A little common sense goes a long way — just treat your rings with care and they should last a long time! That said, please keep in mind the following:
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- Don’t be harsh on your rings! Treat them with care, like you would any jewelry. These materials can be scratched (even glass). They’re not diamond 🙂
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- Take special care if the ring has a thin shank (band). That’s often where cracks occur.
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- I know many people who’ve broken rings by clapping. Be aware of this before you attend any event where clapping is likely to occur (concerts, sporting events, pattycake parties, what have you).
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- Also beware of tapping your ring against your drinking glass!
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- Wearing rings on your non-dominant hand (i.e. left hand, if you’re right-handed) will reduce the chances of breakage since you’re less likely to grab for things and smash your ring against a hard object with your non-dominant hand.
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- It’s best not to expose these (or even metal) rings to chemicals or alcohol-based products such as perfume, hairspray, household cleaners or nailpolish remover.
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- Do not wear during a manicure; damage may occur from chemicals or even the UV lamp.
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- It’s also a good idea not to immerse rings in water, especially if they have a glued component or are porous like wood. Remove before washing hands, washing dishes, showering, etc. Getting your hands wet makes it easier for rings to slip off and crack in the sink — or even go down the drain (oh nooo~).
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- Glass rings are safe to clean with a damp cloth. Just make sure you use only mild, lukewarm water, as glass is sensitive to heat changes. Sudden exposure to extremely cold or hot temperatures can cause glass to crack!
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- Be extra careful with glass and stone rings, which are more likely to crack or shatter than plastic. Inspect your ring once in a while to make sure no cracks are forming. Do not try to force a glass ring onto a finger that’s too big.
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- To care for stone (like quartz or agate), wash with mild soap and warm water, then dry with a soft towel. Carnelian will get redder if placed in the sun. Remember, these materials are not immune to chipping or breaking, either; they can be similar to glass in this regard.
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- Wood should be kept dry. You should also avoid heat. Take special care to avoid splitting and cracking, as wood is porous and naturally less resilient than lucite, glass, etc.
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- Tagua rings are carved from dried-out tagua nuts. As with wood, you should avoid excessive exposure to moisture and heat. Again, these organic materials are porous and naturally less resilient than lucite or glass.
- It’s worth repeating: just treat your rings with care and with common sense, and you shouldn’t have a problem.