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    engagement ring care
    In Advice

    Engagement ring care tips to keep your sparkler looking new

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    While your ring may be built to last a lifetime, it still needs a bit of love along the way. Proper engagement ring care isn’t just about keeping it shiny for Instagram photos. It’s also about protecting a piece of jewellery that carries enormous sentimental value.

    Luckily, a few smart habits can help keep your sparkler safe, secure and dazzling for years to come.

    Take it off more often than you think

    It might feel strange removing your engagement ring after getting used to wearing it every day, but there are certain situations where it’s much safer off your finger than on it.

    Heavy lifting at the gym, gardening, cleaning with harsh chemicals and even sleeping can put unnecessary pressure on the setting and metal. Over time, this can loosen prongs, scratch the band or cause tiny stones to fall out without you even noticing.

    When you shouldn’t wear your engagement ring

    Your engagement ring is designed for everyday wear, but there are some situations where jewellers strongly recommend taking it off.

    At the gym

    Weights, resistance machines and even certain yoga poses can bend bands, loosen stones and scratch metal. Pavé settings are especially vulnerable during workouts because tiny diamonds can shift under pressure.

    In the shower

    Soap, shampoo and conditioner create buildup that leaves stones looking dull and cloudy. There’s also the very real possibility of your ring slipping off and disappearing down the drain.

    While cleaning

    Household cleaning products often contain harsh chemicals that can damage metals and gemstones over time. Bleach and chlorine are particularly harsh on jewellery.

    At the beach or pool

    Cold water causes fingers to shrink, making rings easier to lose without noticing. Sand can also scratch metal and get trapped underneath settings, while chlorine and salt water may weaken certain metals over time.

    While sleeping

    Sleeping with your ring on can create unnecessary wear from friction against bedding, and overnight swelling can sometimes make rings uncomfortable or difficult to remove.

    During gardening or DIY projects

    Soil, tools and rough surfaces can easily scratch or dent your ring, while dirt buildup underneath stones can dull sparkle surprisingly quickly.

    When applying skincare or beauty products

    Lotions, oils, sunscreen, perfume and fake tan can all leave residue behind that affects shine. It’s best to put your ring on after finishing your beauty routine.

    During certain holidays or travel

    Adventure holidays, hiking trips and busy tourist destinations can increase the risk of damage, loss or theft. Some brides-to-be choose to wear a travel ring instead for peace of mind.

    If there’s ever doubt, jewellers tend to follow one simple rule: if an activity could scratch, loosen, bend or expose your ring to chemicals, it’s safer off your finger than on it.

    Put your ring on last

    When getting ready, your engagement ring should be the finishing touch.

    Perfume, hairspray, fake tan, moisturiser and makeup can leave residue on your stone over time, dulling its sparkle much faster than you’d expect. Jewellery experts often recommend applying all beauty products first and slipping your ring on just before heading out the door.

    Keep a ring dish nearby

    One of the easiest engagement ring care habits to adopt? Ring dishes.

    Place one next to your bed, another in the bathroom and maybe even one in the kitchen. Having designated safe spots around your home means you’re far less likely to leave your ring balanced precariously on a sink edge or wrapped in a tissue somewhere.

    And yes, everyone thinks they’ll remember where they put it. Until they don’t.

    Clean your ring regularly

    Even the most brilliant diamond can start looking dull thanks to lotions, soap, makeup, sunscreen and the natural oils on your hands.

    Thankfully, you don’t need anything fancy for at-home engagement ring care. A small bowl of warm water with a drop of mild dish soap works perfectly. Let the ring soak for a few minutes, then gently clean around the setting with a soft toothbrush before drying it with a lint-free cloth.

    A gentle clean every few weeks can make a noticeable difference to your ring’s sparkle.

    Book professional check-ups

    Just like your car needs a service, your engagement ring benefits from a professional once-over too.

    Jewellers can check that the prongs are still secure, inspect the setting for wear and professionally polish the metal to restore its shine. Tiny issues that you might never notice yourself can often be caught early before they become expensive problems.

    If your ring suddenly starts snagging on jerseys, blankets or towels, don’t ignore it. That can sometimes be a sign that the claws or prongs have lifted slightly and need attention.

    Know your metal

    Different metals require slightly different care.

    White gold rings, for example, are usually coated in rhodium plating to achieve that bright silvery finish. Over time, the plating naturally wears away and may need refreshing every few years.

    Make sure your ring actually fits properly

    A ring that’s too loose is risky, while one that’s too tight can become uncomfortable and difficult to remove.

