QuestionMy fiancee recently surprised me with a beautiful white gold engagement ring. It looks Victorian and has etching on the band as well as small diamonds around the large center diamond. I am worried that my face wash (that has grapefruit extract and salicylic acid in it) will harm either the white gold etching or the small diamond stones. Thank you!
AnswerJulia,
Congratulations! It sounds like a beautiful piece.
There are many chemicals that can damage gold. Even chlorine bleach in a swimming pool can slowly deteriorate gold and cause pits in the metal.
The best rule of thumb is to get into the habit of not wearing your jewelry when your hands are in chemicals. Diamonds can pretty much take anything, but many of the colored stones and metals can also be damaged by hair products, perfume, etc.
Your ring will stay in better condition and stay more clean and beautiful if you take it off while you sleep and get ready in the morning, and any time you are doing cleaning or house work. I have had many customers over the years lose their main diamond in their clothes washer because of banging it while taking clothes in and out. We, in general, just don't realize how hard we are on our rings.
I don't know specifically if those chemicals would do damage, but why risk it. For a ring in gold and diamonds, it would be completely safe to take your ring off at night and soak it in your container of professional jewelry cleaner. Then, when you are done getting ready in the morning, use an old soft toothbrush to brush the inside, back of the ring and the top, and rinse with water. ALWAYS keep the drain closed while you are doing this. Then your ring will be nice and sparkly each day.
Enjoy your new ring!
