Your Engagement Ring. Things to consider…

When we think of a perfect engagement ring, we mostly think of the style of the ring and the shape and size of the diamond.
The thought of the ring's durability hardly ever crosses our minds. However, what other piece of jewelry do you wear as often as your engagement ring?! Let's talk today about how you can keep your engagement ring's durability and for it to look great every day.
Diamond rings, in general, and diamond engagement rings are meant to be enjoyed! That’s why so many of us wear our jewelry every day. When you wear your diamond ring this much, it becomes subject to wear and tear. Every time you bump, rub or scratch your jewelry you may be causing some harm. This happens mostly with rings…especially, engagement rings. 

Purchasing an Engagement Ring that will last a lifetime.  

When you're shopping for an engagement ring, keep in mind that this fine piece of jewelry will be worn every day. It should be comfortable, flattering, and durable enough to withstand the rigors of daily wear. Of course, you also want the ring to be a symbol of your love and commitment, which is why many couples choose a diamond engagement ring. Diamonds are the hardest natural material on Earth, so they're very resistant to scratching and chipping. Diamonds' resistance does not mean it is indestructible. Diamonds can break, get scratched, or be chipped. That means that you will have to take good care of your diamond and your engagement ring so that you will be able to enjoy your ring for years to come.

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Diamond shapes

Round and oval diamonds

Round diamonds are the most popular shape for engagement rings, and they are also the most durable. The round shape means that there are no sharp corners or edges that can get caught on things or break. As such, diamonds with no corners (round and oval shapes) or smooth corners (cushion cut) have less of a chance to be damaged.

Princess cut
Princess cut diamonds are also very durable, but they have more edges than a round diamond, so they require a bit more attention.

Emerald, pear, and marquise shape diamonds
Emerald, pear, and marquise diamonds have pointed corners that can sometimes chip or break if they are hit hard enough. So if you're looking for a durable engagement ring, that is something you may want to consider. Speak with your jewelry consultant about  a setting that will not only look lovely, but perhaps protect your diamond as well.

Metals

When you're shopping for engagement rings, it's important to think about the durability of the setting. The setting is what holds the diamond in place, so you want to make sure it's strong enough to stand up to everyday wear and tear. 14K and 18K gold are both popular choices for engagement ring settings, but they differ in terms of strength and durability. To understand the strength and durability of metals most often used in engagement rings, let's talk about metallurgy - a study of metals - and briefly discuss the two metals most often used in jewelry making-- gold and platinum.

Gold 

Gold has been a popular choice for engagement rings for centuries, being a symbol of wealth and success. As such, the engagement ring setting made of gold conveys status and prestige. With all these benefits, it's no wonder that gold is such a popular choice for engagement rings. There are many reasons for this. 
Gold is an enduring metal that will last a lifetime, and it can be polished and repolished to restore its original luster. Gold is also a very malleable metal, which means it can be shaped into a wide variety of designs. In addition, gold is hypoallergenic, meaning it is unlikely to cause skin irritation or other allergic reactions (unless you are allergic to the metals in the alloys - a metal or a combination of metals added to the pure gold to make the metal more durable. And finally, gold is a timeless metal that looks beautiful with any type of stone. Whether you're looking for a classic solitaire or a modern halo setting, gold can provide the perfect backdrop for your engagement ring.
Let's look at the composition of gold most often used for engagement rings. Pure gold is 24K gold. Pure gold is very soft and usually is not suitable for jewelry. 18K gold contains 75% of pure gold and 25% of alloys. 14K gold contains 58.3% of pure gold and 41.7% of alloys. The purer gold in a metal, the softer the metal is.  That makes 18K gold softer and more susceptible to scratches and dents than 14K gold. 14K gold is less pure, so it's harder and more resistant to damage. 

Whether you choose yellow gold, white gold, or rose gold setting, gold is simply beautiful, giving engagement rings a timeless elegance. Just keep in mind that white gold starts as pure yellow gold and obtains its white color by adding specific alloys. Because of that, the white gold will eventually show its yellow tint and would need to be rhodium-plated to keep its white color. 

Platinum 
Platinum is a much rarer metal than gold, and it is also more durable and hypoallergenic. In addition, platinum has a natural silvery-white color that complements any diamond or gemstone. While gold engagement rings are certainly beautiful, they simply cannot match the beauty and prestige of a platinum engagement ring. Since we are talking about engagement rings' durability, platinum is extremely durable, meaning that it will withstand everyday wear and tear far better than gold. Platinum engagement rings are so tough that they can be passed down through generations as family heirlooms. So if you're looking for a high-quality ring that will last a lifetime, platinum may be the perfect metal for you. Ultimately, the best metal for engagement ring settings depends on your personal preferences and budget

You can find more information about precious metals on the IGS (International Gem Society) website.
IGS - learn about precious metals

