All types of rings, including diamonds and cubic zirconia (CZ), require ongoing maintenance so that they continue to shine and sparkle for years to come. The cost of jewelry upkeep and protection is reduced with CZ: insurance costs are avoided or significantly reduced. However, any ring you own is a treasured possession. Caring for it properly will secure it and keep it looking its absolute best.
Cleaning your ring
Much of the natural beauty of your ring arises from its clarity. However, clarity is reduced by the gradual accrual of hand lotion, skin oil, and any grime you encounter on a day-to-day basis.
Clearly you want to be sure to use cleaning solutions that do not cause any degradation of your ring. The at-home, professional-grade option we recommend incorporates two components: the Sparkle Spa Pro Ultrasonic Cleaner and the Sparkle Pak Cleaning Solution. The former uses ultrasonic sound waves to remove any foreign substances, refreshing your ring’s look and feel. The latter is a non-ammoniated cleaning solution that makes ring-cleaning quick and simple.
If you want to cut your costs, Martha Stewart Weddings suggests cleaning the ring with a soft-bristled toothbrush, mild dish detergent, and lukewarm water. You may have heard that a 50/50 solution of ammonia and cold water can be used for 30 minutes of soaking, but note that method should only be used with diamonds.
Removing your ring
It’s wise to remove your ring whenever you are involved in anything that involves intensive use of your hands. You also don’t want your hands to get soaked, as when swimming or washing dishes: saturation causes the tissues of your fingers to shrink, enabling the ring to slip off unnoticed.
Place the ring in a safe spot, even if performing household chores. For instance, you can place it in a cupboard when doing dishes, so long as you remember not to set a dish on top of it. So that you don’t have to worry about accidental damage or misplacing the ring, it’s best to use a discreet location. The obvious option is a jewelry box. If you are traveling and preparing for physical activity, ask the hotel to put it in their safe.
Choosing your ring
Many consumers on the market for rings are turning away from diamonds and toward cubic zirconia jewelry. When a jeweler is selected that has high standards – hand-cutting, hand-polishing, and exclusive use of Russian Formula CZ – the recipient gets a ring that expertly mimics the look of a real diamond at an affordable price.
By Kent Roberts