Exactly When You Should Take Your Engagement Ring Off (And When It's Safe to Keep On)

As someone who thinks about diamonds more than the average person, it causes me physical pain when people don't know how to take care of their engagement ring. I get it: When you've got a beautiful diamond or gemstone perched on your finger, why would you ever want to take it off? Not only is your ring a piece you're probably excited to wear every day, it's a symbol of love from the person you love most. But in all honesty—and I'm going to hold your hand when I say this—there are some times when you should definitely take off your engagement ring.

Diamonds don't take care of themselves, and since you'll be wearing your wedding jewelry for the rest of your life, it's important to prioritize engagement ring safety. So, can you shower with your jewelry? Is it safe to sleep in diamonds? Does washing your hands damage your engagement ring? Here, you'll find the answers to your burning engagement ring care questions. By heeding our advice, you can ensure that your rock will remain just as brilliant as the day you said "Yes."

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In this article:

• Should You Wear Your Engagement Ring Every Day?
• How to Take Care of Your Engagement Ring

Should You Wear Your Engagement Ring Every Day?

The short answer to this common engagement ring care question is yes, you can wear your engagement ring every day. However, there are certain times when you should take your engagement ring off. Nicole Wegman, founder of Ring Concierge, says it's essential to be mindful of when and where you flaunt your bling. "It's completely natural to want to wear your engagement ring all the time," she explains. "Who doesn't love looking down and admiring that sparkle right after getting engaged? While engagement rings are designed to last, wearing them 24/7 can expose them to potential risks"

She notes that "everyday activities" such as exercising, showering and sleeping could lead to issues like loosened prongs, scratched metal, chipped diamonds, or accumulation of dirt and oil. "That said," she continues, "keeping your ring looking as beautiful as the day you got it can be done with a few simple habits, like knowing when to take it off and sticking to a regular cleaning routine."

Is it bad luck to take off your engagement ring?

Old superstitions might have claimed it was bad luck to take your engagement ring off, but here's the truth: Myths aside, it's better to take your engagement ring off when appropriate to make sure your jewelry is clean and protected. Leaving your engagement ring or wedding band at home while you go to the gym, for example, isn't bad luck, nor is it a reflection of your relationship. Instead, making smart decisions will keep your valuables safe (and stunning) for years to come.

How to Take Care of Your Engagement Ring

Design: Tiana Crispino

Just like you indulge in self-care for yourself, your diamonds deserve the same level of pampering. Here's exactly how to take care of your engagement ring and wedding band, according to an expert.

Clean it at home frequently.

The best way to take care of your engagement ring is to clean it as often as you can. All you need for a gentle at-home ring bath is warm water, dish soap and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Let your ring soak in the soapy water for a few minutes before using the brush to gently wipe away dirt, grime and other buildup.

Take it to your jeweler for a routine deep clean.

While it's easy to clean your engagement ring at home, nothing beats a professional polish. "I recommend doing a gentle, light cleaning of your ring every other week and a professional cleaning twice a year," Wegman advises. "Regular cleaning helps remove oils and product buildup that can make your diamond appear dull, and a professional will be able to reach any areas you can't."

Store it safely while you sleep.

Although you might want to wake up to a dazzling diamond on your hand every morning, Wegman notes that sleeping with your engagement ring on isn't the best idea. "While it may seem harmless, sleeping with your ring on can actually pose risks over time," she says. "The constant friction against your bedding or hair can cause prongs to loosen, which can jeopardize the security of your stone."

This just gives you an excuse to buy a pretty bedside accessory to keep your precious gems safe. "An easy solution is to have a cute ring dish on your nightstand so you have a visual reminder to take it off before bed and put it back on in the morning," she adds.

Avoid wearing it in the shower.

While you're at it, you might want to buy a ring dish to keep in your bathroom too, as you should always take your engagement ring off before getting in the shower. "Product buildup is the main culprit in dulling the brilliance of your diamond over time," Wegman explains. "Lotion, body oils and soap residue can leave a film on the stone that diminishes the sparkle."

Keep it safe from harsh chemicals.

You'll also want to avoid wearing your engagement ring and wedding band if they might come in contact with harsh chemicals from skincare products, cleaning mixtures and even hand sanitizer, which is one of the most dangerous liquids that can harm your jewelry. According to Wegman, the ingredients in this sneaky culprit can weaken certain metals over time, so set your rings aside before giving your hands a quick clean.

Take it off when you go to the gym.

Some say it's a scientifically proven fact that you have a better workout when you love your outfit. (It's me, I say that.) But you might want to think twice before showing up to a cardio class or a weightlifting session with your fingers dripping in diamonds. "High-intensity workouts or lifting heavy weights can be surprisingly tough on your ring," Wegman says. "The pressure and impact can bend the band, loosen stones, or even break delicate prongs, especially with pavé settings. To keep your ring safe and your mind worry-free, I always recommend taking it off before hitting the gym. It's a simple step that goes a long way in preventing damage."

Even activities such as pilates and yoga can damage your prized possessions. "While low-impact workouts are less risky, certain movements—like planks or downward dog—still put pressure on your hands, which can bend or scratch the band over time," Wegman continues. "Engagement rings are often more delicate than everyday jewelry, so it's always smart to play it safe." For this reason, we advise that you don't work out or go to the gym with your engagement ring on.

Don't wear it at the beach.

Wondering if you can wear your engagement ring to the beach or in the pool? Simply put, the answer is no. "These are two situations where I'd always recommend removing your ring," Wegman advises. "Cold water makes your fingers shrink, increasing the risk of your ring slipping off without you even noticing. Additionally, both salt water and chlorine have eroding effects on metals which means regular exposure can cause the metal to weaken or break."

Another thing to consider is that small granules of sand may get wedged in the setting of your engagement ring, which can loosen the prongs and make your rock susceptible to falling out. And if you're using sunscreen, the product can cause buildup on your diamond (just like the beauty products you use in the shower). While you can definitely level up your vacation outfits with your wedding stack, it's always a good idea to leave them safely tucked away in your room when water and sand are involved.

Consider investing in a travel engagement ring.

If you're curious to know how to take care of your engagement ring while traveling, the absolute safest thing you can do is leave your engagement ring at home and wear a travel ring instead. You can find plenty of affordable options online, but of course, nothing can ever truly replace the real deal. As long as you take the proper safety precautions, it's completely safe to bring it on vacation.

Before leaving for any trip, be sure to secure your engagement ring while on the go. "Store your jewelry in cases that have specific compartments for the styles you're traveling with," Wegman says. "This prevents tangling and scratching and ensures your pieces arrive at your destination in great condition." Any time your ring isn't on your hand, keep it locked in a safe if there is one in your hotel room or your rental. (You can also place it in a secure location inside your luggage, too.) We recommend insuring your engagement ring too, which can help protect against theft, loss and other damages.

Now that you're an expert in knowing how to take care of your engagement ring, wear your sparkler with pride. By incorporating these steps into your daily routine, your proposal piece will remain just as sparkly as it was the day you received it. And if you're ever in doubt, follow the golden rule of diamonds: It's always better to be safe than sorry.