Does Sunscreen Harm Your Engagement Ring and Wedding Band?

While sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin during sunny days, you might be wondering if it could be damaging your precious engagement ring or wedding band. Whether you’re heading to the beach or enjoying some sun on your honeymoon, it’s important to know how sunscreen affects your jewellery and what you can do to prevent it.

Is Sunscreen Bad for Your Engagement Ring and Wedding Band?

Sunscreen itself isn’t harmful to the metal of your engagement ring or wedding band, especially if your rings are durable materials like gold or platinum. However, the oil-based ingredients in many sunscreens can affect the appearance of your gemstones, particularly diamonds. These oils can create a film over your stone, making it look dull or cloudy. Over time, this residue can build up, affecting the overall shine and brilliance of your ring. Additionally, sunscreen can get trapped in small crevices, like under the stone or between the prongs, contributing to a grimy appearance.

How to Avoid Getting Sunscreen on Your Jewellery

The best way to protect your rings from sunscreen is to remove your rings before applying any lotion. Only put them back on when the sunscreen has fully absorbed into your skin. If you’re headed to the beach, pool, or a more adventurous outing, it might be a good idea to leave your rings at home altogether. Sunscreen isn’t the only risk to your engagement ring—swimming or outdoor activities can also increase the chances of losing or damaging your rings. If leaving your rings behind isn’t an option, consider storing them safely in a zip-pocket wristband or a secure bag.

What to Do If You Get Sunscreen on Your Engagement Ring and Wedding Band

If you accidentally get sunscreen on your engagement ring, don’t worry—it takes time for the lotion to cause a noticeable impact. You can easily clean your rings at home by gently scrubbing them with a soft toothbrush, a bit of gentle dish soap, and warm water. This should remove any build-up and restore their sparkle. If your rings still seem dull after cleaning, you can always take them to a jeweller for a professional cleaning to ensure they’re in top condition.

• How to Look After and Clean Your Jewellery

How to Protect Your Engagement Ring and Wedding Band from Sunscreen Damage

While it’s impossible to avoid sunscreen altogether, especially during the summer, there are steps you can take to keep your rings looking their best:

• Clean Your Rings Regularly: During the summer, it’s a good idea to clean your engagement ring at least once a week, especially if you’re using sunscreen frequently. This will help remove any buildup and keep your diamonds shining. Additionally, schedule a professional cleaning with your jeweller twice a year for a deeper clean and inspection.
• Know When to Take Them Off: Whenever you’re applying sunscreen, it’s best to take your engagement ring off. This simple step can prevent the oils in the lotion from building up on your gemstones. Avoid wearing your rings in situations where water, sweat, or sunscreen might come into contact with them.
• Insure Your Rings: Since your wedding and engagement rings are valuable and sentimental, make sure you insure them. In case they’re lost or damaged, insurance will help cover the cost of repair or replacement, giving you peace of mind.

By taking these precautions, you can enjoy your time in the sun without worrying about harming your engagement ring or wedding band. Regular care and attention will keep your rings looking as beautiful as the day you got them.