How to Care for Your Engagement Ring (And Why They’re Not Indestructible)

Your engagement ring is one of the most meaningful pieces of jewellery you’ll ever own.
It represents love, commitment, and a very special moment in your life.

But here’s the honest truth — an engagement ring is not indestructible.

No matter the stone.
No matter the metal.
No matter how expensive it is.

This guide explains exactly how to care for your engagement ring, in the simplest way possible, so it lasts for many years — and why rings today are different from the ones our grandmothers wore.

First Things First: What an Engagement Ring Is (and Isn’t)

An engagement ring is:

  • Fine jewellery

  • Delicately made

  • Designed to be worn with care

An engagement ring is NOT:

  • A tool

  • Gym equipment

  • Something you never take off

  • Indestructible

If you remember one thing from this article, let it be this:

If your hands are busy, your ring should be off.

The Golden Rule of Ring Care (Easy to Remember)

👉 Take your ring off when you:

  • Shower or bath
  • Wash dishes
  • Clean the house
  • Go to the gym
  • Swim (pool or ocean)
  • Sleep
  • Apply lotions, perfumes, or hair products
  • Lift heavy objects
  • Work with your hands

If water, pressure, chemicals, or force are involved — take the ring off.

Why This Matters (In Very Simple Terms)

Engagement rings are made of metal, and metal can:

  • Bend

  • Thin out

  • Wear down over time

Stones are held in place by tiny claws (prongs).
If the ring bends even slightly, those claws can move — and stones can loosen or fall out.

This doesn’t mean the ring is faulty.
It means it’s being used in ways it wasn’t designed for.

Caring for Different Metals (Especially 9ct Gold)

Sterling Silver

Sterling silver is a soft metal.

  • It bends easily

  • It reacts badly to water and chemicals

  • It is not ideal for everyday wear without care

Sterling silver rings must be removed during all activities listed above.

9ct Gold (Very Important)

9ct gold is stronger than sterling silver, but it is still not indestructible.

9ct gold:

  • Can scratch

  • Can bend under pressure

  • Can wear down over time

You must remove your 9ct gold ring when:

  • Cleaning

  • Exercising

  • Showering

  • Sleeping

  • Doing anything hands-on

Most damage we see in 9ct gold rings happens because:

  • The ring was worn during daily tasks

  • Pressure was applied repeatedly

  • The ring was never taken off

This is wear and tear, not a defect.

18ct Gold

18ct gold contains more pure gold, which makes it softer than 9ct gold.

  • Scratches are normal

  • Metal wear over time is expected

  • Care is essential

18ct gold rings need even more gentle handling.

Platinum

Platinum is very durable, but:

  • It scratches

  • It develops a soft, matte finish called a patina

This is normal and expected — not damage.

What “Wear and Tear” Actually Means

Wear and tear includes:

  • Scratches

  • Bent rings

  • Thinning metal

  • Prongs wearing down

  • Stones loosening due to pressure

  • Rhodium plating wearing off

  • Tarnishing or dullness

Wear and tear happens slowly over time, especially when rings are worn during daily activities.

This is normal for fine jewellery.

About Plating (White Gold & Rhodium)

If your ring is white gold:

  • The bright white finish comes from rhodium plating

  • Plating is not permanent

  • It wears off naturally with time and wear

Re-plating is normal maintenance — like servicing a car.

Plating wearing off is not a defect.

Why People Say: “They Don’t Make Rings Like They Used To”

This is one of the biggest myths in jewellery.

Here’s the truth:

In our grandmothers’ time:

  • Rings were often worn occasionally, not 24/7

  • Women didn’t:

    • Gym daily

    • Do chemical cleaning

    • Work hands-on jobs while wearing rings

  • Rings were thicker, heavier, and less delicate

  • Diamonds were often smaller and set lower

Today:

  • Rings are designed to be:

    • Elegant

    • Refined

    • Comfortable

    • Beautiful from every angle

  • People wear rings every single day
  • Lifestyles are far more active

Rings aren’t weaker — life is harder on them now.

The Truth No One Likes to Say (But We Will)

An engagement ring is not meant to:

  • Be worn 24 hours a day
  • Survive heavy daily tasks
  • Be exposed to chemicals
  • Never need maintenance

Caring for your ring properly is your responsibility as the wearer.

When cared for correctly, your ring can last a lifetime.
When worn without care, damage can happen — even to the strongest metals.

How to Protect Your Ring for Years to Come

  • Take it off when using your hands
  • Store it safely when not wearing it
  • Have it checked regularly
  • Treat it as fine jewellery — not an accessory

Final Word

Your engagement ring is a symbol of love — not a test of durability.

Treat it gently.
Respect its limits.
Care for it intentionally.

And it will stay beautiful for many years to come.