4 Ways You’re Putting Your Engagement Ring at Risk This Winter

While winter brings many joys, like cozy nights in and festive holiday celebrations, it also comes with a few hidden risks for your engagement ring. Between cold temperatures and outdoor activities, the winter season can be especially tough on jewellery. To help keep your ring safe during these chilly months, here are four common ways you might be putting your engagement ring at risk—and how to avoid them.

1. Shovelling Snow

For those living in snowy climates, shovelling the driveway or sidewalk is a regular winter task. However, wearing your engagement ring while doing this can expose it to potential damage. Chemicals from ice-melting products, along with snowblowers and shovels, can scratch the metal or damage the setting. Even though diamonds are incredibly durable, they can still be chipped or scratched if not handled properly. Worse, there’s always the risk of dropping your ring into the snow and spending hours trying to find it. To avoid these problems, it’s best to leave your ring inside while you tackle your winter chores.

2. Wearing Gloves

Gloves are a necessity in cold weather, but they can pose a risk to your engagement ring. The prongs of your ring can easily get caught in the fabric of knit gloves, loosening the setting and increasing the risk of losing your diamond. To prevent this, opt for gloves made of materials less prone to snagging, or consider removing your ring before putting gloves on. This simple precaution can help ensure your ring stays secure throughout the winter.

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3. Going from Hot to Cold Temperatures

Extreme temperature changes can have a surprising effect on your ring. Moving from the warmth of your home to freezing outdoor temperatures can cause a rapid shift in the internal structure of a diamond, particularly if it has certain inclusions. While this is rare, it’s still a possibility during the winter months. To protect your ring, keep it covered when moving between hot and cold environments, such as by wearing gloves or tucking your hand into your coat pocket.

4. Engaging in Outdoor Winter Activities

Winter sports and outdoor activities, like skiing, snowboarding, or ice skating, can be risky for your engagement ring. Any rigorous activity increases the chances of damaging or losing your ring. The best solution is to remove your jewellery before participating in winter activities and store it in a safe place. Cold weather can make y our fingers shrink, which may cause a poorly fitting ring to slip off more easily. To prevent this, consider using a ring guard as a temporary fix or have your ring professionally resized.

Final Tips

To keep your engagement ring safe this winter, always remove it before engaging in any activity that might put it at risk. And remember, if you haven’t already, insuring your ring is a smart way to protect it in case of damage or loss. With these precautions in place, you can enjoy the winter season without worrying about your precious jewellery.

Beating the Cold at The AJC

If you want extra information on a ring purchased through us or are looking for an engagement ring and want to make sure it suits your partner’s lifestyle. Why not come visit us in our London showroom? We’ll make sure you leave in a festive mood.