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As a jewellery insurance company, we see diamond rings subjected to every type of wear and tear imaginable. But we also know a thing or two about how to reduce or prevent most of this damage.
Read on for some of our suggestions on how to take excellent care of your precious jewellery.
Wearing rings beside each other on the same finger for extended periods of time can cause deep wear marks. Not only to the band, but to the claws (the little prongs holding the stone in place) as well.
Wear on the claws can be especially troublesome, since a damaged claw can cause your stone to become loose and fall out of the setting.
The safest bet is not to wear multiple rings on the same finger for extended periods where possible.
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When the size of a ring is adjusted, there may be visible solder joints. These are very common and not always a problem, but a highly visible solder joint could mean it has worn away or sustained damage, in which case it might be a weak point and prone to breakage.
If you’re concerned, visit your jeweller and ask them to inspect it. They’ll let you know if the joint is a problem or not.
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This can be easy to miss without removing and carefully inspecting your ring.
When a ring is bent, it will result in a weaker structure. This might lead to further bending or complete breakage. This not only affects the strength of the band, but the shoulder settings could become loose. The main setting is also at greater risk of breaking away completely.
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Hold the ring up to your ear and tap it with your finger - do you hear a rattling sound? Do you notice rough edges developing, or that threads have begun catching on the claws?
These signs all could mean that a setting is loose. Take your ring to a jeweller for maintenance as soon as possible, as the claws can easily be adjusted or re-tipped.
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Use warm water, mild dishwashing soap, and a soft-bristled brush and cloth. Soak your ring in water with the soap, then gently brush above and below the gemstones. Dab it dry with a soft cloth.
We also recommend that you take your ring to your preferred jeweller for an annual check and clean.
For more tips on cleaning your jewellery, blogclick here.
The final, and most important tip we can provide, is to insure your jewellery with a policy which will fully cover your loss in the case of a claim. Many people are shocked and disappointed when they read the fine print, or worse, at the moment they actually make a claim and find out they weren't covered adequately. Click here to read more about your best options for jewellery insurance.
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