Caring for Antique Wedding Rings
How to Preserve their Beauty
Brides today are more likely to appreciate and desire antique weddings rings than they were in the past. Brides are likely to find other brides wearing versions of their ring if the ring was purchased at a standard jeweler. With antique wedding rings, you have a more unique piece of jewelry that no one else will be wearing. Here are a few tips—that are also relevant for a groom planning to propose—for making sure that your ring retains all of its sparkle, shine, and beauty:
- Do not mix your ring in a drawer with other jewelry or in a jewelry case, as pieces can easily scratch each other.
- Store the ring in a dry and clean place, preferably in a soft, fabric-lined jewelry box (with dividers), or in a single box with tissue or silk fabric around it.
- Use a soft brush (if needed) to remove dirt or other grime. Make sure the brush is extremely soft, and that the bristles are not hard enough to scratch.
- Soak the ring in a warm solution of water and liquid detergent; then swish the ring around and rinse it with warm water. Dry with a lint-free cloth.
- Do not take the ring to a pool that uses chlorine. Bleach and other chemicals can cause damage or discoloration.
- Try not to touch the diamond (or other stone) with your hands. Try to handle the ring by the band.
- Use a wooden toothpick or dental floss pick to carefully push dirt away from your diamond or other stone. The key is, be very careful not to scratch it. If you are worried about damaging it, it is better to have your jeweler clean it.
- Go to your jeweler at least once a year to have your ring checked for loose prongs, worn mountings, and other signs of wear. Have your ring cleaned every few months, if possible. Note: it is also possible to buy a small machine to clean your ring, such as an ultrasonic cleaning machine. They can be useful in some cases, but it is imperative to check with your jeweler first to see if the type of machine you are going to purchase is safe for the particular material(s) your ring is made of.
- Do not wear your ring when doing hard work, as it can be chipped.
- When you wash your hands or take off your ring to do dishes, do not leave it on the edge of the sink, or anywhere where it can easily slip down the drain.
Note: The same recommendations and rules apply to all mens wedding rings, whether they are vintage gold, platinum, or a modern titanium. Today there are some new materials often used for the groom’s ring, such as tungsten carbide and titanium. Though tungsten can be permanently polished, and is much harder than gold, it is still susceptible to scratches. Some say that because tungsten is heavier than other metals, they are more likely to notice if it has fallen off. Even with titanium rings, it is likely that you will notice varying degrees of denting, surface marks, and scratching. It is important to take off any ring when doing rough work or labor.
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