My first diamond and how to look after it
Author: Magdalena Kořínková
That time has come. Your beloved has knelt down and popped the question. Now a diamond engagement ring glitters on your finger. For many women, the diamond in their engagement ring is "their first," and it's not uncommon to see the hashtag #myfirstdiamond underneath the photo on Instagram. We've got five tips on how to care for your engagement ring so it doesn't lose its sparkle.
Putting on your engagement ring is like starting a new chapter in your life. Where will the wedding take place? What kind of dress will I wear? How many people will we invite? And what wedding rings will we choose? And while you're thinking about all these things, you're fondling your engagement ring. By the way, did you know...
Why a ring, anyway?
A ring has always been a symbol of eternity and infinity. The first records of rings being passed around probably date back to ancient Egypt, when grasses and reeds were woven into rings that women wore as rings. Because these materials were not very durable, they were replaced by rings made of leather, ivory, bone, and later metals.
What should it look like?
So what should a "proper" engagement ring look like? Simple answer: completely up to your liking. While traditions and marketing set some rules, the only thing that matters is that the ring looks good on you. The main thing is to know your style and to be able to present it to your partner so that - if he chooses without you - he won't go wrong.
Did you know that...
...even the gemstones on your engagement ring have their own symbolic meaning? Rubies are symbols of love, emeralds are symbols of home, sapphires carry sincerity and loyalty, and diamonds point towards infinity.
What about the price?
A widespread myth says that the price of an engagement ring should be equivalent to (at least) 2-3 months' salary. But that's just a marketing ploy. That's why many men don't get their chosen one a diamond ring - they fear the high purchase price, and straight away opt for (in their opinion) a more affordable option. Here at Antiques Cinolter you can choose from beautiful rings with natural diamonds in a really wide price range, acceptable even for very young gentlemen. Moreover, thanks to our Sherlock Holmes helper, the laboratory diamond detector, you can always be sure that the jewel is adorned with a natural diamond.
Now let's move on to our five tips on how to care for your engagement ring to keep it beautiful and sparkling for as long as possible. And since with an engagement ring, as with any other piece of jewellery, the rule "jewellery is the last thing we put on when we leave, and the first thing we take off when we get home" applies, some of these tips probably won't come as a surprise:
Tip 1: Don't wear your engagement ring all the time
Do you wear your engagement ring at home or during sports? It might be safer to take it off and store it in a box during certain activities. This way, there's no risk of it slipping off your finger, getting scratched, the stone chipping off or the ring disappearing down the drain when you're cleaning, playing with your pet or taking a shower.
Tip 2: Store it safely
When you take the ring off, do you leave it on the bedside table or sink? We'd rather not do that. Every piece of jewellery, especially those with gemstones or pearls, should have their own box where you can store them securely. This way, it's not only safe from loss, but also from damage. And when we say " their own box", we really mean that there shouldn't be more than one piece of jewellery in the same box. Because even jewels can scratch against each other.
Tip 3: Wellness for your ring
You should also give your ring regular care. At least once a year, it is advisable to have it checked by a jeweller. He or she will make sure the stone or other embellishments are holding up well, the ring is not cracked or otherwise damaged anywhere, and of course, he or she will give it a professional cleaning.
Tip 4: Home cleaning
If you'd like to clean your beloved ring yourself in between regular checks with the jeweller, you can place it in a bowl of warm water and some mild dishwashing liquid. After a few minutes, remove it, clean it with a soft brush and dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth.
Tip 5: Establish a family tradition
If it's not common in your or your partner's family to pass on an engagement ring "to the next generation", you can introduce this tradition. Your engagement ring may be the one that will be passed down for generations to come.

The uniqueness of each piece
If you get an antique engagement ring, you can be almost certain that you won't find another piece like it in the world. So if you have your "favourite candidate" picked out but it's still sits in the store window, your beloved shouldn't wait too long. If he hesitates, the jewel will most likely sell quickly and be irretrievably gone. Therefore, although the saying goes "hurry slow", this is definitely not the case when buying antique jewellery. Especially when it comes to a ring as important as an engagement ring.