How Often Should You Take Your Engagement Ring to the Jeweler for a Tune-Up?

If you recently started wearing a diamond engagement ring on your finger, congratulations are in order! There are few things more exciting than saying "yes" to the love of your life and getting to glance down at a gorgeous piece of jewelry that reminds you of that special day. One of the first things you should do after accepting a proposal is to insure your ring and learn how to care for it.

Don't worry: Diamond engagement rings are typically very sturdy pieces of jewelry, so little upkeep other than cleaning is required. With that being said, Slisha Kankariya, founder of Four Mine, an online jewelry retailer specializing in engagement rings, points out that no piece of jewelry is indestructible. That's why it's important to take great care of your ring from the start-not wearing it while cleaning, exercising, gardening, or cooking is also important. "While a ring can be cleaned, it's difficult to get every last bit of grease it at home, so you should avoid putting it in contact with harsh chemicals and cleaning solutions that can be abrasive and impact the look of the metal," she says.

Cleaning your ring can be done in the comfort of your own home with a simple solution. Josh Levkoff, of Josh Levkoff Jewelry, recommends cleansing your ring with warm water, gentle dish soap, and a toothbrush, or purchasing an Ultrasonic Machine which will remove all the dirt, hand sanitizer, and any lotion off of your stone. "You can use both options every day, although once every other week is more realistic for most busy people," he says.

Frequent at-home cleaning is great for keeping your ring sparkly, but you'll want to visit the jeweler every now and then for a deeper clean and a professional once over. This is the best way to circumvent many issues that can pop up unexpectedly, such as stones becoming loose, explains jewelry designer Matthew Trent. "Most reputable jewelers have the ability to clean and check your ring, even if it's just every six months, which will serve you well," he says.

Kankariya agrees, adding that even a professional check and cleaning once a year is a good idea. During this time, they'll inspect your ring for loose accent diamond, scratches, and general wear and tear. "Making sure that prongs are tightened and that the ring is in good structural condition will ensure that you can continue to wear and enjoy it," she adds.

Of course, if you notice anything off, it's recommended that you have your jeweler take a look at the ring as soon as possible, regardless of when it was last cleaned or inspected. "If you suspect a stone is loose or prongs are not tight, avoid wearing the ring to prevent further damage," adds Kankariya. "If you should need a repair, work only with the jeweler who made you ring to ensure the best results."