When to Take Off Your Engagement Ring

A Guide for Every Situation

It’s beautiful, meaningful, valuable and you wear it so much that it seems like a part of you. But should you be removing your engagement ring more often? There are certain situations where it's wise to take off your engagement ring to ensure its safety and longevity. Understanding when to remove your ring can help you avoid damage, wear and tear, loss and even injury. Read on for eight situations that call for removing your special ring.

During Physical Activity

Engagement rings, especially those with delicate settings or large center stones, can be vulnerable during physical activities. Whether you're hitting the gym, playing a sport or doing yoga, it’s best to take off your ring. Because the materials used to craft your ring may be somewhat soft (such as gold or platinum), activities that involve heavy lifting, contact sports or repetitive hand motions can put stress on the ring, potentially causing it to bend, change shape, break or even lose a stone. Additionally, sweat and dirt can accumulate, dulling the shine of your ring over time. Certain activities, like weight lifting, can even pose potential dangers to your hand, resulting in bruises or worse should your fingers become pinched or your ring get caught on gym equipment.

Pro Tip: Most gyms provide lockers, so invest in a good combination lock in case you want to keep your ring safe at the gym. You may also want to swap your engagement ring out for a durable silicone band during your workout.

While Cleaning

Household cleaning products often contain harsh chemicals that can damage the metal and gemstones in your engagement ring. Even natural cleaning solutions like vinegar or lemon juice can have corrosive effects. Abrasive cleaning tools, like sponges and brushes, can also scratch your ring. For these reasons, it’s a good idea to remove your engagement ring before you start cleaning the house or doing the dishes.

Pro Tip: Keep a designated spot in your home, like a jewelry dish on a kitchen shelf, where you can safely place your ring while cleaning.

Before Swimming

Remember when Kim Kardashian lost her diamond earring while swimming? You don’t want that to happen to your engagement ring! Whether you're diving into the ocean or swimming in a pool, it's important to remove your engagement ring beforehand. Cold water can cause your fingers to shrink slightly, increasing the risk of your ring slipping off and getting lost. Additionally, chlorine in swimming pools can damage the metal and stones, leading to discoloration or weakening of the setting. Saltwater also has ill effects, potentially eroding precious metals over time.

Pro Tip: Leave your ring at home or store it securely before heading to the beach or pool to prevent accidental loss and damage.

When Applying Lotions and Beauty Products

Lotions, creams and beauty products can build up on your engagement ring, causing it to lose its sparkle. The oils and chemicals in these products can create a film over the stone and metal, making it appear dull and less vibrant. This is particularly true for rings with intricate settings, as lotions can easily get trapped in the small crevices, making it difficult to clean. Additionally, some chemicals in beauty products can damage or discolor metal and gemstones over time.

Pro Tip: Make it a habit to remove your ring before applying any lotions, sunscreen, makeup or hair products. After you’re done, wash your hands thoroughly before putting your ring back on to avoid transferring any residue.

In the Kitchen

When preparing meals, especially those that involve kneading dough, handling raw meat or using greasy ingredients, it’s best to take off your engagement ring. Food particles and bacteria can easily get stuck in the setting, and grease can coat the stone and metal, diminishing its shine. Exposure to high heat from the stove or oven can potentially affect the integrity of certain gemstones and metals, and “find the ring in the meatloaf” is a game that nobody wins.

Pro Tip: Place your ring in a safe spot in the kitchen before you start cooking. A small ring dish on the counter or a secure drawer works well to ensure your ring stays clean and protected.

Before Bed

While it may seem harmless to sleep with your engagement ring on, it’s actually a good idea to take it off before saying goodnight. Tossing and turning in your sleep can cause the ring to catch on sheets or blankets, potentially bending the prongs or causing small stones to loosen.

Pro Tip: Keep a ring dish or jewelry box on your nightstand where you can place your ring before bed. This not only protects your ring but also helps you establish a routine so you always know where it is.

While Traveling

Traveling, especially if it involves a lot of physical activity or exposure to different environments, can pose risks to your engagement ring. Whether you're hiking, exploring a new city or lounging on the beach, it's easy to accidentally damage or lose your ring while you're out and about. Moreover, traveling with your ring might make it a target for theft, particularly in unfamiliar or crowded places.

Pro Tip: Consider leaving your engagement ring at home in a secure location when traveling, especially if the trip involves activities where your ring could be at risk. If you must bring it, invest in a quality travel jewelry case and ensure it's always with you.

At Work

If you're doing any type of manual labor, such as gardening, moving furniture or working on a home improvement project, it’s wise to remove your engagement ring. These activities can put significant stress on your ring, leading to scratches, dents or even more serious damage like bending or breaking the band. Dirt, grime and debris can also accumulate, making it difficult to clean your ring afterward.

Pro Tip: Keep a small, secure container in your toolbox or garden shed where you can safely store your ring while working. This way, it stays out of harm’s way and you can focus on the task at hand.

Shine Brighter at Bremer Jewelry

Your engagement ring is a precious symbol of love and commitment, and taking steps to protect it is essential. By knowing when to take off your ring, you can prevent damage, loss and wear, ensuring that it remains as beautiful and meaningful as the day you received it.

At Bremer Jewelry, we highly recommend bringing in your engagement ring for a complimentary cleaning and inspection every six months. Our trusted team will have your ring looking as good as new (or better)! With proper care and attention, your engagement ring will continue to shine for years to come, a timeless reminder of your love story.

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