Engagement ring styles

An engagement ring's style can affect a ring's durability. When it comes to engagement rings, there are three main styles: solitaire, halo, and three-stone. Perhaps, you chose a custom engagement ring that does not fall into one of the traditional ring styles. There are only two aspects to a perfect engagement ring style; the beauty of the ring and its comfort and durability. Each style has its unique look, and each one comes with its own set of pros and cons in terms of durability. For example, solitaire engagement rings have a classic, timeless look that will never go out of style. However, because there is only one stone in the setting, a bit of care is required. 
Halo engagement rings are also quite popular, and they offer the added benefit of extra protection for the center stone. 
Three-stone engagement rings are another option, and they tend to be quite durable due to the simple setting. However, because three-stone engagement rings have three stones instead of just one, it is a good idea to have your jeweler periodically check all three stones to make sure they are nice a tight.
The engagement ring's style is an important consideration when choosing an engagement ring. It is important to think about how you will wear your ring and what type of setting will best suit your lifestyle. If you are looking for a classic and timeless

Engagement rings are well loved, so require some care

Over time, any engagement ring is subject to wear and tear. Even the most well-made ring can start to show signs of damage after years of daily use. When you notice the damage that your engagement ring starts showing, do not blame yourself for it. Wear and tear is a normal process resulting from years of wearing and enjoying the ring.
The good news is that there are some easy steps you can take to help keep your ring in great condition. By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your engagement ring will retain its beauty for many years to come.

Tips to keep your diamond engagement ring in great shape longer

• Make sure to remove your ring before doing any activities that could potentially damage it, such as gardening, going to the gym where you might be lifting weights, or cooking. 

• Be careful not to expose your ring to harsh chemicals, such as bleach or detergent. 

• When not in use, store your ring in a soft cloth pouch or jewelry box. 

• Have your ring professionally cleaned and inspected at least once a year, or better yet, every six months. 

• Have your prongs that hold your diamonds professionally checked to make sure the prongs are wearing properly and are protecting your diamond from getting lost. 

At Roman Jewelers, we strongly encourage our clients to bring their rings into the store every six months or so, to allow us to check the prongs to ensure they are wearing properly. We will also clean your jewelry while you wait, which always results in the same “Wow!” reaction.

How to Clean your Diamond Engagement Ring at Home  

One of the best ways to clean your engagement ring is also the simplest—and that’s just using soap and water. Mix a mild solution of dishwashing liquid and warm water and soak your ring for a few minutes. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub away any dirt or grime that’s accumulated on the setting or diamond. Brush the inside of the ring and the area under your center diamond. Rinse your ring thoroughly with warm water and dry it with a soft lint-free cloth.
You should never use harsh chemicals, such as bleach or ammonia, to clean your engagement ring. These chemicals can damage the metal and setting, and they may also dull the diamond. Abrasive cleaners, such as toothpaste or baking soda, can also damage the metal and setting. If you need to clean your ring more thoroughly, we recommend taking it to a professional jeweler.

Store Your Diamond Ring Carefully

When you’re not wearing your engagement ring, store it in a soft cloth pouch or jewelry box. This will help protect the ring from scratches.
Do not store your ring in a jewelry box next to other diamond jewelry as diamonds scratch diamonds. That is why placing your engagement ring into a soft cloth is recommended. This would also prevent the diamond in your engagement ring from scratching other pieces of jewelry in your jewelry box.

Have Your Ring Professionally Cleaned and Inspected Regularly

We recommend having your engagement ring professionally cleaned and inspected at least once a year, or better yet, every six months. This will help ensure that the ring is in good condition and that any damage is caught early. At Roman Jewelers, we offer complimentary cleaning and inspection. By following these simple tips, you can help keep your engagement ring looking brand new for many years to come. 

Insure your Engagement Ring

An engagement ring is a big investment, so you want to do everything you can to protect it. That's why insuring your engagement ring is a smart choice. Your ring will be covered in the event of loss, theft, or damage. The cost of ring insurance varies depending on the value of your ring, but it's a small price to pay for peace of mind. There are a few different ways to get insurance for an engagement ring, and the best option for you will depend on your circumstances. Many homeowners’ insurance policies will cover engagement rings, so if you have existing coverage, that may be the simplest option. You can also purchase a separate insurance policy for your engagement ring. This can be a good choice if you don't have other insurance coverage or if you want more comprehensive protection. Whichever option you choose, insuring your engagement ring is an important step in protecting your investment.

What does insurance cover? 

But what does ring insurance cover? In most cases, engagement ring insurance will cover the cost of the ring if it is lost, stolen, or damaged. Some policies may also cover the cost of repairs if the ring is damaged. However, it's important to read the details of your policy carefully before you buy it, as some policies have exclusions and limits on what they will cover. For example, some policies might not cover engagement rings that are lost or stolen while you are traveling.

Roman Jewelers is Here for You

Roman Jewelers is always available to inspect your ring or provide any advice about caring for it. We offer a free professional evaluation of your ring to identify any areas of weakness and provide solutions to make sure your ring lasts a lifetime (or longer). Stop by our store today or call us at 908-575-1242 to schedule an appointment. We can’t wait to help you keep your beautiful engagement ring looking its best for years to come!