In a perfect world, you never have to imagine a time where you need to remove your engagement ring; unfortunately, the world isn’t perfect and there are moments that deem it necessary to take off your most prized possession. Follow along as we take you through some scenarios where keeping your ring on may not be the best option for preserving your ring’s health.  

1. At the Gym 

The important thing to think about here is equipment.  Just as if you were on a construction site, you would put on protective gear, in a gym you need to take off jewelry to stay safe. The handle of a dumbbell constantly rubbing against the band will cause unnecessary wear and tear, while swinging your arms on a treadmill could mean you accidentally knock your diamond loose. Wearing a ring while working out increases your chances of not only catching it on or scratching against something, but also injuring yourself.  

If wearing your ring while breaking a sweat is still a must for you, consider slipping it on a chain around your neck while working out. Be mindful, however, that high intensity workouts may make for a swinging chain and bouncing ring, slightly irritating your neck or collarbone and potentially loosening the stone from its setting.  

2. On the Beach, by the pool, at the lake 

When talking about opportunities to lose your ring, some of the best examples are any sort of activity by or on the water. Consider that cold water shrinks your finger, and this makes it all too easy for your ring to slide right off. Even if you are just sitting on the beach, the chances of getting sand between the band and your finger or snagging it on a wayward beach chair are high. But don’t just remove your ring on the beach, take care of that before - you do not want to risk it falling off and getting lost in the sand. Don’t forget about sunscreen – the ingredients in skin protectant can create a film on the band and dull the sparkle of your diamond. 

Similar warnings apply to swimming in a pool. If there is chlorine present, it will have negative impact on certain metals. Unless your ring is platinum, chlorine could even change the color of a gold band. 

3. Cleaning 

For the most part, ring wearers are good about removing their rings when working with chemicals and cleaning agents. In some cases, people choose gloves over removing their rings. Either option is fine, as the chemicals and bleach found in cleaning products are not only harsh on hands, but they will also damage the metal and diamond.  

4. Applying Makeup or Moisturizer  

If your daily routine of moisturizer and liquid make-up is done while wearing your ring, beware. These products can create a dull layer of buildup around the band, causing the diamond to lose its sparkle and shine. 

All in all, if you decide you really want to wear your engagement ring in one of these settings, do the wise thing and have your ring insured. While the opportunity to lose or damage your engagement ring will have drastically increased, you can have some peace of mind knowing you have a plan in place. Visit one of our Shreve & Co. locations in Palo Alto or San Francisco to explore our wide selection of engagement rings!