    Finger sizes naturally fluctuate throughout the year depending on temperature, lifestyle changes and even hydration levels. In colder weather especially, fingers can shrink enough for rings to slip off more easily.

    If your ring constantly spins, slides or feels uncomfortably snug, it may be worth visiting a jeweller for resizing or sizing beads.

    Proper engagement ring care starts with making sure your ring fits securely in the first place.

    Consider jewellery insurance

    It’s not the most glamorous part of being engaged, but insuring your ring can save a lot of stress later on.

    Insurance can help cover theft, accidental damage or loss, particularly if you travel often or wear your ring daily. Many jewellers provide valuation certificates that make the process much easier.

    It’s also smart to keep clear photographs of your ring, along with any certificates or valuation documents, in a safe place.

    Hopefully you’ll never need it — but having that peace of mind is worth it.

    Not all gemstones are created equal

    While diamonds are famously durable, other gemstones require a gentler approach.

    Emeralds, opals, pearls and softer stones can be more vulnerable to knocks, heat, chemicals and even sudden temperature changes. If your engagement ring features a coloured gemstone, it’s worth asking your jeweller about the best cleaning and care methods specifically for that stone.

    Don’t panic about taking it off

    There’s an old superstition that removing your engagement ring is somehow “bad luck”. Thankfully, that’s exactly what it is: a superstition.

    Looking after your ring properly doesn’t say anything about your relationship. If anything, careful engagement ring care simply means you want this sentimental piece to stay beautiful for decades to come.

    ALSO SEE: (Don’t) put a ring on it

    (Don’t) put a ring on it

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    destination proposal
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    How to pull off the perfect destination proposal

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    Planning the perfect proposal is nerve-wracking, exciting and maybe even a little overwhelming, all bundled up neatly into one big knot in your stomach. Throw in an unfamiliar destination, and that knot gets a little bigger. But don’t fear, we’ve got the fool-proof guide to making it go as smoothly as possible:

    Do your research beforehand

    By planning ahead, you’ll take a little pressure off yourself as well as have more peace of mind about how it’s all going to play out. Have a plan of where, how and when you’d like to pop the question, but don’t expect it to work out exactly as you see it in your head. When the moment is right, you’ll know, but also don’t be too stressed about changing it up in case of unforeseenable elements, like the weather.

    That said, make sure you’re aware of what’s happeing in the area you’re planning to propose in, especially if you’ve never been there. Do a little internet search beforhand to see if any events are happening, if the area is a sacred place perhaps, or if  any of the areas are restricted. It will also be handy to look at popular scenic locations, or romantic spots that other people have popped the question at for some inspiration.

    Communicate with your hotel

    …or resort, B&B, or wherever you’re planning on staying. Even if you’re not planning to propose at the place you’re staying at, they’ll most likely make some extra effort to make it romantic for you if they know what your plans are. Some places even organise some complimentary champagne, a romantic dinner, or some rose petals in your room for after you’ve popped the question.

    Insure the ring

    Before you even leave for your getaway, make sure the ring is insured. Things happen, but if you’re planning to propose while away, it’s the last thing you’d want to worry about. Get the ring insured for in case a stone pops out, or heaven forbid, it gets misplaced or stolen. It’s the responsible thing to do anyway, plus it will put your mind at ease.

    Hide the ring, safely

    Packing is stressful enough as it is, or at least for some. But making sure the ring stays safely hidden from your fiance-to-be’s eyes is extra daunting. If you don’t want to worry about it falling out of your pocket, or your partner accidentally seeing it in your bag, pack it in your check-in luggage. However, if you’re scared of your luggage getting lost or delayed (because yes, these things happen), keep it safely stashed in your carry-on. Rather safe than sorry, right?

    Furthermore, if you’re worried about it being discovered at customs, it’s a good idea to place the ring box inside a bigger, nondescript box with a note inside to give the inspector or security guard a quick heads up in case they have to take a closer look.

    Don’t wait until the last minute to propose

    You want to wait for that perfect moment, but don’t wait until the last day of the trip. Nerves might not be your best friend, so your partner might notice that you’re acting a little differently. A little anticipation is good, especially if your partner is kind of expecting it, but if you propose earlier on, you’ll have more time to celebrate it in a special place.

    Don’t overthink it

    Sometimes it’s best to just go with your gut. If the moment feels right, go for it, even if it doesn’t go with your plans. Being spontaneous and it being unexpected sometimes makes the moment that much more special.

