An engagement ring is a priceless possession that one can cherish forever. Well, that’s the goal anyway. Unfortunately, some rings may not last that long. While gemstones are strong, they aren’t invincible, and neither is the metal band of your ring. Over time, a variety of factors can begin to cause wear and tear that reduce your ring’s appearance. To make sure your most precious piece of jewelry stands the test of time, avoid these top causes of engagement ring damage.

Significant Resizes

Many people fail to recognize the risks of resizing their ring—especially if a significant alteration is necessary. Every time you adjust the size of your engagement ring’s band, whether you make it larger or smaller, the jeweler must cut the metal. In doing so, the band becomes weaker and more likely to break in the future. As such, you should avoid resizing your ring unless absolutely necessary.

Snags

If your ring has a thin band or is made from softer metals, such as gold or silver, simply snagging your ring on something could warp or damage the band. Carpets, sweaters, the car door—all these and more present snagging hazards for your ring. If you then accidentally yank your hand away, the ring’s soft metal band could bend out of shape. To avoid such an unfortunate accident, exercise caution in situations where your ring could potentially snag on something.

Forgoing Regular Maintenance

Forgoing regular ring maintenance can also cause damage. In other words: clean your ring. In addition to helping your engagement ring look its best, regular cleaning will remove any chemicals or abrasive materials that can damage your band over time. To clean your precious jewelry, use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a mix of hot water and a mild dish soap. Gently brush your ring’s surface, and then rinse it off.

Lifting Heavy Objects

Another one of the top causes of engagement ring damage is lifting heavy objects while wearing your ring. Before helping a friend move or heading over to the gym, always remember to take your engagement ring off and put it in a safe place. Trying to lift heavy objects like furniture or weights can place excess pressure on the band and ultimately cause it to bend or crack.

Contact With Harsh Chemicals

Last but not least, harsh chemicals can also cause their fair share of damage to unsuspecting engagement rings. Some common chemicals that can eat away at your band over time or cause your gem to cloud include:

• Chlorine
• Chemical compounds in shampoos and harsh soaps
• Alcohol-based hand sanitizers and lotions
• Strong household cleaning products such as bleach

To prevent your ring from sustaining damage from these common chemical culprits, always remove it before showering, cleaning, or swimming.