The short answer: a seasonal ring care routine means cleaning gently every month, checking fit and claws as the weather changes and booking a professional check once or twice a year. Each season has its own risk, from cold hands in winter to sunscreen and swelling in summer.
A short checklist makes ring care easy to keep up.
Winter
- Fingers shrink in the cold, so check the fit.
- Take care pulling off gloves.
- Clean hand cream film weekly.
See winter, gloves and ring fit.
Spring
- Gardening: take the ring off for soil and roots.
- Spring cleaning: remove it before using cleaning products.
- Book a check before the busy summer.
Summer
- Hands swell in heat.
- Remove the ring for swimming and sunscreen.
- Store it safely when travelling.
See beach holiday ring care and travel storage for rings.
Autumn
- Check claws after a summer of use.
- Think about polishing or refinishing.
- Plan any resize before the festive season.
If you live somewhere without four seasons
Not everyone has a cold winter and a warm summer. In a hot, humid climate, swelling and sunscreen are year round concerns, so check the fit more often and clean weekly. In a dry climate, hand cream builds up faster. At altitude or in a very cold place, fingers can shrink enough for a ring to slip. Our guide to ring care in tropical, dry and cold climates adapts this checklist for each.
All year
| Task | How often |
|---|---|
| Gentle clean | Weekly or monthly |
| Fit check | Each season |
| Professional check | Once or twice a year |
Quick checks
- Does the stone move?
- Do the claws feel smooth?
- Is the ring comfortable?
A five minute monthly clean
- Fill a small bowl with warm water and a drop of mild washing up liquid.
- Soak the ring for a few minutes to loosen film.
- Brush gently around and under the stone with a soft toothbrush.
- Rinse in clean warm water over the bowl, never over an open plughole.
- Dry with a lint free cloth and look at the claws in good light.
Our guide to engagement ring care and maintenance explains when a problem needs a jeweller.
Make it a habit
Link ring care to something you already do. Clean the ring on the first of the month, check the fit when the clocks change and book a professional check when you renew your insurance. A simple routine is easier to keep than a long list.
When to stop wearing the ring
Some signs mean the ring should come off until it has been checked: a stone that moves or rattles, a claw that catches on fabric, a crack or a thin spot in the band, or a sudden change in fit. Put the ring somewhere safe and get advice rather than waiting for the next scheduled check.
Keep a record
Keep the report, the receipt and photographs of your ring in one place. If you ever need a repair, a valuation or an insurance claim, a clear record saves time.
Insurance
Review your cover each year, and update the valuation if needed. Speak to your insurer.
Nothing is made until you approve the design in writing, and our standard making time is 5 to 6 weeks, which can vary with your location and how busy we are. Pieces start from £600.
See what happens at a ring service appointment, polishing or replating and cold climate ring care.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for a check? Before busy periods, such as before summer or the festive season.
Can I clean my ring at home? Yes, gently.
Do lab grown rings need the same care? Yes.
What if a claw catches on my clothes? Stop wearing the ring and have it checked.
Can I order a ring from overseas? Yes, by video consultation, with insured, tracked FedEx delivery.