An engagement ring is more than jewellery ̶ it’s a symbol of love, commitment, and a story that begins the day you say “yes.” At ApolloGem Cape Town, we understand how deeply personal each ring is, which is why we craft every piece to last a lifetime.
Still, even the most brilliant moissanite or diamond needs a little care to maintain its sparkle and structure over the years. With just a few simple habits, you can keep your engagement ring shining as brightly as the day it was placed on your finger.
Understanding What Makes Rings Lose Their Sparkle
Your engagement ring faces the world every day ̶ from lotions and soaps to makeup, dust, and natural oils. Over time, these elements can create a thin film that dulls the surface and blocks light from reflecting through the stone. While these factors don’t harm your stone, they temporarily dim its sparkle. The good news is that ApolloGem Moissanite and lab-grown diamonds have exceptional hardness (rated 9.25‒9.5 on the Mohs scale) and superior polish retention, meaning they stay bright longer and are easier to restore to full brilliance with proper care.
The Right Way to Clean Your Ring at Home
You don’t need professional tools to keep your ring gleaming ̶ just gentle, regular care. Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide: 1. Fill a small bowl with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap. 2. Soak your ring for 10‒15 minutes to loosen any dirt or oils. 3. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently clean around and under the setting. 4. Rinse with clean water and pat dry with a lint-free cloth. Avoid: - Harsh chemicals like bleach or chlorine. - Ultrasonic cleaners if your ring has delicate prongs or vintage settings. - Paper towels or tissues that can scratch the metal. ApolloGem recommends cleaning your ring at home every 1‒2 weeks if worn daily. A few minutes of care can keep your ring dazzling all year round.
Professional Maintenance and Polishing
Even the finest engagement rings benefit from periodic professional attention. Tiny prongs can loosen, metal may develop micro-scratches, and even the hardest gemstones collect residue in places hard to reach at home.
At ApolloGem Cape Town, we offer: - Free professional cleaning and polishing - Free ring sizing advice - Prong inspection and tightening - Stone integrity checks to ensure your moissanite or diamond remains secure These maintenance services restore the original shine and help prevent long-term wear or damage ̶ keeping your ring’s craftsmanship as perfect as the day it was created.
Protecting Your Ring from Everyday Damage
Your ring is durable but not indestructible.
Certain everyday activities can expose it to unnecessary stress or abrasion. It’s best to remove your ring when: - Exercising or lifting weights - Applying creams or perfumes - Cleaning with chemicals or detergents - Swimming (chlorine and saltwater can affect metal finishes) - Gardening or doing heavy manual work When you’re not wearing it, store your ring separately in a soft-lined box or pouch to avoid contact with other jewellery.
Keeping Your Moissanite or Lab-Grown Diamond Brilliant
ApolloGem Moissanite is renowned for its exceptional durability and fire. Each stone is oven-baked for 48 hours after cutting ̶ a unique process that seals and stabilises the surface, enhancing clarity, brilliance, and resilience against environmental factors. With proper care, your moissanite will maintain its original transparency and sparkle indefinitely. For lab-grown diamonds, similar gentle cleaning and safe handling ensure the stone retains its natural brilliance and structure over decades. Avoid storing your ring in direct sunlight or high-heat areas, as extreme temperature shifts can affect some metals and adhesives in certain settings.
Conclusion: Brilliance that Lasts as Long as Love
Caring for your engagement ring is much like caring for your relationship ̶ it’s about consistency, attention, and love. With simple maintenance, mindful wear, and ApolloGem’s lifetime support, your ring will continue to sparkle through every chapter of your journey together.
Visit ApolloGem Cape Town ̶ 50 Long Street, Spaces Building, Office 215 ̶ or explore ApolloGem.co.za. Experience the craftsmanship, service, and care that keep brilliance alive. ApolloGem ̶ The Brilliance You Can Believe In.
