.

Sapphires

Sapphires are extremely durable (9 on the Mohs scale) and well-suited to everyday wear. They're resistant to most chemicals and can be safely cleaned with warm soapy water. Avoid sudden temperature changes, which can cause thermal shock in some stones.

Rubies

Like sapphires, rubies rank 9 on the Mohs scale and are excellent for daily wear. Clean with warm water and mild soap. Some rubies may have been heat-treated to enhance colour. This is standard practice and stable, but avoid exposing your ruby to extreme heat.

Emeralds

Emeralds require a little more care. Ranking 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale, they're softer than diamonds and sapphires, and often contain natural inclusions that can make them more fragile. Many emeralds are treated with oils or resins to enhance their clarity. It is recommended to avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning, as these can damage the treatment. Clean gently with lukewarm soapy water only.

Alexandrite

This rare and remarkable stone ranks 8.5 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for everyday wear. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Alexandrite is generally stable, but as with most gemstones, avoid harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures.

Aquamarine

Aquamarine is a member of the beryl family, like emerald, but is generally more durable and less included. Ranking 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, it's suitable for everyday wear with reasonable care. Its pale blue colour can fade if exposed to prolonged intense sunlight, so avoid leaving your ring in direct sun for extended periods. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and sudden temperature changes, as aquamarine can be sensitive to thermal shock.

Caring for Your Metal


Each precious metal has its own characteristics and care needs. Here's how to look after yours:

Gold (Yellow, White & Rose)

Gold is a relatively soft metal, and the purity affects its durability. 9ct gold contains more alloy metals, making it slightly harder and more scratch-resistant than 18ct gold, though 18ct gold has a richer colour.

  • Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth.
  • Remove your ring during activities that may cause scratches or dents.
  • Store separately from other jewellery to prevent scratching.

White gold is often plated with rhodium for extra brightness and durability. Over time, this plating may wear, revealing a slightly warmer tone beneath. This is perfectly normal and can be restored with professional re-plating every few years.

Platinum (950)

Platinum is one of the most durable precious metals and naturally hypoallergenic. Rather than wearing away, platinum displaces when scratched, developing a soft patina over time that many people love. If you prefer a polished finish, a jeweller can restore the shine with professional polishing.

  • Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth.
  • Platinum is resistant to tarnish and corrosion, making it low-maintenance.
  • Store separately to avoid scratching softer metals or gemstones.

Professional Servicing

Even with excellent home care, we recommend having your ring professionally inspected and cleaned at least once a year. A jeweller can:

  • Check that your stone is secure in its setting
  • Polish out minor scratches
  • Re-plate white gold with rhodium if needed
  • Deep clean areas that are difficult to reach at home

Think of it as an annual check-up for your ring, a small investment that ensures it stays in perfect condition for years to come.