As jewelers and designers, we’ve seen it all over the years: chipped diamonds, broken prongs, warped bands, and rings that look like they’ve been on quite the adventure (but not the kind you want your jewelry to have). The truth is, many of the repair issues we see could have been avoided with a few precautions.

We know it’s tempting to wear your ring all the time. It’s beautiful. It’s meaningful. You want to show it off! But some daily habits can do more damage than you might expect - and many people don’t even realize the harm until it’s too late.

Here’s a guide to what not to do while wearing your ring.

Precious Materials Deserve Precious Care

It might sound obvious, but most engagement and wedding rings are made from precious metals. Gold, platinum, and silver are soft and malleable by nature (which is why we can sculpt them into such beautiful settings). But that also means they can bend, warp, scratch, or ding more easily than you may think.

Gemstones like sapphires, rubies, and moissanites rank high on the hardness scale, making them quite durable, but still susceptible to chipping and scratching under certain conditions. Other stones, such as emeralds, opals, and tourmalines, are more fragile and prone to surface scratches, chips, or abrasion from daily wear, so they benefit from extra care and attention.

And yes, even diamonds - the hardest known gem - can chip or break if hit just right. They’re incredibly scratch-resistant, but that doesn’t mean they’re indestructible. With enough force or the wrong angle, damage can still occur.

Protect Your Investment

Your jewelry is more than just beautiful- it’s a lasting treasure meant to be enjoyed for generations. Regular maintenance is key to preserving its sparkle and strength over time. Prongs wear down, stones can loosen, and metal naturally wears thin, but adopting careful habits now can reduce repairs and help ensure your piece remains a cherished heirloom for years to come.

Delicate rings with thin prongs or tiny stones? They’re especially vulnerable. More structural settings (like bezels, six-prong mounts, cathedral shoulders, or gallery rails) offer extra support, but they’re still not immune.

Activities Not to Do in Your Ring

Here’s a list of things we strongly recommend avoiding- some may sound like common sense, but trust us, we see the aftermath all the time:

Working out, especially with weights or bars. The pressure can bend metal and loosen stones- plus, fingers swell during workouts.

Rock climbing. Yes, it’s an extreme sport. Your ring didn’t sign up for that.

Doing the dishes. Not only can your ring get scratched, but water, soap, and residue can collect underneath the ring and cause irritation.

Showering. Soap and shampoo = instant dullness.

Gardening. Rings easily come off in soil (or when removing gloves). More than a few have been "planted" this way.

Swimming, especially in the ocean. Rings are notorious for slipping off in water. Beaches are full of lost jewelry - ask any metal detectorist. Also avoid swimming pools and hot tubs, because chlorine can actually corrode the alloys in gold, leaving it pitted like Swiss cheese.

Housework, DIY projects, or cooking. Anything involving tools, pressure, or potential injury should be ring-free.

Biking, kayaking, or gripping anything tightly. Rings can cause injury, gripping can cause metal warping, and swollen fingers can become a serious problem.

Ring Too Tight? Or Too Loose?

If you need lotion just to get your ring off, or if it fully slips off without you trying, it’s time for a resize. Ill-fitting rings are more likely to get damaged or lost. And if you’re wearing a ring made from alternative metals (like tungsten or titanium), keep in mind that they cannot be sized and are nearly impossible to cut off in an emergency. Consider wearing a silicone band for those higher-risk activities. 

A Bit of Real Talk: The Less You Wear It, The Longer It Lasts

We love jewelry. We design it, repair it, dream about it. But even we don’t wear our rings 24/7. In fact, most of us in the jewelry industry take our jewelry off as soon as we get home - no sleeping, showering, cleaning, or gym time with our favorite pieces.

If you’re someone who wants to wear your ring all the time (we get it), just be mindful of the activities that can put it at risk. And if you’re still shopping for your ring, think about how it will hold up to your lifestyle- for example, someone very active may want to avoid a dainty micro-pavé setting and opt for something more durable. Choosing a design that suits your daily routine, and taking small precautions, can go a long way in keeping your ring safe and sparkling for a lifetime (and beyond).

Final Thoughts

Jewelry is made to be worn and loved- but also to be protected. With just a little extra care, you can extend the life of your ring and reduce how often you need repairs. 

At Baraka Gems, we truly care about helping your jewelry last a lifetime and beyond. If you’re unsure about how to care for your ring, think it might be time for a tune-up, or just want expert eyes on something, we’d love to help. We're always here to offer guidance, answer your questions, and help your jewelry stay a lasting part of your story.