Engagement ring care

It's like a new baby, you have to find your own level of comfort with it. This is what I do: I usually take it off when I am at home. But I never put it anywhere except a ring holder that I have on my dresser. Believe me, if I didn't make that vow, I'd have lost it in the first month! Second, I never take it off when I am not at home. A somewhat humorous story: in the summer I was in the store trying on a shirt, sort of crocheted with holes in it, anyway, I didnt want the ring to get caught so I took it off (reg flag!!) and put it on the little shelf in the fitting room. Yep...I left it in there. I realized when I was about 50 feet away from the fitting room and went running back, nearly taking down 3 people in my path on the way, my heart was racing. Thank God (happy ending!) the store wasn't crowded or it could have been gone. My heart was still racing and my hands were shaking for literally 1/2 hour afterwards. Anyway, I don't take it off since then. I turn it around if I am trying something on. But I know people who swear by leaving it on ALWAYS. I can't say its a bad idea either but if you do opt to take it off at home, have a specific place either a ring holder or the box it came in and never place it anywhere else. Also, don't leave it out of your sight if you get it cleaned at a jewelry store. And lastly, please please get it insured if you haven't already. Don't put it off it you haven't. Hope this helps a bit :o)

I was really concerned about finding a dress to match the bridesmaids with the flowergirl, who is only going to be 4 1/2 years old. Plus, the flowergirl and her mother, my matron of honor, are from out of town.

We have Allstate and what I did was take out renters insurance and then we have an add-on that covers the rings. It is not that expensive, I think we pay about $350-400 a year. That covers full replacement cost of our belongings in the apt should anything happen and the jewelry on top of that. If you own a home, check your policy, you may be covered already. We felt more comfortable going with a big company. You can also consolidate your car insurance into an insurance policy for better savings. Definitely get it though, you will feel safer wearing your ring.

Usually you would put it on either your homeowner's policy, or a renter's policy. I don't know if anyone will insure just the ring. Somebody probably does. I'd check with your current insurance carrier first.

Pardon my ignorance, but what is a sonic cleaner? I use a regular jewelry cleaner, and it makes my ring nice and sparkley!!!

I heard (and do) the exact same thing. I wear mine at all times except in the shower and when doing dishes, and I clean it about once a month.

There is an insurer called Jewelers Insurance that will cover just your ring and/or other pieces. They were a little higher than a rider to our homeowners policy, but not bad if you don't a have homeowners or renters insurance to tack on to.
In regards to where to have the wedding: Where will most of your guests be coming from? Take that into consideration and also, if you do decide on Nassau, try not to go too far out. I don't know either of the places you mentioned but for their comfort, you don't want your guests to have a long commute (both ways) to the wedding if you can avoid it. If people have far to go, you run the risk of them showing up late due to traffic or leaving early because they are getting tired and know they have a long drive. Also, if your having the ceremony in the Bronx and the reception on LI, consider if you will be going into overtime with a limos, that can add up. Try to be mindful of your guests but follow your heart. Good luck.

I suggest going to the jeweler or store where the ring was purchased. My jeweler cleans it for free when ever I want, and I believe most jewelers will if you bought it there. This way they can inspect it and check it at the same time.

Thanks,

I take my ring off when I take a shower, am preparing raw meat to cook, or wash my hands. I'm always paranoid of soapy water causing the ring to slip off my finger and maybe get stuck in a drain or something. The raw meat thing, I guess that's self explanatory.

I keep my ring clean with a toothbrush and a little touch of toothpaste that I make sure to brush completely away. It does a great job of getting in all the nooks and crannies.

I usually take off my ring when doing house work, taking a shower, and when I go to sleep at night. I have a ring holder which I put it in to keep it away from other jewelry.

In terms of cleaning, I have read in many magazines, and what works for me, is using a soft toothbrush, washing the ring with mild liquid detergent and air drying it or using a lint free cloth. You are not likely to damage the stone, since diamond is the hardest natural substance to man, what may be damaged is the setting.

Where are you located?

I'm kinda bored right now since I have no planning to do, so I'm creating a wedding webpage on Homestead.com(along the lines of what Laura did). I was hoping that house hunting would take up some of my down time--figures I would find something right away. I guess I'll add to my registry now that we have a place to live and I can figure out color schemes.(my MOH tells me everyday that I have to add more things to it.)

If you are looking for an appraisal go to the Jewelry Judge in Garden City on Old Country Rd. 516-248-8130.

If you are looking for a jeweler, this guy was the best: Carl Sampieri at Sampieri Diamonds in the City. He's at 86 Bowery. 212-343-9620. My FI's family have been using him for 30 years! He is great.

Sorry if this posts twice...

Lisa,

Just curious but did you shop around before you got the insurance? that seems high based on what we were told...
Laura

I am sorry. I told you wrong. It actually amounted to $24 per $1000. Big difference!!

My MOH purchased her dress at the Bridal Garden. I even went there to look at dresses, but was unable to find a style I liked. Well at this point in time I wouldn't recommend the Bridal Garden to an enemy. My MOH's grandmother died 2 weeks ago. She recieved the news the same night as her appt for her fitting. In all the confusion she forgot about the appt. Well when she got home from the funeral, her mother called her and said ther is a nasty message on the machine, from the Bridal Garden. When she callled to explain what happened all they cared about was the fact that she had missed her appt. They never even said they were sorry for her loss. We went last week for her final fitting and while I waited I looked for a MOH dress for her, we (the owner and the shop girl) got into a discussion about my wedding dress. When they became privy to the fact that I hd purchased my gown in the city, they spent 10 minutes ripping me apart becuase I didin't buy it there. I was so angry. It was unreal. If they weren't still in possession of my MOH's wedding to make the bustle I would have told them where to go. Sorry this is so long... but use them with caution!!!

yeah that seems better ;-)
Laura

We used Elsa Wedding Jewelers in Farmingdale for my engagement ring, and they were HORRIBLE to deal with.