Depending on the types of stones in your engagement ring, some may be more susceptible to damage from everyday chemicals. Softer stones such as emeralds, opals and pearls can lose their fabulous lustre when exposed to cosmetics, perfume, hand cream and soaps, so it’s always best to keep these away from your jewellery until fully dry on the skin. 

These seemingly harmless products will also gradually strip away the rhodium plating on white gold (quicker than the normal wear and tear does), meaning you will need it re-plating more often. We always recommend that your jewellery should be the last thing you put on when getting ready!

No matter how hard the stones are in your engagement ring, you should always be mindful of the settings holding them in. Everyday tasks such as showering and washing your hair can add unnecessary strain on rings, as hair can get caught around the claws without you noticing. 

Always make sure you remove your ring when you're cleaning, chemicals mixed in with a rigorous cleaning session would be a recipe for disaster for the settings of your engagement ring, so best to take them off altogether for safekeeping!

It's also a good idea to put your ring somewhere safe when your gardening or doing some DIY as we don't want any unnecessary dirt coming into contact with your beautiful ring! These activities can also damage the band, changing the shape and altering the way they fit you.

The same goes for cooking and baking, it's always wise to take your ring off when you're in the kitchen. Chopping ingredients, food splatter and even the risk of it accidentally ending up in the bin are real concerns, so taking off your ring while cooking or baking is a smart move. 

We’d like to think this one goes without saying, but you just never know! Strenuous activities such as mountain biking, running or lifting weights in the gym will compromise stone settings and whip the band out of shape in no time. We recommend taking it off for things like this, out of harm's way!

Also bear this in mind with everyday tasks such as carrying heavy shopping bags, or wrapping the lead around your hand when walking the dog can be risky. You can’t always be expected to take off your jewellery in the moment, but the more you consciously remember to take care of it, the better. 

Although diamond is the strongest material in the world, it is not invincible. Catching your diamond at the wrong angle on the wrong surface can lead to fractures and chips.

If you feel like you may have compromised the settings in your engagement ring or would just like some reassurance, you can book in for us to check it over for you here at Jessica Flinn Fine Jewellery. We can assess and advise upon seeing it in person, as would any other reputable nearby jewellers.