What to Consider when Choosing a Diamond Wedding Ring for Daily Wear
Diamonds are built to last, and their strength, rareness, and beauty are one of the reasons that diamonds symbolize love and commitment. The strong bonds that make up diamonds are much like the bond you have with your partner. Plus, diamonds look stunning. Your diamond wedding ring will be worn daily for years, so you want to ensure you get quality jewelry that will last.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Durability of Diamonds
Diamonds are one of the hardest substances on Earth. They're a 10/10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them a robust and durable stone that's capable of withstanding daily wear. According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), durability includes three properties: hardness, toughness, and stability. Hardness refers to how well a gemstone resists abrasion and scratches. Toughness means how well a gemstone resists breaking and chipping, and stability describes how well a diamond resists chemicals and temperature changes.
Setting and Mounting
Your diamond is tough, but you want to set it in a secure setting that can keep your diamond held tightly in place. Some settings offer more protection than others. Bezel settings surround the diamond in metal, so the stone is safely secured in the band and is less likely to have prongs to snag anything. Look at this bezel set diamond wedding band as an example. Channel settings are also a durable wedding band. Here's an example of a channel set diamond wedding band. Notice how the ring features gemstones set within a “channel” created by metal walls along either side of the continuous row of diamonds.
Metal Choice
Another choice that impacts the durability of your ring is the metal. Platinum is a strong, durable metal that's commonly used in wedding jewelry. Yellow, white, and rose gold are also used because gold is a long-lasting material that can safely hold your diamonds in place. Both 14K and 18K gold are used in wedding pieces, and 14K is more robust because it contains less pure gold than 18K gold. If you get any scratches in your metal, they can likely get buffed out. White gold needs rhodium plating every few years once the tinge of yellow starts emerging. It helps to look at example rings in different metals to see how they compare and which you prefer. Check out this platinum band with some vintage flair or this white gold diamond band. This rose gold wedding band features subtle sparkle.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Maintaining your wedding ring can help your ring last with daily wear. Periodically clean your ring at home by just soaking it in a bowl of warm water and dish soap and keep it for about 10 to 15 minutes. Grab a softly bristled brush and gently scrub the setting and the stones to remove caked-on dirt. You'll also want to visit a professional jeweler once a year so they can get a closer looks at the prongs, settings, and stones. They can spot potential issues so you don't lose a stone. Taking good care of your diamond wedding ring and being proactive with any maintenance can keep your ring looking as good as new!
Daily Activities and Potential Risks
Sometimes, it's best to leave your ring off, such as if you're exercising, playing sports, working with your hands, doing yard work, or cleaning. Activities with your hands mean you could potentially damage the ring or lose it. Swimming or cleaning exposes your ring to harsh chemicals. It's best to try to protect your ring so that you can wear it for years. If you'd instead not leave your ring at home, you can purchase an alternative ring that you can wear, such as this diamond wedding band or this channel set wedding band.
Professional Inspections
Having your ring professionally inspected provides peace of mind and ensures that your ring is safe and your diamonds are secure. Broken prongs, loose stones, or any damage on the setting means you must see a jeweler immediately. Companies like With Clarity can inspect your rings and make the repairs so your ring will be as good as new.
Personal Preferences and Lifestyle
As you consider what type of wedding band you'd like, think about your personal style and your lifestyle before picking a ring. You want something that's durable enough for your activities so that your ring can stay safe and your diamonds secure. If you're a super active person, an ornate wedding band might not mesh well with your lifestyle. It's devastating to lose diamonds, damage your band, or have your ring slip off, so it's essential to be realistic about your wedding ring needs before making a decision.
Conclusion
A wedding ring is a reminder of the love and commitment that you and your partner have made to one another. You want your wedding band to be as strong as your bond with your loved one. Diamonds are incredibly durable, and the term durable includes three properties: hardness, toughness, and stability. Select a quality diamond, whether mined or lab grown, and select a metal that is also durable and strong.
Depending on your lifestyle, you might want to choose a more secure setting, such as a bezel or channel-set band. These secure settings work well for active women. If you’re doing more strenuous activities or cleaning, consider leaving your engagement ring and wedding band at home. You can always have an alternative band to wear for these occasions.
