HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR EMERALD ENGAGEMENT RING? (2023)
by Suzanne Sachs • 5 min read
THE BASICS --
An emerald ring can be stunning and distinctive, but will quickly lose its sleek luster if it isn’t given proper care. If you know how to care for an emerald engagement ring, however, you can keep this precious piece of jewelry looking its best for many years.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW--
In this guide, we will explain the following:
- What is an emerald?
- Do you know your emerald engagement ring?
- How to clean your emerald engagement ring?
- Proper emerald ring care
- How to keep your emerald ring looking great?
- Choosing an emerald engagement ring
WHAT IS AN EMERALD?
Emerald is the green variety of the mineral beryl and is the most valuable green gemstone. Emerald hues can range from light green to deep, dark green with hints of blue. Yellowish green stones are considered less valuable, while the darkest greens with blue undertones are the rarest and most valuable.
DO YOU KNOW YOUR EMERALD ENGAGEMENT RING?
In order to keep an emerald ring in amazing condition, it is critical to know the jewelry very well. Emeralds are part of the beryl mineral family, and rate 7.5-8.0 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. This means that emeralds are relatively hard and suitable for daily wear, but can still be scratched, chipped, or damaged if treated roughly. The better you know your specific emerald, the better you will be able to protect it from careless treatment.
To know your emerald engagement ring thoroughly, talk to the jeweler about studying the ring to determine…
• TREATMENTS
Most emeralds have been treated to fill minor surface cracks or fractures. Harsh
cleaning or carelessness can distort those treatments and make an emerald look worse.
• INCLUSIONS
If the stone has any inclusions, it is important to be aware of them so cleaning and maintenance will not exacerbate the inclusion, which could cause greater damage.
• SETTING STYLES
How an emerald is set into an engagement ring can affect how it should be
cleaned. Open prong settings are easier to clean than closed bezel or channel settings.
• METALS
Knowing the type of metal in an engagement ring or the karat value of the gold
will help ensure that cleaning and maintenance is appropriate to keep the ring looking great.
• GEMSTONES
If other gemstones are part of an emerald engagement ring, great care must be
taken so all care and treatments are safe for every part of the ring.
Once you know all the different angles and aspects of your gemstone ring, you will be able to provide it the very best care to remain brilliant for many years.
CLEANING EMERALD ENGAGEMENT RINGS
From dust, dirt, and body oil to grease, perfumes, and lotions, many different substances can coat an engagement ring and dull its beauty. Caring for an emerald engagement ring means cleaning the ring regularly, taking into account the ring style and the special care an emerald needs.
1. First, soak the ring in lukewarm water with a mild, degreasing dish soap for 1-2 hours. If the ring is not very dirty, soaking for just 15-30 minutes may be sufficient.
2. Wipe the ring carefully with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove dirt buildup. A scrap of t-shirt or similar material is ideal.
3. Rinse the ring thoroughly with warm water, taking care to run the water over the ring at different angles to remove dirt and leftover soap from all sides.
4. Dry the ring with another lint-free cloth to minimize water spots, then allow the ring to air-dry thoroughly.
This gentle cleaning will easily restore the luster and brilliance of an emerald engagement ring. Ideally, the ring should be cleaned at least once per month to avoid any buildup that might require harsher cleaning methods that could potentially damage the gemstone, setting, or metal.
THINGS NOT TO DO TO YOUR EMERALD RING
Just as important as knowing how to properly care for an emerald engagement ring is being aware of what not to do.
• HARSH CHEMICALS
Do not use harsh solvents such as acetone, rubbing alcohol, paint thinner, bleach, or other chemicals on an emerald ring. These chemicals can discolor fracture fills or metal finishes.
• BRUSHES
Do not use stiff bristles, brushes, pins, or picks to scrape an emerald or the niches of an engagement ring, as they can disturb the fills or treatments and cause extra scratches.
• HEAT
Do not use high heat, steam, or hot water to clean emerald jewelry, which could cause gas expansion and exacerbate fractures within the gemstone.
• ULTRASONIC CLEANERS
Do not use ultrasonic cleaners with emerald rings or other emerald jewelry, which could cause existing damage, fractures, or inclusions to worsen over time.
HOW TO KEEP YOUR EMERALD RING LOOKING GREAT?
There is more to caring for an emerald engagement ring than just cleaning it. To take the very best care of this irreplaceable piece of jewelry…
• ACTIVITIES
Remove the ring when doing any potentially damaging activities, such as sports or exercising, or when it may get excessively dirty, such as while baking or gardening.
• VISIT YOUR JEWELER
Take the ring to an experienced gemstone jeweler once or twice each year for thorough cleaning and detailed inspection, so problems can be spotted and corrected promptly.
• STORAGE
Store the ring in a separate small bag, its original box, or a separate compartment in a jewelry box when it isn’t being worn, so it won’t be scratched by other pieces
• INSURANCE
Consider listing the ring among valuable possessions on rental or homeowner’s insurance so it can be covered in case of theft or catastrophic damage, such as a home flood or fire.
CHOOSING AN EMERALD ENGAGEMENT RING
Emerald engagement rings are beautiful expressions of the love a couple shares and the commitment they have made to each other. By knowing how to care for an emerald ring properly, you can keep this glittering promise looking amazing for many anniversaries to come.
ANTIQUE ENGAGEMENT RINGS FOR EVERYONE:
No matter which era is your favorite, these time-honored rings have a rich history and individualized character and will continue to have a timeless beauty and elegant appeal that is part of a legacy to pass on to future generations.
FIND THE PERFECT ENGAGEMENT RING:
Antique diamond cuts are prized not only for their beauty but also for their exquisite attention to detailing and faceting. If you’re looking for a ring with a sense of glamour, sophistication and vintage charm, explore our collection of emerald engagement rings today!
SUZANNE SACHS
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