Handcrafted wedding rings are a symbol of love, unity, and commitment. These custom-made treasures hold personal meaning and should be cared for to maintain their beauty and longevity. Proper maintenance not only keeps them looking their best but also preserves the craftsmanship invested in each piece by your wedding ring creator. Whether your rings are simple or elaborately designed, these maintenance tips will help you protect your investment.
1. Clean Your Rings Regularly
Handcrafted wedding rings require regular cleaning to maintain their shine. Over time, dirt, oils, and other residues can dull their appearance. Cleaning your ring every two weeks helps prevent build-up that could damage delicate details. A gentle solution of warm water and mild dish soap is ideal for most materials. Use a soft toothbrush to carefully remove any grime from crevices without scratching the surface.
For customised wedding rings with precious stones, ensure each stone’s setting remains secure during cleaning. Stones like diamonds can be cleaned with the same soap solution, but softer stones such as pearls or opals require more delicate handling. Avoid harsh chemicals as they can erode metals or affect the polish of gemstones.
2. Remove Your Ring for Certain Activities
Though handcrafted wedding rings are made to last, some activities expose them to potential damage. Consider removing your ring when engaging in physical tasks such as gardening, exercising, or handling heavy equipment. Chemicals used in household cleaning agents, such as bleach and ammonia, can also harm metals and gemstones.
If your customised wedding ring includes softer stones or intricate designs, it is particularly vulnerable to knocks or exposure to rough surfaces. By taking your ring off during high-risk activities, you help prolong its appearance and structure.
3. Store Your Ring Properly
Storing your wedding ring correctly is essential for protecting it from unnecessary wear. When not being worn, place your ring in a fabric-lined jewellery box or a soft pouch to prevent scratches. If you have more than one ring, avoid letting them rub against each other as this can cause damage over time.
Handcrafted wedding rings, especially those with intricate designs or multiple gemstones, require special care in storage. Ensure that the ring is kept in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, which can cause certain gemstones to fade or metal to tarnish.
4. Schedule Professional Maintenance
Even with regular care, it is advisable to schedule periodic maintenance with your wedding ring creator or a trusted jeweller. Professional cleaning and inspection ensure that the settings of your ring remain secure and that any minor issues, such as loose stones or worn metal, are addressed promptly. This helps maintain the structural integrity of your customised wedding ring, preventing more significant damage in the future.
During the inspection, the jeweller can also polish the ring, restoring its shine and making it look as beautiful as the day it was made. Regular professional check-ups are essential, especially for rings with complex designs or valuable gemstones.
5. Avoid Harsh Environments
Environmental factors can significantly affect the longevity of your handcrafted wedding rings. Prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures, high humidity, or direct sunlight can cause metals to tarnish and gemstones to lose their lustre. Keep your ring away from saunas, swimming pools, and hot tubs, as the chemicals in treated water can be harmful to both metals and stones.
Customised wedding rings crafted from certain metals, such as silver or white gold, are particularly prone to tarnishing when exposed to air for extended periods. A quick polish using a soft cloth can help mitigate this, but keeping your ring away from harsh environments is the best preventative measure.
6. Handle Your Ring with Care
Proper handling of your wedding ring ensures it stays in the best condition for as long as possible. Always hold your ring by the band, not the gemstone, as this reduces the risk of oils from your fingers transferring onto the stone and dulling its brilliance. Avoid dropping or knocking your ring against hard surfaces, as this could cause chips, scratches, or worse, damage to the stone setting.
For handcrafted wedding rings with softer stones or unique engravings, extra caution is needed. Stones such as emeralds, opals, or pearls are more prone to damage and require gentle handling to ensure longevity.
Conclusion
Caring for your handcrafted wedding rings is not difficult, but it does require some attention to detail. Regular cleaning, careful storage, and avoiding hazardous environments all contribute to the ring’s longevity. With these simple maintenance tips, your customised wedding ring will continue to shine for years to come, reminding you of your special day every time you wear it.
For expertly crafted custom-made rings in Singapore, contact More Than Diamonds today.