5 Summer Habits That Put Your Engagement Ring at Risk

Summer is the season of yolo, sun, surf, and spontaneous adventures—but it’s also when your engagement ring is especially vulnerable to spontaneity and elements that could harm it. Whether you’re soaking up the sun, grilling out with friends at a backyard barbecue, or cannonballing into a pool, your ring might be exposed to environments that puts its beauty and structural integrity at risk.

To help keep your precious piece safe in these sun-soaked months, jewelry expert Liana Harper reveals the common summer practices that threaten your engagement ring, and what to do instead.

Swimming

A cool soak in the pool is a summer rite of passage, but chlorine and saltwater are the worst for fine jewelry. “Most pools and hot tubs have chemicals in them that are corrosive to metal and can also cause gemstones to lose their luster over time,” Harper says. Before you dive in, take your ring off and keep it safe.

Applying Sunscreen

You want to protect your skin with sunscreen, though its application can quickly dirty your ring. “For diamond and gold, lotions and SPF won’t do damage, however can leave residue reducing the sparkle,” says Harper. Put sunscreen on first, wash your hands well, and then put your ring back on.

Going to the Beach

From the sea and the sand to beach volleyball and other outdoor activities, beaches increase your ring’s risks. Sand is harsh and can scratch metal settings, with saltwater potentially corroding them over the long-term. “Your best course of action is to either leave your ring at home or put it somewhere safe while spending your time at the beach,” says Harper.

Cooking and Grilling

There’s nothing like a summer meal in the great outdoors — except for the mess. “If you are working with raw meats, dough, or sauces, remove your ring so you do not get something stuck in the setting,” says Harper. Keep a little ring dish handy for you to never have to worry about where to store it.

Cleaning (Indoors or Out)

While summer brings a buzz of home projects, the strong cleaning chemicals can actually tarnish and damage your ring. “Even if you’re using a mild product, your jewelry should be protected with gloves or taken off altogether,” Harper says.

Final Tip

If you wear your engagement ring daily, have it professionally cleaned regularly in order to maintain it. A rapid cleaning from the jeweler can bring the sparkle back and verify all is tight, adds Harper.

But by taking a few extra precautions, you can embark on those summer adventures without putting too much wear and tear on your ring.