On a hot summer day, nothing beats relaxing in the sun. However, your diamond engagement ring could be seriously damaged while you're relaxing by the pool or strolling through the park. Here, we'll look at how summer can ruin your ring, as well as some helpful hints for avoiding costly damage.
Summer Heat and Humidity
Diamonds are not affected by the sun because of their stability. However, after prolonged exposure to sunlight and humidity, certain metals and gemstones may fade or change color. Amethyst, citrine, topaz, and aquamarine are examples of gemstones that may be affected.
Fracture-filled gemstones are those that have been injected with glass, wax, or oils to hide flaws and imperfections. These treatments can make the stone more heat-sensitive. If you think your ring might be affected by the sun, try limiting your exposure to it and ask your jeweler if you're not sure.
Too Much Sunscreen
Although sunscreen is a must-have for your skin in the summer, it does more harm than good to your ring. Sunscreen is water and chlorine resistant, so it's going to be rough on your bridal bling. If you get sunscreen on your diamond engagement ring, it forms a film over the diamond, preventing it from sparkling and shining as it should.
Sunscreen can also dry up and become stuck inside the ring (on the bottom of the diamond and in between the prongs), preventing the diamonds from glinting to their full potential.
However, don't avoid applying sunscreen. Remove your engagement ring before applying lotion instead. If you get sunscreen on your diamond ring by accident, gently scrub it off with a toothbrush, soap, and water.
Pool Time Perils
Chlorine does not harm diamonds, but it does harm to some semi-precious gemstones. Long-term exposure to the chemical may cause them to fade or deteriorate. Chlorine can also discolor the metal band of your ring.
This is especially true of white gold. To make white gold completely white, it is plated with white rhodium. Over time, the plating can wear away, allowing the gold's natural yellow tint to show through. Chlorine-based chemicals can help speed up the process.
Gardening Gremlins
While you may enjoy tensing and nurturing your flowers and vegetables all summer, gardening can wreak havoc on your ring. Despite the fact that diamonds are the hardest of all gemstones, they are not indestructible. If you hit them hard enough, they will crack and scratch.
In addition, while gardening, the metal of a ring can be scratched, and if the gouge is too deep, it can be difficult to polish away. Wear protective gloves if you must tend to your flowers and shrubs while wearing your diamond engagement ring. Better still, take it off for a little while, as it's better to be safe than sorry!
