5 Things You Need to Know Immediately After You Say "Yes"

 

He liked it, so he put a ring on it. And you've been walking around showing it off all day, and every one of your friends keeps saying "Ooh, he did so good!" 

He did, he really did (unless you designed it or picked it out...and then you did, too), and you cannot stop smiling at that sparkly rock on your left hand (wow, it's gorgeous). But then you have to use the restroom, or wash your hands before dinner, or go to sleep, and you pause; can you use soap on it? Can you shower with it? If it's a little loose, will it fall off if you go swimming or cooking? Should you sleep with it on?

These are all questions that don't seem to be common knowledge, despite the amount of married women around. But it's okay - Kadlee's got you covered! 

Here are 5 tips for keeping your ring safe and in glittering condition: 

#1 – Have It Insured IMMEDIATELY 

We've cringed at hearing stories of newly engaged couples that didn't take this seriously and then dropped the ring down a drain or lost it in a public restroom somewhere. We honestly recommend that you have it insured before you even POST that engagement ring selfie - what's more awkward than losing it after you've already bragged about it to the world? And just the blow to the fiancé...he spent all that time picking it out (unless you designed it, and then it's just as bad) and probably three - four months of his salary only to have it gone forever? That's awful. And easily preventable. Insure your ring. 

There are a few ways you can do it. You can insure it through your jeweler, which likely has insurance policies available, or through a company that specializes in jewelry insurance and will have total coverage options. You can also have it covered under your renter's/homeowner's policy as what's known as a "rider" (policy extension). It won't automatically be included with your normal property coverage, though, because that only covers items up to a certain dollar value, so you do need to purchase this extension, and if you move, remember to update documentation accordingly. 

Depending on which route you take, you'll probably have to have the ring appraised and provide a description or closeup photo to the insurance carrier. Also, have your ring appraised every five years or so, as the value will go up for precious stones. 

 

 

#2 – Clean It, But Carefully 

Most influencers in the wedding industry (including some of our favorites, Vogue, Martha Stewart Weddings, The Knot) say that it is perfectly acceptable to, every few weeks, mix warm water with a few drops of soap/gentle dish detergent in a mug or safe container, and then let your ring soak overnight, scrub it it with a soft toothbrush, and put it back on your finger (covering the drain, of course). However, harsh chemicals and hand lotions can be really damaging. We've heard from many brides who have gone to the jeweler to have it steam-cleaned and say that it was extra sparkly after, so that's also an option!

 

 

#3 – Don't Take It Off Too Much

We get that you want to be super careful with it, and protect it from any chemicals or liquids or dust or wear and tear as much as possible. It's natural - this ring is currently your most beautiful possession, and you want it to last! But the more you take it off, even if you're very careful with it, you run the risk of losing it or having it stolen. It could be taken off of a counter in public restroom, slip in the drain as you're washing your hands...if it stays on your hand, you minimize the risk. 

Of course, there are some times when you should take it off. When you're swimming, your body heat changes and your fingers may shrink in size, causing the ring to be looser and more likely to fall off. Chlorine is also damaging for your ring, and sand can get underneath the setting. If you have a particularly delicate ring, consider taking it off before athletic activities, and if you use exfoliating soaps or special shampoos that could scratch or dull the diamond, maybe take it off before you shower....but honestly there aren't many occasions when you need to remove it! If you do remove it, make sure to put it in a secure location that it can't fall out of. Whether you want to sleep with it is a matter of preference. 

 

 

#4 – Schedule a Maintenance Check

Over time, prongs can become loose, and you may not even realize it. While you don't have to go in all the time, we recommend going to see your jeweler for a checkup at least once or twice a year, just to ensure everything is in good condition! If something is loose, it's better to find out and address the problem by having it tightened there rather than losing a stone later. 

#5 – Remember What It Is 

Just because diamonds are supposed to be durable doesn't mean you can treat the ring itself like any other piece of jewelry. Polished diamonds are susceptible to chips, and if you put it through needless abuse, it can be damaged easily. Remember that it's a fragile, lovely piece that is supposed to last your entire life! Don't ever throw it in a box with other jewelry, and be careful what you bump it against. Also, remember what it represents - your epic, lifelong love. Ah. That alone should mean you value it like it's the most precious thing you'll own, and treat it accordingly! 

 

 

Have any other questions? We can help answer them! Leave a comment or message us, or email us at info@kadlee.com.