Whether you’re currently engaged or soon to be, there’s really nothing you want less than to take your engagement ring off. And we don’t blame you! That sparkly ring is now the symbol of your eternal love, but it’s probably one of the most valuable items you’ll ever own. While a diamond is the strongest gemstone, there are still some times when it’s better to take your ring off for safekeeping.

But have no fear! We’ve compiled a list of the 8 times you shouldn’t wear your engagement ring, as well as a few other tips to keep your ring shining its best. 💍

1. Doing Household Chores

Everyday tasks such as cleaning, gardening, and moving furniture can cause accidental damage to your ring. When handling cleaning products, be sure to wear rubber gloves to protect it from the harsh and abrasive chemicals found in many household cleaning-agents. While these cleaning products make your living space sparkle, they make your ring dull.

2. While You’re Sleeping

You may be thinking, “What damage could I possibly do while I’m sleeping?” Turns out, while you’re catching ZZZs, your ring can get caught on your bedding and even your hair, especially if you toss and turn in the night. This can loosen the stones or bend the setting. If your ring has sharp edges or prongs, you could also scratch yourself or your significant other during your slumber.

Keeping a ring dish on your nightstand is a great way to remind yourself to remove your ring before hitting the sheets and get a good night’s sleep knowing that it’s safe by your bedside.

3. Primping

Lotions and other beauty products such as moisturizers, sunscreen, and oils are some of the biggest culprits of diamond ring dullness. Applying these products while you’re wearing your ring will cause product to buildup over time. Other beauty products such as toothpaste and acetone can even discolor or weaken your ring. To keep your symbol of love in mint condition, make it part of your beauty routine to put your ring on after you’ve finished doing your. If you forget to take it off, be sure to gently clean it to prevent buildup.

4. Working Out

If you’re headed to gym to sweat it out, leave your ring behind. Especially if you’re planning on doing exercises that involve weights, it’s better to keep your ring safe at home and reunite with it after your shower. Free weights can cause scratches, chips, and even loosen stones, not to mention your finger can get pinched!

If your finger is feeling naked without it on, companies like Enso Rings offer silicone ring alternatives for when it’s not safe to wear your real one.

5. When going swimming

If you’re planning on going for a swim, leave your ring at home. First, cold water can cause your body temperature to drop, making your fingers shrink. This makes it easier for your ring to slip off. If you lose your ring in a lake or ocean, you probably won’t be getting it back. Also, salt water can also create a film to buildup on the stones and setting, so the next time you’re headed to the beach, 🏖 leave your ring at home. And this applies to pools, as well. Chlorine and other pool chemicals can erode certain ring materials and metal alloys.

6. Cooking

This probably goes without saying, but it can be easy to forget: remove your ring before any cooking 👩‍🍳 or food prep, especially handling any kind of raw or ground meat. The last thing you want is for your engagement ring to become bacteria-ridden. Sanitation is the new sparkle when it comes to your ring and working in the kitchen. Plus, you risk your ring slipping off when rinsing anything in the sink. If you can, keep a ring cone in the kitchen as well to prevent it ending up in the garbage disposal.

7. While taking a shower

A surefire way to dull your ring’s sparkle is by bringing it into the shower or tub with you. All that scrubbing and soaking can really do a number on your band (heavy-duty exfoliants may even scratch it). You also don’t want to take the chance of your ring accidentally fall down the drain!

8. While Traveling

If you’re headed out for vacation, it may be a good idea to leave your ring at home - especially if you plan on participating in adventurous activities. It is really easy to lose jewelry when you’re zip-lining, bungee jumping, boating, etc.

Whether you’re married, engaged, or still shopping for the perfect engagement ring, it’s important to know how to properly care for your ring. With routine maintenance, knowing when to take your ring off, and insuring it - your ring is sure to stay in great shape for a lifetime! 💍

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