When you get engaged, one of the most important things to do is to protect your ring. You'll have a great time showing it off to anyone who asks to see it, but eventually, you'll probably want to take it off.
Maybe you're going to the gym and don't want to damage it, or maybe you just need a break from wearing such an expensive piece of jewellery. So, is it bad luck to take off your engagement ring?
Many people believe that it is bad luck to take off your engagement ring, and there are a few reasons why. In this blog post, we will explore the origins of this superstition and discuss whether or not it is actually bad luck to remove your ring.
The history of engagement rings and their meaning
The first engagement ring can be traced back to 1477, when Archduke Maximillian of Austria proposed to Mary Burgundy. The tradition of giving an engagement ring as a symbol of love and commitment soon spread throughout Europe, and by the 19th century, it was common for couples around the world to exchange rings when they got engaged.
The engagement ring became a status symbol, and the more expensive the ring, the greater the display of wealth.
In recent years, however, the tradition of giving an engagement ring has come under scrutiny. Some people believe that spending a large amount of money on a piece of jewellery is unnecessarily extravagant and that the money could be better spent elsewhere.
Others believe that the engagement ring is a symbol of outdated gender roles and that the woman is effectively being bought by the man. That said, engagement rings are still incredibly popular with couples.
Is it bad luck to take off your ring?
So, what does all this have to do with taking off your ring? Well, some people believe that taking off your engagement ring is bad luck because it symbolises a lack of commitment to the relationship. After all, if you're willing to take off your ring, then you must not be that committed to the person you're engaged to, right?
But is this superstition actually based in reality? Is there any evidence to suggest that taking off your engagement ring is actually bad luck?
As it turns out, there is no real evidence to support the idea that taking off your engagement ring is bad luck. In fact, most of the reasons people believe this superstition are based on outdated ideas about engagement rings and their meaning.
So, if you're thinking about taking off your engagement ring, don't let superstition stop you. And in many cases, it could be a good idea to take off your engagement ring to protect it from damage.
When should you take off your engagement ring?
There are a few situations where you might want to take off your engagement ring, even if you don't believe in superstition. For example, if you're going to be doing a lot of manual labour or working with harsh chemicals, it's probably best to remove your ring to prevent damage.
Many cleaning products and something as simple as washing up liquid can damage your band and stones. Going swimming in your ring is also a bad idea. Not only do you risk losing the ring if it falls off your finger, but the chlorine in the pool can also damage diamonds.
How to store your engagement ring when you're not wearing it
If you do decide to take off your engagement ring, it's important to store it safely. The best way to do this is to keep it in the box it came in or in a special jewellery box where it won't get tangled up with other pieces of jewellery.
It should be kept in a cool, dry place, away from extreme temperature changes. Keeping it in a special bag will help to keep it separate from other jewellery items and also prevent it from tarnishing.
Alternatives to wearing an engagement ring
If you're not comfortable wearing your engagement ring all the time, there are a few alternatives. For example, you could wear your ring on a necklace or pinned to your clothing on a decorative brooch.
You could also simply keep it in a safe place when you're not wearing it. You should always get your ring insured so that you can replace it if it's lost or stolen. This might offer some comfort and reassurance.
What to do if you lose your engagement ring
If you do lose your engagement ring, don't panic. The first thing you should do is retrace your steps and see if you can find it. You could also post on social media to see if anyone has found your ring in a specific place in the local area. Speak to the police to see if anyone has handed it into the local station. And finally, make sure you inform your insurance company.