6 Ways You're Putting Your Engagement Ring at Risk This Fall

After your partner proposes, you’ll likely spend some time admiring your new sparkler. Regardless of whether you opted to shop for it together or wanted it be a complete surprise, you’ll likely fall in love with your jewel as you start to wear it on a regular basis. However, while you may diligently take the necessary steps to insure your engagement ring, you’ll also want to avoid causing unnecessary damage to your diamond.

Protecting your engagement ring from damage is a year-round affair. Yet, as summer turns into fall, it’s important to be aware of certain seasonal activities that can put your jewel at risk. As the temperature drops, a number of your daily habits might naturally change. For example, you may pull out your favorite coats and knit sweaters from your closet—and return to the gym after months of outdoor workouts. The upcoming holiday season, especially Thanksgiving, often results in additional travel and housework, altering your daily routine. While all of these tasks and autumnal to-dos may not seem significant when it comes to your engagement ring, they can often result in unwanted changes to your diamond. 

Here, we asked three jewelry experts to explain the key ways you’re putting your engagement ring at risk this fall, as well as how to avoid doing just that. Read on for all of their insights.

Wearing Sweaters and Knits

While you may be excited to reach for your plush sweaters as the seasons change, your beloved knits can wreck your sparkler. Such fabrics tend to snag on ring prongs, especially if your jewel is high set. If you notice that your piece is constantly snagging, visit your jeweler to have them push the prongs back down. In such a case, know that being proactive is key. “The more it catches, the more it’s going to lift and then eventually, you risk your stone falling out,” says Kegan Fisher, the founder of Frank Darling. 

Heading Indoors to Exercise

As the weather cools, you may start to head indoors for your workout. However, certain exercises, such as weightlifting or Pilates, can bend your ring out of shape. “If you wear your ring to the gym, you inevitably end up putting pressure on the inner band,” Fisher says. To be safe, consider removing your sparkler before heading to your workout.

Cooking

One of the most food-centric holidays falls during the fall season: Thanksgiving. While you may be excited to serve some of your favorite dishes to loved ones, beware of where you put your sparkler while cooking. Instead of just placing this valuable jewel to the side of your dinner plates, be intentional about storing it or covering it during the preparation process. “Nine times out of ten, it’s probably going to get lost,” says Sheryl Jones, the founder of Sheryl Jones Jewels. As a result, she recommends wearing a pair of protective gloves over the piece as you cook. If you would prefer not to cover your diamond, consider finding a designated dish or drawer to store it in while you chop, Fisher says. 

Cleaning

Even though you may be saving the bulk of your cleaning for the spring season, you may want to tidy up certain areas of your home before hosting family members or friends for the holidays. However, note that some cleaning products, such as bleach or detergents, contain corrosive chemicals that can dull your diamond and weaken your band over time. As a result, Fisher and Allen Benzer, the owner of Bianca Jewelers, recommend removing your ring when handling such harsh materials.

Going on a Vacation

It’s easy to misplace your ring when you’re away from your usual environment. “The biggest thing is to make sure that your ring fits,” says Jones. Otherwise, it may slip off at the airport or your destination. Fisher also warns against taking off your ring in a public bathroom, as you may forget to put it back on.

Adjusting to a New Temperature

As the temperature changes, your fingers tend to swell and contract. “You are never a constant finger size 12 months of the year,” Benzer says. “You just have to adjust for a size that’s going to work for you most of the time.” When selecting your ring, he suggests doing multiple fittings with a jeweler to see how it fits at various points of the day. If you notice your ring getting looser months after purchasing your sparkler, know that it is possible to get sizing beads for the colder months—or to ask your jeweler to resize the band. Ultimately, a well-fitting ring should be snug at the knuckle.