Caring for Your Engagement Ring
An engagement ring is one of life’s most meaningful pieces of jewellery. It represents love, commitment, and a beautiful moment held in the very palm of your hand. At Lily Arkwright, we’re proud to create ethical and sustainable rings designed to be worn and cherished every day.
As your ring journeys through life with you, everyday wear and tear is inevitable. With the right care, however, your engagement ring can remain as radiant as the day you received it. Whether you're wondering why your diamond looks a little cloudy or asking yourself if it’s safe to wear your ring in the shower, this latest in our series of handy engagement ring guides has you covered.
Should I Clean My Engagement Ring?
Regular cleaning is an essential part of caring for your engagement ring. Over time, oils from your skin, lotions, dust, and other daily grime can build up and dull its brilliance. This is often the reason your diamond looks cloudy or grey, despite it appearing flawless when purchased. If your stone doesn’t have visible inclusions but has lost some of its sparkle, it’s very likely that dirt has accumulated inside the setting or behind the stone itself.
The good news? A gentle clean can make all the difference, restoring your ring to its former sparkle in just a few minutes.
How Often Should I Clean My Engagement Ring?
For rings worn daily, we recommend a light clean once a week. This regular upkeep keeps residue from building up and helps maintain the stone’s natural brilliance. If you want to go a step further, consider a professional clean and polish once a year.
At Lily Arkwright, we offer a clean and polish service for all of our engagement rings starting from £60. For those who prefer expert care, our professional cleaning service ensures your ring is restored to a near-new finish while also checking for any structural issues that might not be visible to the naked eye. Not only will your ring be comprehensively cleaned and polished, but it will also be fully inspected by our master jeweller. If you would like to show your Lily Arkwright ring some love, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
How Do I Clean My Engagement Ring?
Caring for your ring at home is simple, safe, and effective. Begin by preparing a mild cleaning solution by mixing a few drops of gentle dish soap into a bowl of warm water. Avoid using any harsh chemicals, bleach, or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage both the metal and the stone.
Place your ring in the solution and let it soak for 20 to 30 minutes. This helps loosen any grime, especially in the hidden corners behind the diamond. After soaking, gently brush the ring using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Pay extra attention to the underside of the stone and around the setting, where dirt tends to gather.
When you're satisfied, rinse the ring under warm running water, making sure to plug the sink or use a bowl so nothing goes missing. Finally, pat it dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid paper towels or tissues, as these can leave scratches on the metal or the stone.
While this cleaning advice can be applied to a range of fine jewellery pieces, we can also offer specialist cleaning and care advice for specifically moissanites in our moissanite care guide.
Can I Wear My Engagement Ring All the Time?
While it’s tempting to wear your engagement ring around the clock, there are moments when it’s better to take it off to protect it from damage or dirt. One common question we hear is, ‘can I wear my engagement ring to bed?’ Technically, yes, but it isn’t recommended. While you sleep, your hands may press against pillows or get caught in bedding, which can gradually wear on the setting or scratch the metal.
Wearing your ring in the shower can also dull its shine. Soaps, conditioners, and shampoos leave behind residue that causes the stone to appear foggy. Even if you rinse thoroughly, buildup over time can reduce its brilliance.
Similarly, it's best to avoid wearing your ring while swimming. Chlorine in pools can react with metals, especially gold, leading to discolouration and weakening of the setting. If you’re headed to the beach this summer and are wondering, can I wear my engagement ring in the sea?, our recommendation would always be not to.
Salt water is no better than pool water, as its abrasive particles and corrosive nature can damage both stone and setting. Submerging your hands in cold water can also cause your fingers to shrink, increasing the risk of the ring slipping off unnoticed.
Lily Arkwright Bespoke Halo Ring
When to Take Off Your Engagement Ring?
There are several daily moments where it’s wise to take off your ring, starting with when you apply hand cream, perfume, or hair products. These beauty staples often contain oils and chemicals that can cling to your jewellery, creating a hazy film over your diamond. The same goes for cleaning or cooking. Household cleaning agents, even seemingly harmless ones, can degrade metals over time, and ingredients like vinegar, citrus juice, and even flour can build up in and around the setting.
If you’re gardening, going to the gym, or doing DIY work around the house, leave your ring in a safe spot. These activities often involve contact with hard surfaces or materials that can scratch or dent the metal, or worse, loosen the stone.
When you’re not wearing your ring, it’s best to store it in a soft-lined jewellery box or pouch. Keeping it separate from other pieces helps prevent scratching and tangling.
Why Choose Professional Cleaning?
Though at-home cleaning works well, there’s nothing quite like a professional polish. Our clean and polish service at Lily Arkwright includes a comprehensive cleanse to restore the ring’s shine and a full inspection by our expert jeweller. If any specific treatments or repairs are needed, we’ll let you know exactly what your ring needs to look its best.
Booking is simple. Just send us an email or schedule a consultation, and we’ll guide you through your options.
Lily Arkwright Consultation Service
A Little Care Goes a Long Way
Your engagement ring is a symbol of love and a daily part of your life. With regular at-home cleaning, occasional professional care, and a few mindful habits, your ring will continue to sparkle brilliantly for years to come.
So whether you're wondering, can I wash my engagement ring?, or you've noticed that your diamond has gone dull, remember: a bit of attention is all it takes to bring it back to life. At Lily Arkwright, we’re always here to help you care for your forever piece.
Ethically made, beautifully crafted, and truly timeless.