One tip that I always recommend to my couples is to make sure their rings are clean and bright just before a portrait session. Your rings are one of the details that I absolutely love focusing on during our time together – whether it’s during an engagement or anniversary session, or while I’m working with the wedding day details.
Here are a few best ways you can clean your engagement ring to make sure it’s portrait-ready!
Professional Cleaning
It’s a known fact that you can bring your rings into any jewelry store and they’ll clean it really well for you. So maybe the next time you’re out running errands, swing into the store where your ring was purchased and ask if they can shine it up. They usually have a little brush, some cleaning fluid, and sometimes even a vibration soaker they’ll dunk your ring in for a good cleaning. It doesn’t take long for them to do, and while you’re there they’ll probably even check to make sure your prongs are nice and tight. Some insurance companies also require you to do this regularly, as a stipulation of your coverage on your jewelry to ensure your diamond doesn’t fall out.
At Home Cleaning
All you need to clean your engagement ring quick and easy at home is warm water, a few drops of dish soap, a gentle unused toothbrush, and a lint-free soft cloth.
Fill a cup or small bowl with the warm water and soak your ring in the water with a few drops of dish soap – for about 5 minutes. Scrub your rings gently with the toothbrush, ensuring you get around the prongs and on the underside of your diamond (if you can). Rinse your ring in clean water and use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe it dry. You can safely do this to your ring just before your portrait sessions, and even every 6 weeks or so to keep it bright and shiny.
Things to Avoid
Lotions, oils, or hair products can get into the prongs of your ring and make it look very cloudy. So make sure to take your ring off before last-minute touch-ups. There are also cleaners you’ll want to avoid due to the abrasive nature of some, or the simple fact that it might not be compatible with the type of metal your band is made with. These cleaners include toothpaste, bleach, abrasive scrubs, acetone, or window cleaner.
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Since you took a second to check out this blog post we thought we’d link a few other posts you might be interested in reading.
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5 Reasons Why Every Bride Needs a Wedding Planner
