How to Care for Your Vintage Eternity Ring

A vintage eternity ring could already have survived for one to many decades — perhaps even a century. With the right care, it will last many decades more. Here is how to look after your ring so it stays beautiful for generations.                        
                  
Everyday Wear                                                                 
   
Eternity rings are designed for everyday wear, but there are a few situations where it is worth taking yours off:
                                                                                
 - When gardening or doing heavy manual work — soil, grit, and impact can scratch metal and loosen stones over time
 - At the gym — gripping equipment puts pressure on the band and can distort it
 - In the shower or swimming — chlorine and saltwater can dull metals and affect certain stone settings over time                                
 - Applying lotions, perfumes, or cleaning products — chemicals can build up beneath settings and cause cloudiness                                         
                  
Cleaning at Home                                                              
                  
For most vintage rings, a gentle clean at home every few weeks is all that is needed. Place your ring in a small bowl of warm water with a few drops of washing-up liquid. Leave it for a few minutes, then use a very soft toothbrush — a baby toothbrush is ideal — to gently clean around the settings. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and pat dry with a soft cloth.

Avoid ultrasonic cleaners for vintage rings unless a jeweller has confirmed they are suitable. The vibrations can loosen stones in older settings.
                                                                                
Professional Servicing

It is worth having your vintage ring professionally checked every year or two. A jeweller can inspect the settings, check that stones are secure, and give the metal a professional polish. Catching a loose stone early is far preferable to losing it.

Storage                                                                       
   
Store your ring separately from other jewellery to avoid scratching. A fabric-lined ring box or a soft pouch is ideal. Diamonds can scratch other stones and metals, so even within your own collection, keep pieces apart.     
                  
A Note on Vintage Settings                                                    
   
Older ring settings — particularly claw settings from the early twentieth century — were made to last but may be more delicate than modern settings. Treat your vintage ring with a little more care than you might a newly made piece, and it will reward you handsomely.

With the right attention, a vintage eternity ring is not just jewellery — it is an heirloom in the making.