The Complete Guide to Engagement Ring Care and Maintenance: Expert Advice from Hatton Garden
By Amr Ramadan DGA, Hatton Garden Jeweller and founder of Mouza Fine Jewellery
Look, I’ve been working in Hatton Garden for over ten years now, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that people absolutely love their engagement rings, but they’re often terrified of damaging them.
I get it. You’ve just made one of the biggest purchases of your life, and now you’re wondering how on earth you’re supposed to keep it looking perfect forever.
Here’s the thing it’s really not as complicated as you might think.
After spending years as a lead gemologist in some of Hatton Garden’s busiest showrooms, and now running my own store, I’ve seen every possible ring disaster you can imagine. The good news? Most of them are completely preventable with just a bit of know-how.
Whether you’ve gone for a classic diamond or one of those brilliant lab grown diamond rings that everyone’s talking about these days, the care principles are exactly the same.
Why Bother With Proper Care? (Trust Me, You Should)
I’ll be straight with you, I’ve seen too many beautiful rings come through my Hatton Garden’s showroom that could have avoided expensive repairs with just basic care. It breaks my heart every time.
Your engagement ring isn’t just jewellery, it’s a daily reminder of your love story. But here’s what most people don’t realise: those everyday activities you think nothing of can actually be quite harsh on your ring.
I’m talking about washing up, putting on hand cream, even just sleeping with your ring on.
The diamond industry has changed massively since I started out. Lab grown diamond rings have become incredibly popular, and rightly so they’re absolutely stunning and much more accessible. But whether your stone was formed deep in the earth millions of years ago or created in a lab last month, it deserves the same level of care.
Daily Care: The Simple Stuff That Makes All the Difference
What I Tell Every Client Who Walks Through My Door
Right, let’s talk about the day-to-day stuff. When people come to me asking about the best for their diamond engagement rings, they’re usually so focused on getting the perfect stone that they forget to ask about what happens after they leave the shop. That’s where I come in.
The biggest mistake I see? People treating their engagement ring like it’s indestructible. Yes, diamonds are the hardest natural substance on earth, but that doesn’t mean you can treat them like they’re bulletproof. I’ve had clients come in with loose stones because they never took their ring off, not for gardening, not for the gym, not even for washing up.
Here’s my golden rule: if you wouldn’t want to get your hands dirty doing it, your ring probably shouldn’t be there either. Harsh chemicals, extreme temperatures, heavy lifting - these are all enemies of your beautiful ring. The prongs holding your diamond (whether it’s natural or lab grown) are delicate, and they can weaken over time if you’re not careful.
Building Good Habits (It’s Easier Than You Think)
I always tell my clients to think of their ring like a good pair of shoes, you wouldn’t wear your best heels to go hiking, would you? Same principle applies here.
Get yourself a proper ring dish for your bedside table and another one by the kitchen sink. Trust me on this I’ve heard too many horror stories about rings going down the plughole or getting lost in the garden. When you take your ring off, it should have a safe home to go to.
The shower thing is a big one. I know it feels weird taking your ring off, especially when you’re newly engaged, but soap scum is not your friend. It builds up behind the stone and makes even the most brilliant diamond look cloudy and dull. Same goes for hand cream, perfume, and makeup put your ring on last, take it off first.
Looking After Different Metals (They’re Not All the Same)
Now, here’s something that might surprise you the metal your ring is made from needs different care depending on what it is. Most Hatton Garden engagement rings are made from platinum, 18k white gold, 18k yellow gold, or 18k rose gold, and each one has its quirks.
Platinum is brilliant because it’s so durable, but it does develop this lovely soft patina over time. Some people love that vintage look, others prefer it bright and shiny. If you’re in the latter camp, you’ll need professional polishing every now and then.
White gold is a bit more high-maintenance, I’m afraid. It’s usually plated with rhodium to give it that bright white finish, but that plating wears off over time. You’ll notice it starting to look a bit yellow, that’s not damage, that’s just the natural gold colour showing through. A quick re-plating sorts that right out.
Yellow and rose gold are generally more forgiving when it comes to colour, but they do show scratches more easily than platinum. The good news is that most scratches can be polished out during your regular maintenance appointments.
