Wearing your rings all the time? Did you know that there are many times throughout the day that we should not be wearing our rings? The wear and tear that builds up over the years from our daily activities can result in breakage, deformity, discoloration, and sometimes even loss of these significant pieces. Here are a few tips on keeping your rings safe.
We wear our rings daily because they are a symbol of a time or experience in our lives. Whether they are a gift, a family heirloom, an engagement ring, a travel memory, or just that piece of jewelry we loved while browsing a shop, looking down at our rings spark memories and feelings of happiness.
The durability of our rings will depend on the type of metal or combination of metals that it is made from. Each type of metal has its advantages and disadvantages. The most common metal in ring makings gold because it is very malleable and easy to work with. Your rings may also be made of platinum, which is the most expensive and luxurious; palladium, which is the rarest; titanium, which is durable and hypoallergenic; or silver, which is often the most affordable.
Understanding what our rings are made from is important. Our rings are still vulnerable to damage from scratches, dings, abrupt impacts, bumps, chips, and snags. It is important that we know which activities cause the highest risk to our rings and when we should be taking them off and storing them safely in The Ring Keeper. This is a great tool for keeping your rings safe.
Remove your ring while exercising & playing sports
It is important to stay active. Depending on the intensity of our workout or sporting endeavor, our salty sweat and the equipment we use can cause wear and tear on our rings. Precious stones can be knocked out of their settings. The band itself can be banged up which could change the shape of our rings over time.
No rings while swimming
Whether we are at the beach, poolside, or in a thermal bath, the saltwater and chemicals can be harsh on our rings. Our rings can also easily slip off our hands without us even knowing because our fingers shrink in colder water.
Apply products without your rings on
All of the lotions and products we apply to our bodies can get stuck in the crevices and prongs of rings. This makes them hard to clean. This build-up allows dirt and other particles to collect. This might even cause the gemstones to loosen and fall out.
Cleaning can cause wear & tear
Harsh chemicals and bleach in our cleaning products can damage the metal bands and the gemstones in our rings. These substances can cause rings to dull, weaken, or crack as they break down the metals and finishes. Our rings are also susceptible to bumps, snags, and scratches as we perform different cleaning activities.
Remove your rings for gardening
Dirt, sand, rocks, clay pots, and common gardening and yard work tools can cause serious abrasions to your rings. Small particles can get stuck between the prongs or in the crevices causing further damage.
Knowing this, we might be asking ourselves, why do we leave our rings on when we know we should be taking them off? It’s because we don’t feel like we have a safe place to stash them. In the past, I used to toss my ring into the bottom of my purse, in my wallet, or a random pocket, which often resulted in worry or panic as I searched my handbags and clothing.
For peace of mind, when not wearing your rings you’ll want to have a place to store them. The velvet box your ring came in, a dish beside your bed, or even a Ring Keeper, are great ways to keep your rings safe. Whether around the house or on the go, I always know where my ring is securely stashed.
This article about keeping your rings safe can be found in the Fall/Winter 2024 issue of The Wedding Ring Magazine
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT DHERESE, THE RING KEEPER | To speak with Dherese, The Ring Keeper about your wedding options, you can reach them using the form below.
