How to Take Care of Your Wedding Rings to Last a Lifetime

Your wedding rings are among the most important pieces of jewelry you will ever own. As such, you want to take care of them so they hold their luster for years to come. Here are some of the best tips on caring for your rings properly to ensure they’re shining representations of the love you and your sweetheart have for every anniversary to come.

1. Take Them Off When Cleaning

While you may want to leave your ring on your hand because of its beauty, you'll often need to take it off. Think of how people often wear gloves to protect themselves from harsh chemicals in household cleaners. Removing your rings before cleaning can protect the precious stones and preserve their appearance for years to come, despite regular household activities.

Likewise, you shouldn't wear your ring during activities where you apply a lot of pressure or get wet. Avoid exposing your rings to water, chemicals and lotions, as they can corrode or tarnish your rings.

When you clean, wash your hands, take a shower or go to the gym, be sure to have a secure spot to play your rings when you take them off. Many people lose or break their rings by knocking them off of a counter or tossing them in a gym bag.

2. Don't Sleep in Your Rings

While it might be tempting to sleep in your rings, you might damage them from the tossing and turning you do. One of the prongs might get hooked on your sheets, or you could accidentally knock your rings against the furniture and potentially loosen a stone. Overall, it's safer for you to set your rings aside rather than wear them throughout the night.

Instead, find somewhere safe to store your ring overnight. While your wedding bands remind you of the lifelong commitment you and your partner have made to each other, you don't need to wear them all the time. Taking them off to sleep can help you preserve your rings for much longer and avoid the possibility of ruining them by accident.

3. Rely on the Experts

When in doubt, take your rings to an expert for cleaning. They'll be able to get into all the crevices and clean them properly, according to their design and material. The jeweler who sold you your ring should know how to clean it properly and give you instructions on how to care for it at home. That way, you can start your own jewelry cleaning routine using only the best materials suited for your unique rings.

You shouldn't try to dig any dirt out of your ring on your own. Ideally, you'll only need to give your rings a polish now and then to keep them shiny and full of luster. Make sure to polish them with a cloth in between professional cleanings, which should be scheduled once or twice a year. A professional can also examine the stones and tell you if any are loose or need replacing.

4. Get Jewelry Insurance

Getting your jewelry insured might be one of the best options for you, especially if you lead an active lifestyle or want to wear your rings through most of your daily activities. You should especially consider this type of insurance if you travel a lot. Thrill-seekers will be happy to know that jewelry insurance covers your wedding rings getting stolen or lost, but it also covers when a ring is unintentionally damaged at home. It's a great option for one of your largest investments.

5. Find Proper Storage

Your wedding ring deserves better than to be thrown to the side when you're not wearing it. Since 1-carat diamonds can cost up to $6,000, you want to protect the investment of your love and commitment to your partner. Storing your rings properly is one way to ensure the stones all stay safe and in place.

You can use a jewelry dish, but you must be careful to ensure the rings don't overlap. Otherwise, it may cause scratching or damage to one or more of the bands. Alternatively, you could find a jewelry box with soft cushioning to protect your rings from scratches or touching other jewelry. With the proper storage, your rings will last a long time.

Protect Your Rings to Keep Them Around for a Long Time

Protecting your wedding rings is easier than you might think. Before participating in a particular activity, ask yourself whether it will be intensive or potentially damage your jewelry. Then, you can remove your rings for the duration of the activity and slide them right back on afterward.

The true commitment with your sweetheart lies in the vows you say to one another, not in the rings themselves. It's okay to take them off now and then to care for them and preserve the symbol of your unending love — and to show that nothing can break your bond.