5 Ways You’re Putting Your Engagement Ring at Risk This Summer

Summer is all about enjoying the sun, beach trips, and outdoor activities. But if you’re sporting a beautiful engagement ring, this season can also present some hidden risks to your precious jewellery. From swimming in the pool to grilling in the garden, there are a few secret dangers to your jewels. Here are five common summer activities that could put your engagement ring at risk, along with tips on how to keep it safe during these sun-filled months.

1. Swimming

There’s nothing like a refreshing dip in the pool on a hot summer day, but before you dive in remove your engagement ring. Pool water contains harsh chlorine-based chemicals, which can damage precious metals and gemstones over time. It’s best to store your ring safely before swimming to prevent chemical exposure. Chlorine can weaken the prongs of your ring, increasing the chances of stones becoming loose. And you don’t want to loose that ruby or sapphire! So keeping your jewellery away from the pool is the smart move.

2. Applying Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a summer essential, but it can quickly make your engagement ring look dirty or dull. While sunscreen itself won’t harm gold, platinum, or diamonds, it creates a greasy residue that can build up on your jewellery, diminishing its sparkle. To avoid this, remove your ring before applying sunscreen and wait until the lotion has absorbed before putting it back on. This way, your ring stays clean and brilliant, ready for any occasion.

3. Going to the Beach

Beaches can be a risky place for your engagement ring in summer. The combination of sand, seawater, and wide-open spaces means there are plenty of ways to accidentally damage or lose your ring. Sand is abrasive and can scratch the metal or get lodged in small crevices, while saltwater can tarnish some metals. To avoid any mishaps, it’s best to leave your ring at home when heading to the beach. If you do bring it along, be extra cautious, especially when applying sunscreen or swimming in the sea, to prevent it from slipping off unnoticed.

If you still want to wear a ring whilst you ride the wave. You could purchase a simpler band to use as a placement ring if you already have one to wear to places like the beach, pool, or even gym.

Learn more

• Which Finger Does a Wedding Ring Go On?
• How to Choose the Right Diamond Shape for Your Hand Size
• The Meaning Behind Coloured Engagement Rings: A Guide to Symbolic Gemstones

4. Cooking and Grilling

Summer often brings outdoor barbecues and cooking, but these activities can be risky for your engagement ring. Before you handle food or man the grill take off your jewellery. Whether you’re shaping burger patties or kneading dough, food can easily get trapped in your ring, making it difficult to clean. Worse, you could risk damaging your ring by exposing it to high heat or grease. Store your ring safely in a dish or container away from the cooking area to keep it protected.

5. Indoor and Outdoor Cleaning

Whether you’re a cleaning afficianado or hate even the idea of tidying it’s a job that’s got to be done (even in summer). However, indoor and outdoor cleaning tasks can expose engagement rings to harsh chemicals. While mild cleaners like window spray are generally safe for most jewellery, stronger substances like bleach can cause irreversible damage. So we highly recommend that you remove your ring while cleaning or wear protective gloves to protect your jewellery. This simple step will help preserve your ring’s shine and prevent unnecessary wear and tear.

A Final Tip: Insure Your Ring

No matter how careful you are, accidents can still happen. That’s why it’s always a good idea to insure your engagement ring. Having insurance provides peace of mind in case your engagement ring is lost, stolen, or damaged (summer or winter). With proper care and a little extra attention during summer activities, you can keep your ring safe and sparkling for years to come.

Enjoy your summer to the fullest, but don’t forget to take precautions to protect your engagement ring from potential damage. By being mindful of when and where you wear it, you can avoid common mishaps and keep your ring in tip-top shape.

Sunny Skies with The AJC

If you want extra information on a ring purchased through us or are looking for an engagement ring and want to make sure it suits your partner’s lifestyle. Why not come visit us in our London showroom? We’ll make sure you leave in a “sunshine state of mind”.