Cleaning Your Ring at Home: My Tried and Tested Methods
The Weekly Clean That Actually Works
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of cleaning. I get asked about this constantly, and honestly, it’s much simpler than most people think. You don’t need fancy equipment or expensive solutions just a few things you probably already have at home.
My go-to method? Warm water and one drop of washing-up liquid. That’s it. I know it sounds too simple, but it works brilliantly for both natural diamonds and lab grown diamond rings. The key is using a gentle washing-up liquid, I usually recommend something like Fairy mixed with warm (not hot) water.
Here’s exactly what I do: Fill a small bowl with warm water, add just a drop or two of washing-up liquid, and let your ring soak for about 10-15 minutes. This loosens up all the oils, hand cream residue, and general grime that builds up over time. Then, take a soft-bristled toothbrush (and I mean soft nothing too aggressive) and gently brush around the setting and behind the diamond.
The magic happens when you rinse it under warm running water. You’ll actually see the difference immediately your diamond will sparkle like it did the day you first put it on.
What Not to Do (Learn From Others’ Mistakes)
Right, this is important. I’ve seen people try all sorts of things that they thought would help but actually made things worse. Toothpaste is a big no-no, it’s too abrasive and can scratch your metal. Same goes for baking soda, despite what you might read online.
Ultrasonic cleaners are another one to be careful with. Yes, we use them professionally in our Hatton Garden’s workshop, but the home versions can actually loosen stones if your setting is already a bit worn. I’ve had too many clients come in with loose diamonds after using these machines.
And please, for the love of all that’s holy, don’t use bleach or any harsh household cleaners. I once had a client who thought chlorine bleach would make her ring “extra clean” it actually damaged the metal and we had to do some serious repair work.
Special Care for Lab Grown Diamond Rings
Now, I know some people think lab grown diamonds need different care, but that’s simply not true. Chemically, they’re identical to natural diamonds, so they respond to exactly the same cleaning methods. The only difference might be in the setting or metal, but the stone itself? Clean it exactly the same way.
What I will say is that lab grown diamond rings often come with slightly different settings or metal alloys, depending on where you bought them. If you’re not sure about your specific ring, pop into your local jeweller (hopefully one of the reputable Hatton Garden jewellers) and ask them to have a quick look. Most of us are happy to give advice, even if you didn’t buy the ring from us.
Professional Maintenance: When to Call in the Experts
The Six-Month Rule
Here’s something I tell every single client: bring your ring back to see me every six months. I know it might seem excessive, but trust me, it’s not. In six months, a lot can happen to a ring that you might not even notice.
During these check-ups, I’m looking at the prongs, checking for any loose stones, examining the metal for wear, and giving everything a proper professional clean. It’s like an MOT for your ring, really. I use ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning that you simply can’t replicate at home.
The best part? Most reputable jewellers (and definitely the best Hatton Garden jewellers) offer this service for free if you bought the ring from them. Even if you didn’t, it’s usually quite affordable and absolutely worth it for peace of mind.
What We Actually Do During Professional Cleaning
People often ask me what happens during a professional clean that’s different from what they can do at home. Well, quite a lot, actually.
First, I examine the ring under magnification usually 10x or higher. This lets me spot things like tiny chips in the diamond, worn prongs, or metal fatigue that you’d never see with the naked eye. Then comes the cleaning process itself.
We use ultrasonic cleaners that vibrate at frequencies that literally shake the dirt out of every tiny crevice. Follow that up with steam cleaning, and your ring comes out looking absolutely pristine. But the real value is in the inspection catching small problems before they become expensive ones.
I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve spotted a loose prong during a routine clean. If we hadn’t caught it, that client could have lost their diamond completely. That’s worth far more than the cost of a professional clean, wouldn’t you say?
Storage and Travel: Keeping Your Ring Safe
At Home Storage That Actually Protects
Storage might not seem like the most exciting topic, but get this wrong and you could end up with a scratched or damaged ring. I’ve seen it happen too many times.
The golden rule is simple: your engagement ring should never touch other jewellery. Diamonds might be hard, but they can absolutely scratch other diamonds, and they’ll definitely scratch softer metals. I always recommend individual compartments in your jewellery box, or better yet, soft pouches for each piece.
If you’re taking your ring off regularly (which you should be), having a proper ring dish by your bed and another by the kitchen sink makes all the difference. I’ve heard too many stories of rings getting knocked off bathroom counters or accidentally thrown away with tissues. Give your ring a proper home, and it’ll stay safe.
