Your engagement ring isn’t just a symbol of your union. It’s also an heirloom in the making, a precious piece of jewelry that can be passed down through generations — IF you take proper care of it.

Of course, you know never to open boxes or try to bottle tops with your ring (trust me, people do try!), but there are a few unexpected everyday activities that can put your ring in harm’s way.

Don’t wear it during vigorous sports  Any activity that involves impact to your hands (from volleyball to boxing to weightlifting, rock climbing, and even gardening) can bend or break the prongs that hold your stone in place, causing the gemstone to fall out of the setting. Similarly, during water activities such as swimming, water skiing, or boating, it’s far easier for your ring to slip off when your hands are wet. I’ve heard so many stories about rings getting lost in lakes, oceans, and on beaches.

Don’t wear it while cleaning  Ordinary cleaning materials won’t damage your diamond (delicate pearls and other gemstones are another matter) but household cleaners such as bleach and common chemicals, such as acetone nail polish remover and chlorine from pools and hot tubs can erode the alloys in yellow and white gold causing prong to break.

Have your ring checked  Even if you don’t wear your ring while exercising, normal daily activity such as fabric snags or hitting the ring on the edge of a table can bend and loosen prongs, putting your stone in danger of falling out. Here at Stephen Kris Designs I create custom alternative settings to prongs (see photo above) but if you have your heart set on a prong setting, we recommend a 5 or 6-prong setting vs 4-prongs because they offer for security. Also regular checks by an experienced jeweler every six to 12 months is a good idea to make sure the settings are secure.

You can also get your rings professionally cleaned at the same time. However, if you’d like to clean your ring yourself, we recommend using mild soap (Dawn liquid is my favorite), warm water, and an old soft-bristled toothbrush.