How to Know When Not to Wear Your Wedding Rings

Luckily, most of the times that it is better to leave the ring in the box are when you’re at home. If you are uncomfortable without a ring in public, consider getting a less-expensive band as a "stand-in" ring. That way, you still are showing the world that you are off the market, without the risk of ruining the beloved piece purchased by your beloved.

Below are the situations when it’s best to remove your ring:

- When putting on lotion, sunscreen, hairspray, etc. Many of these types of products can dull your diamond and even damage the setting.
- Cleaning the house or washing the dishes. Once again, the chemicals can hurt your ring. This is particularly true with oven cleaner, which is also harmful to skin. With dishes, you also risk the ring sliding off – due to the soap – and going down the drain.
- Swimming. Chlorine from the pool is not good for your setting or center stone, especially if you spend a lot of time doing laps. Even if your ring fits perfectly, cold water can make your fingers shrink. Thus, wearing it in the ocean or another body of water is too big of a risk.
- Exercising with equipment. A jog on the treadmill is probably fine, but lifting weights or using similar products can especially hurt a pavé setting. The same goes for sports.
- Gardening. This activity could be safe with reinforced gloves, but considering how rocks can scratch your band, you’re probably better off not wearing it.
- Messy cooking. Simple recipes probably won’t do any damage, but anything that involves putting your hands in something sticky is going to add gunk to your ring.

Learn how to take care of your wedding and engagement rings, see if you should have multiple ring sets, and discover what you need to know before purchasing an engagement ring. Find inspiration in our photo galleries and browse the wedding jewelry chosen by real couples!