Singaporebrides | Essentials
December 2025
7 Tips to Keep Your Engagement Ring Sparkling
The awesome beauty of engagement rings is not to be taken for granted—daily wear-and-tear leads to dullness and damage over time. Here’s how brides should properly take care of the precious jewellery piece.
He’s proposed, she’s said “yes”, they’ve taken the mandatory engagement ring photo and launched it on their socials. But after all the excitement wears off, one serious question is left to be answered: how exactly does one best take care of their engagement ring so that the symbol of love and devotion never dulls and loses its captivating sparkle?
Image from Amy and Shawn’s Nostalgic and Retro Pre-Wedding Shoot in Taiwan by OneThreeOneFourDiamond, sapphire or moissanite, every bride-to-be’s greatest fears would include causing unnecessary damage to their beloved engagement ring. Preserving the beauty and brilliance of the gemstones are an obvious fundamental one should familiarise themselves with, as even the most dazzling of diamonds need to be well-maintained. But this is far from all—the metal band and settings need their fair share of attention too, as daily wear and tear eventually results in structural damage or in the worst-case scenario, the loss of stones.
Below, we provide 7 tips for brides-to-be on how to properly take care of their engagement rings and protect their eternal shine.
Image from Grace and David’s Charmingly Candid Pre-Wedding Shoot in the City by Bora from Always Sunday1. CLEAN IT—BUT NOT WITH CHEMICALS
Exposure of the engagement ring to dirt, oils and grime is inevitable when wearing it during daily activities, but none of it calls for a harsh scrub with toothpaste or bleach, which could do more harm than good instead. Simply soak it in warm water with a mild dish soap, gently scrub it with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and rinse well under warm running water—making sure that the sink is plugged. Dry the engagement ring by patting it with a lint-free or microfiber cloth.
Image from Celene and Brandon’s Surprise Proposal at Blankbox by Lens of Mira2. KNOW WHEN TO REMOVE IT
Some prefer to wear their engagement ring strictly on special occasions, while others like having it on everyday. Should you belong to the latter group, it’s important to note the seemingly harmless scenarios where the ring should be removed, or risk consequences such as loosened prongs or a deformed band over time. Activities such as doing the dishes, cooking and cleaning, showering and sleeping, exercising and even applying skincare are when the ring should be off-limits, as these could dirty and dull the gems. Rule-of-thumb? The engagement ring should always be the last thing on and the first thing off.
Image from Valerie and Keith’s Surprise Proposal at The Secret Patio by Wedding Authors3. BE SMART ABOUT STORAGE
Even if you don’t plan on wearing the engagement ring often, proper storage is essential in maintaining the longevity of this prized piece of jewellery. While the ring box is the safest possible place it could be stored in, ring dishes or holders placed around areas where the ring is usually removed for short periods of time—such as the kitchen or bathroom—are an alternative option. Always ensure that the storage option is soft-lined so the ring doesn’t rub against other jewelry, and that it’s in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight and humidity.
Image from Claudia and Keith’s Destination Pre-Wedding Shoot at Lake Como, Italy by Lk_design_photography4. THOUGH UNCOMMON, IT’S POSSIBLE TO GET THE ENGAGEMENT RING INSURED
If the engagement ring was extremely pricey—think a significant cost that’s practically irreplaceable—it might be worth insuring the ring immediately. Add a jewellery rider onto any existing policies you might have or talk to your insurance providers for the best course of action to take in such cases.
5. SEND IT FOR REGULAR, PROFESSIONAL CHECK-UPS
Subtler signs of damage to the ring that build up over time aren’t instantly obvious to the untrained eye. Hence, it’s critical to get it checked by a professional jeweller every 6 to 12 months, where loose stones, worn claws, scratched bands and hairline cracks can be identified. Small, quick fixes that can be done upon inspection can very well prevent the need for more heartbreaking repairs in future.
Image from Yap Hui Xin and Ted Chong’s Retro Pre-Wedding Shoot in a Vinyl Listening Cafe by Natalie Wong Photography6. KNOW YOUR METALS AND GEMSTONES
The specific properties of unique metals and gemstones define their durability and how susceptible they are to chemicals and tarnishing. Simply put—different ring materials need different care. While yellow gold is prone to scratches, it is resistant to tarnish, so avoid stacking such pieces with harder jewellery and polish regularly. The rhodium plating on white gold wears off over time, so these pieces would need professional re-plating every few years to maintain brightness. Understanding the engagement ring inside-out and asking a professional for care advice accordingly is any bride-to-be’s best bet.
Image from Melissa and You Quan’s Scenic Destination Pre-Wedding Shoot in Bali by Wei Zhen from Synchronal Photography7. AMP UP THE POLISHING BEFORE THE WEDDING, OR ANY PRE-WED SHOOTS
Wedding planning is often a hectic blur, especially in the lead-up to the big day. But that’s no reason to neglect caring for the engagement ring, which will be captured up-close in countless photos. Pictures speak a thousand words, and to really let your love story speak for itself, remember to get the engagement ring professionally cleaned or polished right before the wedding or pre-wedding shoots, and take extra special care of it during this period.
Credits: Featured image from Reyna and Tim’s Fairy Tale Pre-Wedding Adventure At The Enchanting Lago Di Braies in Dolomites, Italy by Kenny Choy from Wanderlust Dream Co.
All content from this article, including images, cannot be reproduced without credits or written permission from SingaporeBrides.
Follow us on Instagram, Telegram, and TikTok for the latest article and promotion updates!