    ALSO SEE: Alternative engagement ring stones

    Alternative engagement ring stones

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    What to eat before and on your wedding day

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    Feeling your absolute best on your wedding day is non-negotiable. We asked Loredana Loots, an integrative nutrition and holistic health coach, for her advice on what to eat before and on your wedding day:

    “With only a few days to go and a whirlwind of emotions, arrangements and final prep, you may (understandably) not give much thought about what you are eating and drinking. What you consume actually has a major impact on how feel – physically, mentally and emotionally. Every couple deserves to look and feel like a million bucks on their special day. These handy food secrets are a must!

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    How to include your blended family on your wedding
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    How to include your blended family on your wedding

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    Parenthood doesn’t require DNA and some people already have children, either from a previous relationship or before marriage. When they decide to marry other people and bring their families together, they create a blended family.

    Bringing your families together and including them in your big day is a sweet way to honour them. Here are some ways to do it, and make sure no one feels neglected or left out.

    Have a unity Ceremony

    Unity ceremonies are meaningful rituals performed during your wedding to represent becoming a union and the joining of lives, families and communities. Being highly symbolic, there are multiple ways you can do this, which can be personalised to your new family. One idea is to write meaningful letters to each other and read them out during the ceremony, then put them in a jar to keep as a family symbol.

    Give them roles

    Another way you can include your blended family is by assigning them roles. From a ring bearer to a flower girl, the possibilities are endless. This is guaranteed to make them feel included in the ceremony and when you are all looking at the wedding album, they will be delighted to see themselves featured and having participated.

    Give them gift

    Gifting is one of the five universal love languages, it shows the next person that you have thought of them and value them enough to gift them. Give them the same or similar gifts to your biological kids, or get them something they have always wanted.

    Presenting something special to your new child/children is a wonderful gesture to symbolise that they are an important part of this new family.

    Include them in the planning 

    Kids love doing exciting things, to them everything is playtime and by including them in the planning process, you get the chance to bond with them. Let them participate in everything from cake tasting to licking invitation envelopes.

    Encourage them to invite a few of their best friends and their family members to the wedding so that they have familiar faces apart from you.

    Have a family dance 

    After the first dance, invite the kids to come out and join you on the dance floor to their favourite tune. It would be extra fun and special if you practiced a dance prior to the wedding. You can even give them the task of coming up with the steps to our dance routine as the kids of the family.

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    7 questions people forget to ask before their big day
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    7 questions people forget to ask before their big day

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    You have your wedding day all figured out and you think that you have ironed out every bit of information. However, there might be things you have always wondered about, but never had the courage to ask. Or maybe you have simply never thought about it, so now is a good time to think it over.

    Here are a few questions no one ever thinks to ask before their big day.

    How do we kiss when we kiss?

    This is a big one. Remember, you will likely have your whole families, including children present at the ceremony. Understandably, you are madly in love and emotional to boot. But now is not the time to give people a sneak peek at your honeymoon.  Keep it simple and tasteful. Ideally, no tounge should be involved and let’s keep those hands from exploring, shall we?

    How does a bride use the bathroom?

    The dress-and-bathroom question is a very easy one to slip your mind because of the excitement of your beautiful wedding gown.

    A smaller or simpler wedding dress offers much more flexibility but if you choose to go big, then it might be vital that you highlight this question with your designer. Make sure you do a practice run prior to the day to figure out the most practical way of using the bathroom without having to take off the dress entirely.

    What happens to the engagement ring?

    If you and your partner decide to exchange wedding bands in addition to your engagement ring, you may prefer to keep your ring fingers “clear” for the big moment. People have different traditions and beliefs so this is really an important thing to discuss with your partner before the wedding.

    You will find that some slip it back on after the ceremony or before they meet and greet guests or head off for photographs. Others might leave it safely back home.

    How’s everyone getting to the reception?

    Transport for your guests is one of the most important things to consider when planning a wedding. Will the people you are inviting bring their own cars? Does the venue accommodate cars? Are you going to opt for the casual approach in which everyone finds their own way or bus or a string of limos? Make sure all the guests are informed about the arrangements.

    Is it okay to request that guests wear a certain colour?

    It is your wedding day and the colour of the day should be something you come up with. However, it might be unreasonable to expect guests to wear only a certain colour, style or theme. We say the best way is to let everyone wear what makes them feel comfortable. You can always show the colour scheme of the wedding on the invitation, and add a playful hint that everyone is welcome to dress up accordingly. However, make sure there is no pressure.

    What’s the backup plan?

    There are many aspects of your wedding day over which you have a lot of control. Unfortunately, there are others you absolutely do not. So, it’s important to have a backup plan in case anything changes, like a storm occurring at an outdoor wedding.

    Will you be exchanging gifts?

