Many brides are concerned when their ring develops scratches, turn yellowish, have one of the prongs move on the center stone, or see that one of the diamonds has loosened.

Scratches happen to all precious metals. Some people will have you believe that it’s the metal, but basically all precious metals are softer than – utensils, door knobs, car doors, railings, weight in the gym, just about anything wooden or metal. So as long as you wear your ring it will scratch. Try removing them if you work out and once your home– at least you won’t do house work in them.

White Gold or Platinum

White gold rings are plated to make them appear white like platinum. Once this plating fades, the rings true color, a yellowish white shines through. There is nothing wrong with your ring – it needs to be re-plated. The cost for a heavy plating should be only $50-$60 dollars.

The biggest concern arises when diamonds get loose. It took me many years before I realized that women have a fairly usual way of checking if their stones are loose. They touch the stones to check. THAT IS AN ABSOULTE NO-NO. By touching your stones you are effectively loosing them.

Checking for Loose Diamonds

How can you check without touching your diamonds? Hold the ring to your ear, then using your finger nails tap on the shank of the ring. It should sound solid. If you hear a buzzing sound you know your stones need tightening.

Getting prongs caught and moving them is very common. When that happens you need to get the prongs fixed. Generally this is a simple thing to do – and the jeweler should not charge.

Diamonds Are Not Invincible

Although a diamond is the hardest substance known on earth, it still requires attention and care. If diamond did not have a weakness, it could not be fashioned at all. That weakness is its perfect "cleavage," or the tendency to split along its perfect crystal planes. This makes diamond susceptible to cracking or chipping with a sharp blow. A good setting prevents most damage, but reasonable care is essential to enjoy your investment for many years. Below are some important tips you should know.

Chemicals

Exposure during ordinary wear to perspiration and household chemicals, like chlorine and hairspray, can accumulate and dull the surface of a diamond. Periodic cleanings are crucial if you want to keep it brilliant and prismatic.

Cleaning

We recommend a gentle scrubbing with a soft-bristle brush in a solution of plain alcohol diluted in warm water. Periodic ultrasonic cleanings by your local jeweler are also recommended to clean hard-to-reach areas under the settings.

Check the Prongs

Be sure to take your diamond ring to a trusted local jeweler to check for loose prongs. You may have to pay a little to have the prongs retipped with gold once a year or so, but it will be well worth it. Prongs can break or weaken with normal wear, and it would be heartbreaking to lose your precious diamond.