Diamond ring maintenance — what to do every month, every year, and what NOT to do.

My wife has worn her ring daily for four years. Here is the maintenance routine we've figured out.

Daily:

• Remove before bed (prongs catch on sheets, wear them down faster)
• Remove before swimming (chlorine weakens gold alloys over time, resizes finger in cold water)
• Remove before gardening/gym/heavy lifting

Weekly:

• Quick soak in warm water with a drop of dish soap, 5 minutes
• Soft toothbrush (children's size) around the prongs and under the setting
• Rinse under warm water
• Pat dry with a lint-free cloth
• Check that all prongs feel secure (press gently with a fingernail)

Every 6 months:

• Professional ultrasonic cleaning at a jeweler (usually free where you bought the ring)
• Professional prong inspection — this is critical
• Rhodium plating if you have white gold (white gold yellows over time, rhodium restores the white finish)

Every 1–2 years:

• Professional re-tip any prongs showing wear
• Full inspection of the setting, check for loose stone

What NOT to do:

• No toothpaste (too abrasive, scratches gold)
• No bleach or harsh chemicals
• No ultrasonic cleaner at home if your diamond has fractures (SI1 with feathers especially)
• No leaving in sunlight for hours (thermal expansion can stress settings)

The single most important thing: keep up with prong inspections. Lost stones happen when prong wear is ignored. Insurance covers it but it's traumatic.