    Many couples exchange gifts on their wedding day and some even give gifts to the parents of their partner. It’s a good idea to have a discussion prior to the actual day about whether you want to give presents or not and what is expected.

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    Proposals fails that are so bad, you can’t look away

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    A proposal is a special moment, one to remember forever. For this exact reason, you want it to go perfectly according to plan.

    Unfortunately, things don’t always work out the way we want them to. While a slight deviation from the plan is okay, there are some proposals that went so far off course that they cannot be salvaged.

    Here are a few fails that will have you cringing in embarrassment.

    The break up:

    This couple is known for pranking each other and sometimes going too far, so it’s no surprise that a prank would be part of their proposal story. The girlfriend decided to fake a break up with her partner as a prank, going so far as to say that she had accepted a job in another country and is not in love anymore. After an argument and tears, her partner goes back into the apartment and returns with an engagement ring to admit that he had been planning to propose.

    Please say yes:

    Public proposals are always risky because there is so much room for error. Despite planning a sweet proposal at a live basketball game, this proposee forgot to factor in whether his partner would actually say yes. She said no in front of hundreds of people before walking away awkwardly, leaving her ex needing to receive comfort from the mascot.

    A courting fail:

    This couple met in a mall, so this man naturally thought it would be the appropriate place to propose. Mic in hand, he broadcast the proposal in front of a throng of shoppers. As he tried to go down on one knee, his partner literally grabbed him and tried to stop him from proposing. He persisted, and she ended up smacking him over the head with a ukelele before storming off.

    Spring it on him:

    While on the Jerry Springer show, this woman felt it was the perfect time to propose. She handed her partner a bowl of popcorn, which contained his ring. After she proposed, her partner continued to eat the popcorn in silence as the audience stared. He then rejected her, saying she’s too clingy and secretive. He then admits to cheating on her twice, the most recent time being with her friend. Just when you think it couldn’t get worse, the ‘friend’ he cheated with showed up and a physical fight ensued.

    Never ask questions:

    In another Jerry Springer proposal, things seemed to be going so well. He proposed and she accepted, before turning to Jerry and asking ‘Is that it?’. Unfortunately, that wasn’t it. The man admitted to cheating on her with her friend. The bouquet of flowers he had proposed with then turned into a weapon.

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    5 things to consider when planning your wedding registry
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    5 things to consider when planning your wedding registry

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    It is very frustrating to receive three of the same thing from different people as a wedding gift. This is because people think in similar ways and they normally don’t know what to get you and so they resort to common gifting. As the bride, you can avoid this and the admin that comes with it. Here’s how:

    Don’t wait until the last minute

    Start planning and send out your registry ahead of time, you want your wedding registry to be one of the things you do at the beginning of your wedding planning.

    Making and setting up a registry takes more time than you might expect it and deserves your attention because you won’t have time to redo it.

    Be realistic and practical 

    In your wedding registry, you should already be thinking ‘home’ and because of that, your gifts should be practical items that will make the transition of starting a new life easy.

    Make a list of things you want in your house but won’t be able to get soon, these should be the gifts your friends and family get you.

    Also be mindful of the people buying, you don’t want to make them pay exorbitant amounts but you don’t want cheap gifts, so get a few quotations on each item.

    Share your registry

    Once you’ve created your wedding registry, make sure you share it with your guests.

    This includes coming up with easy ways to access your registry. It could be online where a person can click and get it or share a link with your guests.

    Make sure to have a checklist option available for you and the people buying gifts, this makes it easy to see what has been bought and what is left.

    Make it a joint project

    Put aside some quality couple time to contemplate your future life together and think about what kinds of gifts would make you happy.Your partner must have input on the registry because this is the beginning of your life together, you don’t want anyone feeling left out.

    Look for great deals 

    Before choosing where to register, find out what kinds of perks and discounts you might get.Approach your desired shops for a registry, they usually give discounts for bulk registry purchases.This option helps get expert advice from someone who’s knowledgeable.

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    Couple slammed after ranking wedding guests' importance on invite
    In Do's And Don'ts

    Couple slammed after ranking wedding guests’ importance on invite

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    One of the toughest decisions engaged couples can make while planning a wedding is their guest list. Of course, you want your closest family and friends present on your special day. However, sometimes its not possible to include everyone. If your wedding venue has imited space, you have to make the choice on who to include and who to leave out.

    One couple faced this conundrum and instead of keeping their guest list small, they decided to let their guests know exactly what’s going on. In a wedding invite, the unnamed couple explains that they have had to “categorise” guests to ensure they do not surpass capacity restrictions.