Travelling With Your Ring
Travelling with valuable jewellery always makes people nervous, and rightly so. But with a bit of planning, you can keep your ring safe while you’re away.
Never, ever pack your diamond engagement ring in checked luggage. I don’t care how secure you think it is keep it with you. I usually recommend wearing it through security (it’s easier than explaining why you’re carrying a valuable ring in your hand luggage), but if you’re not comfortable with that, a small travel jewellery case in your carry-on works perfectly.
For longer trips, consider whether you actually need to take your ring with you. I know that sounds harsh, but if you’re going somewhere particularly adventurous or where you’ll be doing lots of activities, it might be safer to leave it at home in a proper safe or safety deposit box.
Insurance: The Boring Bit That Could Save You Thousands
Right, nobody likes talking about insurance, but it’s absolutely crucial. Most home insurance policies have pretty low limits for individual items of jewellery - often just £1,000 or £2,000. If your engagement ring is worth more than that (and let’s face it, most are), you need specific jewellery insurance.
The good news is that it’s usually quite affordable we’re talking about £20-100 per year for most rings. The key is getting a proper valuation from a qualified gemologist. I provide these for free for all my clients, and most reputable Hatton Garden jewellers will do the same.
Make sure you understand what your policy covers. Some only cover theft, others include accidental damage or loss. Given how easy it is to lose a ring (down the sink, in the garden, at the gym), I’d always recommend comprehensive cover.
Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
The Issues I See Most Often
After over ten years in this business, I’ve seen pretty much every problem you can imagine. The good news? Most of them are completely preventable.
Loose stones are probably the most common issue. This usually happens gradually the prongs wear down over time, or the setting gets knocked about. Regular professional checks catch this early, but you can also do a quick check yourself. Gently tap the stone with your fingernail if it moves or makes a rattling sound, get to a jeweller immediately.
Scratched or dented bands are another big one, especially with softer metals like 18k gold. This is usually down to wearing the ring during activities you shouldn’t - gardening, DIY, sports, that sort of thing. Most scratches can be polished out, but deep gouges might need more extensive work.
Cloudy or dull diamonds are almost always down to build-up of oils, soap, and general grime. This is purely cosmetic and easily fixed with proper cleaning, but it’s amazing how many people think their diamond has somehow lost its sparkle permanently.
When to Worry (And When Not To)
People often panic about things that are completely normal. A bit of tarnishing on silver parts of your ring? Normal. Tiny scratches on the band after months of wear? Also normal. Your diamond looking a bit less sparkly after a week of not cleaning it? Definitely normal.
What should worry you? Any movement in the stone, visible damage to prongs, significant scratches or dents in the band, or any parts of the setting that look bent or damaged. If you’re ever in doubt, pop into our Hatton Garden’s shop for a quick look most of us are happy to give a quick opinion, even if you’re not a customer.
The key is not to panic. I’ve had clients come in convinced their ring was ruined, only to discover it just needed a good clean. On the flip side, I’ve had people ignore obvious problems until they became much more expensive to fix. When in doubt, ask a professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my diamond engagement ring?
Honestly, this depends on how much you wear it and what you do while wearing it. If you’re someone who wears their diamond ring 24/7 (which I don’t recommend, by the way), then a gentle clean at home once a week is about right. If you’re good about taking it off for messy activities, every couple of weeks should do it.
For professional cleaning, I always say every six months. Some people think that’s excessive, but I’ve seen too many small problems turn into big expensive ones because they weren’t caught early enough.
Can I wear my diamond ring while exercising?
Please don’t. I know it feels wrong taking it off, especially when you’re newly engaged, but gyms are terrible places for engagement rings. You’ve got sweat (which can cause reactions with some metals), heavy weights (hello, dented bands), and all sorts of equipment that can catch prongs.
I’ve had clients lose stones during workouts, and I’ve seen rings get so bent out of shape they needed complete reconstruction. It’s just not worth the risk. Get a simple silicone band for the gym if you can’t bear to have naked fingers.
Is it safe to wear my ring while swimming?
Absolutely not, and this is a big one. Cold water makes your fingers shrink, and I’ve heard too many horror stories of rings slipping off in pools, lakes, or the sea. Plus, chlorine in swimming pools can actually damage some metals over time.
