‘Tis the season to be married – or, rather, to become engaged. The holiday season is the most popular time of year for marriage proposals, and if you found something extra sparkly under the tree this year, we’ve rounded up four ways to keep your ring safe, sound, and shiny to your big day and beyond.

#1. DON’T: Wear your ring all the time.

It can feel impossible to think about removing the ring after a long-awaited proposal. But, there are a few cardinal rules to follow for when to remove all jewelry: at the gym, in the shower, and while sleeping.

Julie Walton Garland, co-owner of Walton’s Antique & Estate Jewelry in downtown Franklin, shared, “Platinum and gold are malleable and brittle metals and, over time, can bend or break when lifting or holding a heavy object. Although durable, a diamond can still be chipped. It’s best practice to remove your rings when going to places like the gym or when doing manual labor.”

While sleeping, a prong can catch on the threads of bedsheets and can cause a stone to fall out; while showering, exposing the metal and gemstone to soap and chemicals can cause cloudy buildup.

#2. DO: Avoid chemicals and lotions.

Especially in the winter months, hand lotions, sanitizers, soaps and other products are used often. Unfortunately, these products can build up underneath gemstones and make them appear cloudy, and sometimes, the buildup can irritate skin and cause a rash. 

Be sure to remove your ring before applying any product on your hands. Any time jewelry is removed, it should be stored in a clean, dry, room-temperature, safe place.

#3. DO: Maintain proper cleaning and inspection. 

Regularly cleaning your ring will help it maintain its sparkle, and while many jewelry stores offer complimentary cleaning, it’s possible to keep it shining with an at-home technique. “Diamonds and most colored gemstones can be cleaned using warm water and mild soap. A couple of drops of Dawn can work wonders!” Julie shared. “Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to lightly scrub away any built-up residue.”

After scrubbing, Julie recommends rinsing jewelry in a bowl of clean water to avoid losing jewelry down the sink drain. Beyond soap and water, Walton’s also offers a collection of cleaning products for use at home or on the go. Every four to six months, it’s recommended to have jewelry professionally checked and cleaned.

#4. DO: Ensure you’re insured.

The last thing you want to think about during post-proposal excitement is having your ring damaged or stolen. An engagement ring is a meaningful investment, and purchasing insurance can provide some peace of mind should the unthinkable happen. 

Many jewelers will provide insurance options when the ring is purchased, though adding insurance afterward is easy. Jewelry can be added to an existing home or renters insurance policy, or purchased as a standalone through dedicated companies like Jewelers Mutual.