    “Dear friends and family, please understand that our venue is limited in the number of guests we’ll be able to accommodate for our wedding day,” the invite reads. “As much as we’d love to have each and every one of you join us on our big day, we’re forced to split our guests into groups to ensure we don’t surpass our capacity restrictions.”

    Guests were separated into Groups A, B and C. Group A are the special few at the top of the list, and are asked to RSVP as soon as possible . Groups B and C must watch the couple’s wedding website to see if there are any available spaces that open up, depending on Group A’s RSVPs.

    The couple also ask that guests leave their kids at home with a babysitter, and that singletons don’t bring a partner to keep the guest list as low as possible.

    This ranking quickly went viral on Reddit and Facebook page when a user posted: “That’s it, I’m wedding shaming”. It sparked a fierce debate on whether the couple are right to categorise guests in this manner. Some believed it was the smart thing to do, while others thought it was rude for the couple to tell guests which group they are in, as it essentially says how important (or not) they are to the couple.

    “Nope.. if I got that and found put i was in group b I would be pissed. Find a venue that can accommodate everyone you want there or don’t invite me after the fact because you then want to fill it up. No thanks,” writes on Facebook user.

    What do you think? Were the coupe right, or is there a more tactful way they could have gone about it?

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    Woman posts scathing ad after discovering fiancé’s 4-year affair

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    They say hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. One particular woman took this saying in her stride. After discovering her fiancé was secretly cheating on her, she broke things off and attempted to sell his ring with a scathing ad.

    Zoe Butt proposed to Paul Botwright on the leap year after five years together. After she discovered he had been secretly having an affair for the last four years of their relationship, however, she ended the engagement.

    She then took to Facebook to post an ad to sell the sterling silver band she had proposed to her partner with. In the ad, she writes,

    “Men’s wedding band for sale. Sterling Silver 925 Hallmarked. Good condition couple scratches but still looks smart, only thing wrong with it is it might be tainted by the lying cheating male it was worn by,” she wrote.

    The ad has since gone viral, although no one has offered to purchase the ring.

    “I just wanted to get rid of it, I was genuinely trying to sell that ring,” Butt told the Daily Mail. “But no one wants it because of how I posted it.”

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    Common engagement ring mistakes to avoid

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    Choosing the right engagement ring can be tough. This piece of jewellery should speak to your personality and your lifestyle.

    While there are many things to look out for when engagement ring shopping, there are a few things to avoid. If you’re shopping around for your future sparkler, make sure to miss making these mistakes:

    Going alone:

    If you’re not of the modern types who shop for the ring together, make sure to have another person close to your partner on hand. It’s like the buddy system – there is safety in numbers. Having a friend along for the ride gives you a second opinion, and is especially great if they have a deeper insight into your partner’s style and the type of ring they want.

    Not doing your research beforehand:

    Clarity, pavé setting, prong… Engagement ring shopping can be overwhelming with all the jargon experts throw at you. To avoid getting confused, make sure to read up on the types of settings and stones. This also helps you narrow down on how the ring will look because you can determine what your partner will like and what they won’t like.

    Also read: A guide to engagement ring settings

    Not considering the four C’s:

    A diamond is more than just how big it is. When evaluating this stone, make sure to take the four ‘s into account: cut, colour, clarity, and carat. These refer to the standards by which the quality of diamonds are assessed and allows one to compare diamonds.

    Also read: Diamonds: Understanding the 4 C’s

    Buying a ring without checking ring size:

    If you don’t measure your ring finger before buying your ring, you run the risk of it not fitting. While rings can be resized, it’s best to just get it right the first time to avoid this unnecessary hassle and expense. You should also take into account whether your fingers swell in higher temperatures, as this can make wearing an already tight ring even more uncomfortable.

    Going for a trendy setting and/or stone:

    Trends come and go, style is eternal. When shopping for your ring, focus on timeless designs that you like, not ones you think you should like because they’re trending. While you can swap out a stone and change your setting, the easiest (and less costly) option is to choose a timeless design from the beginning so that as the years go by, your love for your ring does not lesson.

    Going into debt:

    This one is a biggie. You need to create a budget and stick to it to avoid spending above your means. Thinking about alternatives to diamonds or expensive precious gemstones can help. For example, lab-grown diamonds are cheaper than natural ones and are the guiltless choice for those concerned about the exploitative diamond industry.

    Gemstones are cheaper than diamonds, and also make for unique engagement rings. Some, like aquamarine, closely resemble coloured diamonds and can easily be a dupe for the real thing.

    Also read: The guilt-free gem: Lab-grown diamonds

    Also read: The perfect engagement ring based on your zodiac sign

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