Caring for your diamond: avoid harmful substances

If you recently got engaged, you're likely on edge trying to make sure your diamond cut custom engagement ring doesn't get damaged. Diamonds require regular cleaning and care to maintain that sparkle and shine for a lifetime, but there are a few things that cause more damage than others. Proper mounting is one of the most important components of ring to take note of, as it will change the way you need to care for it. Regardless, here are three things to avoid when you are wearing your ring:

Hairspray

Hairspray is notorious for damaging jewelry of all kinds because of its sticky nature. It accumulates on the surface of the diamond and causes it to have a yellowish coating. Luckily, the damaging effects from hairspray can easily be removed with cleaning, as heating the stone burns the substance off.

Lotion

As the setting is the most vulnerable to damage, lotion can easily get beneath the stone and begin to build up. Over time, this could even cause the stone to loosen if it isn't cleaned frequently enough. When you can, take your ring off before applying lotion and put it in a safe place. Lotions can dull its natural shine, so make sure that you are regularly cleaning it if you are prone to dry skin.

Bleach

Bleach and other household cleaning supplies are corrosive, and they can cause damage to the setting of the ring. Whenever you are cleaning your home, you should wear rubber gloves to protect it or take it off for the time being. Bleach can turn the band a nasty color if it comes into contact with your ring. Avoid contact with the chemical as much as possible.