Some people believe it’s bad luck to take off your engagement ring, but this isn’t true. In fact, there are some situations where you absolutely should take your engagement ring off, or you could risk damaging it or losing it.
Knowing when to take off your ring and when to keep wearing it is often down to the type of ring you have, the metal and the setting. Read on to learn more about how these factors will influence when you should remove your ring, and which situations will absolutely require you to take off your ring to keep it safe.
What determines when you should remove your ring?
The most important factor to consider is the metal type. If you have a ring made from a soft metal like gold, rose gold or silver, then you’ll want to remove it any time it’s at risk of getting scratched.
While platinum rings are stronger, there are still some instances when you would want to remove your ring. For example, if you’re playing sports or engaging in certain outdoor activities like rock climbing or sailing, you’ll want to remove your ring to protect your hands. If the ring gets caught, you could risk catastrophic injuries to your hand and fingers.
The setting of the ring will also determine when you should remove it. For example, a cathedral setting or solitaire setting with prongs holding your stone in place will be more vulnerable to bumps, knocks and scrapes than a bezel setting ring.
And finally, you should also consider the stone. While diamonds are one of the hardest substances in the world, you’ll still want to protect it from harsh chemicals, which is why you should always remove your engagement ring before cleaning or getting into a pool.
When should you take off your engagement ring?
Many people fear taking off their engagement ring too often, because it means that they could end up losing it or misplacing it. This is a natural fear, particularly if your ring is very valuable.
To counter this, the best solution is to always keep your ring in the same place when you take it off. You could add it to a necklace, or pin it to your clothing. This will mean that if you aren’t wearing it, it will be one of a few safe places.
The following are some conditions when you should absolutely remove your engagement ring, or else cover it to protect it.
When you’re cleaning the house
Chemicals can damage the band and stones, so you want to limit exposure to cleaning supplies. If you’re cleaning the house, either wear rubber gloves to protect your ring, or take it off and store it somewhere safe. Chemicals can also lead to tarnishing, which will mean you have to clean your ring more often. To avoid this, take off your ring while you are cleaning and store it somewhere safe.
When you’re going swimming
Whether you’re going swimming in a pool, a lake, the ocean or just hopping in a hot tub, you should always remove your ring. There are a few reasons for this. Firstly, chemicals in pool water are bad for your ring and can lead to tarnishing which dull the shine. The chemicals are also bad for many different stones.
Secondly, if you’re jumping into cold water, your fingers may shrink a little, which could lead you to lose your ring. The cold water might also make it difficult to feel the ring slipping off your finger, so you won’t realise until it’s too late. If you’re heading for water, keep your ring somewhere safe, or use a silicone bumper ring to keep it securely on your finger.
When you’re hitting the gym
There are a few reasons you should remove your engagement ring at the gym. If you’re hitting the cardio machines, the sweat could react with the metals in your ring and lead to tarnishing. This will mean you have to have your ring cleaned more often.
And if you’re hitting the weights, the knurling on many barbells and other weights could scratch the soft metal of the band. You also run the risk of catching your ring on something and knocking the stones loose. When you head to the gym, try hiding your engagement ring in a hidden pocket, or invest in a zipper scrunchie that will let you store your ring around your wrist or in your hair.
When you’re getting ready for a night out
Cosmetics, hairspray, moisturiser and other products can also build up on your ring and leave it looking dull and tarnished. To protect your ring, take it off before you start getting ready. It’s a good idea to have a small ring dish in your bedroom so you can keep it somewhere safe when you get ready.
Even showering can be bad for your engagement ring. You’re more likely to lose your ring in the shower when your hands are soapy, and if it falls down the drain, it could be lost forever. Oily soaps will also dull its sparkle and exfoliating scrubs could damage the band.
When you get married
Some people choose to take their engagement ring off when they get married. If you’re not the flashy type, you might want to switch for just a wedding band and save your engagement ring for special occasions. This is entirely down to personal preferences. If you work in a hand-on role, this might be easier than taking your engagement ring off multiple times throughout the day. You could also wear your engagement ring on a necklace, so you still get to wear it, but there is less risk of it getting damaged.
Closing thoughts
Regular ring maintenance is an excellent idea, as it will allow you to keep your engagement ring looking bright and brilliant, and ensure that the fixtures are strong and not at risk of coming loose. If you take your ring off at the right time, you can minimise the risk of damage or loss.
