Taking Care of your Engagement Ring - FAQ’s

An Engagement Ring is likely to be your first ever piece of fine jewellery and will surely be the most valuable of your collection - both sentimentally and financially. So naturally as a bride-to-be there will be many questions about how to best care for it. 

While diamonds and gold are strong and durable, it’s important to balance between wearing your diamond ring at every opportunity and also making sure it is properly cared for. Diamonds and Gold are very strong and durable - but you also want to avoid unnecessary wear and tear or any unwanted damage.

The most frequently asked questions about engagement ring care usually revolve around when you should and shouldn’t wear your diamond ring. We’ve compiled together a list of our brides most frequently asked questions below to address common concerns about taking care of diamond rings. 

How do I store my Engagement Ring?

Whenever you are not wearing your ring, store your diamond in a jewellery box with a soft fabric insert (such as microfibre, velvet or satin) or fabric ring holder. It’s also a must to place your Engagement Ring separately from other jewellery so you avoid it being scratched by any other pieces in your collection. We recommend always putting your Engagement Ring in the same place whenever you take it off is a great idea - then you will never have to worry about where it is!

Can Diamond Engagement Rings get wet?

Absolutely. Water will not harm an 18ct Gold Ring or a Diamond. In fact, to clean your engagement rings, we recommend soaking your Diamond Engagement Ring every week in warm water for 20 to 30 minutes with mild dish soap to keep it clean and well maintained. For a quick weekly clean - use a very gentle soft toothbrush after the soak, and rinse again with warm water for an extra sparkle. 

See more: How to Clean Your Engagement Ring

Can I wear my Engagement Ring when I sleep?

Choosing to sleep wearing your Engagement Ring is all about your comfort and the individual design. If your ring has a high setting, it may snag on your bedsheets, your hair or scratch you or your partner whilst you’re sleeping. If your ring has a delicate and intricate setting it may also risk being damaged. Generally speaking, fingers swell from heat when you sleep, making the ring feel tighter and leaving you uncomfortable. The simplest answer is to take it off your engagement ring and keep it in a safe place whilst you rest.

Can I wear my Engagement Ring when getting ready?

Cosmetics, lotions and hair products can all leave a residue on your diamond making it look dull and lack-lustre.  It is better to add any jewellery pieces as the last addition to your outfit when you are getting ready to ensure they glisten and sparkle as they should. Also nobody wants to be cleaning make-up from their Diamond Ring - you’ll thank yourself later if instead you put it to the side.

Can I wear my Engagement Ring in the shower?

Whilst you probably won’t do any damage unless the design has a porous stone (such as pearl or onyx), wearing an engagement ring in the shower is not ideal. Soaps, shampoos and conditioners can affect the sparkle of the stone leaving a filmy residue on your diamond (these products have a habit of building up around the claws and smaller details of the setting) and is better to be avoided if possible. Plus, always be mindful if you take a shower whilst wearing your ring, that there is always the risk of your ring disappearing down the drain. 

Can I wear my Engagement Ring at the gym?

Wearing an engagement ring at the gym all depends on the workout. With low impact workouts like yoga or pilates, there is no harm in wearing your diamond ring. Even engaging in cardio such as running or spin class is fine to be wearing your diamond. However, if your workout regime looks more like kickboxing or weight/resistance training, we advise against wearing any type of fine jewellery. The metal and pressure of weights or machines are detrimental for your ring- and can easily scratch or bend the band.  Hand weights can even loosen the claws encasing the diamond, putting your diamond at risk! 

Can I travel with my Engagement Ring?

Traveling and wearing Diamonds overseas is a personal choice, but consider your destination and planned activities before deciding. If you’re planning a particularly active and adventurous nautre trip it may be safer to leave it at home compared to a 5 star luxury getaway where it could be entirely appropriate. When you’re considering, check your travel insurance to see if you are covered against loss or theft.  If you’re heading somewhere tropical, be aware that high humidity can cause 18ct gold to develop a slight tarnish, this can be easily polished away, but be aware that this can naturally occur to the ring with drastic changes in climate.

Can you swim with an Engagement Ring?

We strongly advise against wearing your Engagement Ring at the pool or in the ocean. Swimming in cold water causes fingers to shrink, increasing the risk of your ring slipping off. If you do forget to take it off and your ring has been in contact with the chlorine or salt water- clean it afterward by soaking it in warm water with a gentle liquid soap and use a soft toothbrush to remove any impurities.

For more: 4 Things you MUST do after you get your Engagement Ring

Final thoughts

Your engagement ring is more than just a piece of jewellery—it’s a symbol of love, commitment, and a lifetime of memories to come. Taking care of it is simple with a little mindfulness and the right routine.

If you’re looking to design a custom engagement ring in Melbourne, our team at Janai Jewellery is here to bring your vision to life. Contact us today to begin your journey to the perfect ring!