So, most of us aren’t wearing a cool half-a-million dollars on our finger, unlike Taylor Swift, who just got engaged to her NFL boyfriend Travis Kelce, after he popped the question with an antique, cushion-cut diamond ring, estimated to be a casual eight carats and worth $550,000.
However engagement rings – whatever their size or price tag – are heirloom items. So it's important to look after them carefully. To help us all do better, I spoke to experts, Rhona Fitzpatrick, founder and CEO of The Diamond Expert, and Lorna Haddon, Head of Diamonds and Jewellery at Beaverbrooks, to get their top advice on how to keep the most valuable piece of jewellery we'll ever own sparkling for years to come. Here are their top tips.
Give it a regular clean
The secret to keeping your engagement ring sparkling? Regular TLC. Daily wear leads to buildup – from hand cream to soap and general grime – but a quick clean once a week (or every other week) makes a big difference.
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Fill a small bowl with warm water – never the sink, unless you want to risk losing your ring – and add a tablespoon of mild washing-up liquid. Rhona recommends good old Fairy Liquid and warns against anything containing bleach, chlorine, ammonia, or acetone.
“Let it soak for 20 minutes, then gently brush all over, focusing on crevices where dirt builds up. Rinse and pat dry – the difference can be remarkable!” says Rhona. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and a lint-free cloth to avoid scratching.
For a deeper clean, you can try a jewellery cleaner made for gold or silver, but check it’s safe for your stone first. “A diamond may be the hardest material on earth, but the setting isn’t indestructible,” Rhona warns.
Ring cleaning tools
Fairy Original Washing Up Liquid
Curaprox Toothbrush Set
AIDEA AIDEA Microfibre Cloth Pack of 8
Polish with a pint
It might sound bonkers, but some jewellers claim pale beers can help clean solid gold rings. Thanks to their mild acidity (from hops and carbonation), they may lift surface grime and restore shine, but only on plain yellow gold bands, and only in a pinch.
Use a light beer, pour a little onto a soft cloth, and gently wipe the band (avoiding any stones). Rinse quickly with warm water and dry with a clean cloth. Don’t soak your ring, and don’t use beer on diamonds, opals, pearls, or any gemstones (only the band!) as it can damage or dull them.
For the safest results, stick to warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. And when it comes to polishing, less is more. “Although it might be tempting to polish your jewellery frequently, over-polishing can wear down the metal,” Lorna Haddon says. “Limit it to once or twice a year, using a non-abrasive polishing cloth designed for jewellery.”
Take it off to wash up
Keeping your engagement ring shiny and safe isn’t just about how you clean it – it’s also about when you wear it. And few everyday tasks are riskier than washing up. Hot water, slippery soap and harsh detergents can dull or erode metal over time. Even a soft-looking sponge can scratch a delicate setting. And of course, there’s the nightmare scenario: your ring slipping off and vanishing down the drain.
To avoid damage or loss, take your ring off before doing the dishes and store it somewhere secure, not on the edge of the sink. If you really don’t want to remove it, wear thick rubber gloves to shield it from both chemicals and impact.
Set up a ring dish system
Taking your ring off at the right moments is essential, but once it’s off, where does it go? If you’ve ever left something on the sink or counter only for it to mysteriously vanish, you’re not alone. (At this point, I’m fairly certain The Borrowers are real.) Engagement rings are tiny, easy to misplace and often go missing in the most inconvenient places. That’s why having a system matters.
Keep ring dishes or boxes in the spots where you’re most likely to take your ring off, like the kitchen, bathroom, or bedside table. They reduce the risk of loss and help build a habit of storing your ring safely.
Don’t work out
Sorry, this isn't a reason to quit your gym membership. By this, I mean do not workout in your engagement ring. Lifting weights or using resistance bands can bend or scratch the band, and even loosen the setting enough for the stone to fall out. There’s also the risk of injury (if you’ve never heard of “degloving”, Google at your own risk).
Even sweat can speed up tarnishing, especially on gold or plated rings. So, before your next workout, pop your ring into a pouch or jewellery box. “For storage, I always recommend a proper fabric-lined jewellery box – it makes a world of difference and prevents pieces scratching against each other,” says Rhona. Your ring, and your fingers, will thank you.
Visit the professionals
When it comes to something as valuable and sentimental as an engagement ring, it’s worth getting a professional involved.
“I advise having your jewellery checked once a year – think of it like your car, it needs an annual service!” says Rhona. “A professional clean brings the ring back to life, but the real value is the inspection. Over time, claws can loosen and stones can shift. Catching that early can mean the difference between a quick fix and a lost diamond. And if a stone ever feels loose, don’t wear the ring until it’s been checked as it’s not worth the risk.”
During a check-up, a jeweller will inspect the setting, check for wear or warping, and give it a deep clean and polish to restore its sparkle.
Shower ringless
You might not think twice about wearing your ring in the shower, but it can take a toll over time. Shampoos, conditioners and soaps can leave residue that dulls the sparkle, while oils and chemicals gradually wear down the metal, especially on gold or white gold bands. And of course, there’s the ever-present risk of it slipping off and diving down the drain. Best to take it off and keep it safe.
Find the right fit
This applies to both your fiancé and your ring. Finger size can change with the seasons. Heat makes them swell, cold makes them shrink, and life events like weight loss or pregnancy can affect how your ring fits. If it’s feeling loose, ring-sizing beads are a simple, affordable fix. But if it’s too tight or at risk of falling off, it’s worth getting it resized professionally. A stuck ring is just as bad as a lost one.
Sort out the insurance
Accidents happen – rings can be lost, stolen or damaged. While the emotional toll is real, insurance can ease the financial hit and give you peace of mind. Most jewellers provide an appraisal with your purchase, which you can use to get cover. Add the ring to your home insurance as a high-value item, or opt for specialist jewellery cover that includes loss, theft, damage, and travel.
Make sure your policy covers the full replacement value, including any custom or antique elements. “I always recommend a policy that includes worldwide travel, accidental damage, and loss – not just theft,” says Rhona. “Your ring should be as protected on holiday as it is at home.” It’s not the most glamorous task, but it could save you a lot of heartache later.
Common mistakes to avoid when cleaning your engagement ring
Even with the best intentions, it's easy to make mistakes that could damage your ring over time. Here’s what to steer clear of.
- Using harsh chemicals: Bleach, chlorine, ammonia, and acetone can break down metal –especially gold or platinum – and weaken prongs or dull your ring’s shine. “Avoid abrasive materials like baking soda, toothpaste, or rough brushes, as these can scratch the surface,” advises Lorna.
- Scrubbing with stiff brushes: Tempted to scrub? Don’t. Always use a soft-bristle toothbrush. Harder brushes can scratch stones or damage delicate settings, especially on softer metals like gold.
- Wearing it during beauty routines: Before applying moisturiser, hair products, or thick creams, remove your ring. Product build-up can settle in the crevices and make your stone look dull and cloudy.
- Choosing the wrong jewellery cleaner: Choose jewellery cleaners that are gentle and free from harsh chemicals or abrasives. Even if they’re safe for the band, they might harm delicate stones. Lorna recommends the Connoisseurs Diamond Dazzle Stik for a safe at-home refresh: “It’s my go-to for keeping diamonds looking their best between professional cleans.”
So, there you go, Taylor. Get the Fairy Liquid in and treat yourself to a ring dish.
