Who would have thought that a hand sanitiser would become everyone’s carry-on item. Although the world changed in more than one way, some things remained unaltered. People are still confessing their love to each other, celebrating momentous occasions and tying the knot.
Now that you’ve entered the new phase of marriage life, you’re probably wondering how to preserve the brilliance of your most treasured jewellery under the current hygiene policy. Don’t worry; we’ll lay out all the details about hand sanitisers and their impact on engagement rings to help keep your accessory intact and stunning as ever.
To let the cat out of the bag, cleaning agents do pose a threat to your band. Along with getting rid of bacteria, they dull the shine of a stone and accelerate tarnishing processes. It doesn’t happen right away, but constant infliction of hand sanitiser upon the jewellery is bound to wear it off. Substances like bleach, chlorine and rubbing alcohol are especially dangerous since they cause permanent damage. Panic, however not, if you follow simple steps to protect your ring, you’ll be in the safe zone. Plus, certain disinfecting agents are less provocative and don’t lead to irreversible consequences.
Which Sanitisers to Opt for?
When it comes to sanitisers, it’s important to note their chemical composition. Alcohol-based sanitisers will have little effect on your jewellery because they demolish germs only. Non-alcohol-based sanitisers, on the contrary, target everything on their way. Reactive free chlorine in the compound eats up metal shank and stone.
What Materials Are Less Prone to Chemicals?
Since yellow gold has no additional layers and the highest percentage of pure gold, it is least susceptible to hand-sanitisers. Platinum, with its outstanding durability and hardness, comes in second. The most “vulnerable” options remain white and rose gold—the rhodium plating on the surface and copper particles subject materials to corrosion and discolour. An on and off replating at jeweller’s can fix the problem, but it’s always better to stay ahead of things and treat your adornments properly.
How to Maintain Hygiene without Sabotaging the Lustrous Look of Your Band?
Refrain from applying cleaning agents directly onto your ring. If possible, take it off, wash your hands, dry them, and put it back on.
Select the “friendliest” product. The WHO states that sanitisers with 60% alcohol content are the most efficient and least irritating.
Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals by sticking to plain soaps.
Keep your ring pristine. Place the band into a bowl filled with warm water and dishwashing soap and let it soak for several minutes. For a more scrupulous clean, buy a toothbrush. It will help you reach dirt in cavities. Do it twice a week, and you’ll see the astounding difference.
Never utilise silver cleaner on anything but silver.
How to Take Care of Your Engagement Ring?
- Take off your band during hand-heavy activities. When jogging or training in the gym, leave your ring in the dish. If you are doing household chores, consider wearing rubber gloves. Remove the ring during water entertainment as well. Once your hands get wet, it’s easier for the band to fall out. There are tons of stories on the Internet about bridal’s jewellery getting lost in the seas and oceans. We don’t want such unpleasantry to happen to your cherished band.
- Purchase insurance. Think of your engagement ring as a financial instrument. Get its value estimated to protect your budget in case something happens. We recommend getting your jewellery appraised once in three to five years. If the stones get chipped, or prongs loosen, you won’t be left with the burden of splurging out.
- Minimise the touching of a centre stone. Precious gems act as natural magnets. If your stone appears hazy or smoky, it’s likely dust, dirt or body oil stuck underneath it. Before pulling off your band, grab the shank instead of the gem.
- Place several ring dishes near your bed, sinks in the bathroom and kitchen so that you could remove the band without dropping it down the drain or below some shelf.
- Bring your ring to the jewellery store once a year for a thorough inspection. An experienced artisan will determine the looseness of your prongs, security of a setting, radiance of a stone and hardness of a metal. The professional steaming will enhance your ring’s beauty and prolong its sturdiness. You can get regular checks for a reasonable price at the jewellery store in Sydney.
- Don’t do any ring manipulations in public places. Hand washing in a restroom is necessary but adhere to using soap and don’t put a band on the corner of the sink. You may forget it, or worse, it’ll slip off into the hole of the unknown.