Even if the ring doesn’t slip off, pool chemicals and salt water aren’t great for your ring. Take it off, put it somewhere safe, and enjoy your swim without worrying about it.
What’s the difference between caring for natural vs lab grown diamond rings?
Honestly? There isn’t one. Lab grown diamonds are chemically identical to natural ones, so they need exactly the same care. The only difference might be in the setting or the metal used, but that’s got nothing to do with whether the diamond is natural or lab grown.
I’ve worked with both types extensively, and I clean them the same way, check them the same way, and give exactly the same care advice. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
My ring looks cloudy - is it damaged?
Nine times out of ten, a cloudy-looking diamond just needs a good clean. Oils from your skin, soap residue, hand cream all of this builds up over time and creates a film that makes your diamond look dull.
Try the warm water and washing-up liquid method I mentioned earlier. If that doesn’t sort it, bring it to a professional for a proper clean. It’s very rare for a diamond to actually be damaged in a way that makes it look cloudy.
How much should professional cleaning cost?
If you bought your ring from a reputable jeweller, professional cleaning should be free or very cheap we’re talking £10-20 at most. It’s usually part of the aftercare service.
If you’re going somewhere new, expect to pay £20-50 for a proper clean and inspection. Anything much more than that and you’re probably being overcharged. Most of the best Hatton Garden jewellers offer very reasonable rates for this service
Should I take my ring off at night?
I always recommend it, yes. You’d be surprised how much damage can happen while you’re sleeping rings can get caught in bedding, knocked against bedside tables, or twisted in ways that put stress on the setting.
Plus, your fingers can swell slightly overnight, which puts pressure on the band. Taking it off gives both you and your ring a break. Just make sure you have a proper ring dish so you don’t lose track of it.
What should I do if a stone comes loose?
Don’t panic, but do act quickly. Stop wearing the ring immediately a loose stone can fall out completely if you keep wearing it. Put the ring somewhere safe and get to a jeweller as soon as possible.
Most loose stone repairs are straightforward and not too expensive, especially if you catch it early. The longer you leave it, the more likely you are to lose the stone completely, and then you’re looking at replacement costs.
Can I use an ultrasonic cleaner at home?
I’m a bit cautious about home ultrasonic cleaners, to be honest. While they can be effective, they can also loosen stones if your setting is already a bit worn. I’ve had several clients come in with loose diamonds after using these machines.
If you do decide to use one, make sure your ring is in good condition first (get it checked by a professional), and don’t use it too frequently. The gentle cleaning method with warm water and washing-up liquid is much safer for regular use.
How do I know if my ring needs professional attention?
Trust your instincts. If something looks different, feels different, or you’re worried about anything, get it checked. Specific things to watch for include any movement in the stone, visible damage to prongs, significant scratches or dents, or any parts that look bent.
Most Hatton jewellers are happy to have a quick look even if you’re not a customer. It’s better to be safe than sorry, especially with something as precious as your engagement ring.
Final Thoughts: Love Your Ring, and It’ll Love You Back
Look, caring for your engagement ring really isn’t rocket science. It’s about building good habits, being sensible about when you wear it, and not being afraid to ask for professional help when you need it.
I’ve been working with engagement rings for over a decade now, and the ones that still look stunning after years of wear are the ones that have been properly cared for. It doesn’t take much just a bit of common sense and regular attention.
Whether you bought your ring from one of the established Hatton Garden jewellers or somewhere else entirely, whether it’s a natural diamond or a lab grown one, the principles are the same. Treat it with respect, clean it regularly, and get it checked professionally every now and then.
Your engagement ring is meant to last a lifetime and beyond. With proper care, it absolutely will. And trust me, there’s nothing quite like the sparkle of a well-maintained diamond to remind you why you fell in love with it in the first place.
If you’re ever in doubt about anything, don’t hesitate to pop into our store for advice. Most of us are passionate about what we do and happy to help, even if it’s just to put your mind at rest. After all, we want your ring to look as beautiful in fifty years as it does today.
Written by Amr Ramadan DGA founder of Mouza Fine Jewellery and a qualified gemologist with over ten years of experience in Hatton Garden’s jewellery trade. He studied at Gem A London and has worked as a lead gemologist and sales manager in several major Hatton Garden showrooms..
