RING CARE GUIDELINES

UNISEX & MEN'S RINGS

While we do everything we can to make each ring as durable as possible, they are made using natural and meaningful materials which are more susceptible to damage from water, impact, chemicals, scratching and other outside forces than solid metal rings would be.

The protective coating/sealant we use will protect your ring against damage from water and the natural elements as long as the sealant remains continuously intact around the entirety of your ring. It should also provide a more secure barrier for the natural materials in your ring from impacts and scratching but still cannot be expected to be as strong as a solid metal ring. Though this sealant provides your ring with an extra level of protection and durability, it does not provide a guarantee or warranty against water damage or breakage due to impact and other forms of abuse. We still advise that you remove your ring for any manual labor as well as when coming in contact with water or any chemicals like hand sanitizer, lotions, etc. This is especially important if your ring is open-ended, meaning the antler or wood does not have a metal edge on one or both sides. Because these things can cause the sealant to deteriorate over time, the less the sealant is exposed to these substances the longer it will last.

Lastly, please be conscious of potential impact damage. If you hit your ring on a hard surface this may cause a crack or chip in the sealant, and the sealant will no longer protect the natural materials of your ring. Even if the sealant doesn't look cracked, it may have caused separation between the seal and the metal, allowing for moisture to get under the sealant and cause a cloudy effect or even damage the materials themselves.


WOMEN’S ENGAGEMENT RINGS 

Wearing Your Ring:

We understand that you love your ring and want to wear it at all times! Wearing your ring in some situations can cause unwanted damage including loose prongs, impact damage which can cause the stone to chip or break, or even cause scratching of the stone. For this reason, we recommend removing your ring at times to protect it, including:

  • When doing any manual labor (including sports, going to the gym, gripping items with force such as bicycle handlebars, luggage, etc.) 
  • While doing household chores including washing dishes, laundry, and cleaning. 
  • Avoid contact with chemicals such as chlorine and household bleach, extreme temperatures, perfumes, cosmetics, and other substances which may cause damage to your one-of-a-kind ring.

Because gold is a softer metal, the prongs on them can be worn down over time and may need to be re-tipped. Depending on how well cared for the ring is, this re-tipping may need to be done every 3-6 months, or you could go years without needing to re-tip your prongs! There are things you can do to help protect the prongs and ensure they last as long as possible, such as:

  • Removing the ring for showering
  • Being conscious of not catching the prongs on things such as clothing or hair
  • Removing the ring while sleeping, as the ring rubbing on surfaces such as sheets or blankets will cause the prongs to be worn down quicker 

The better cared for, the longer the prongs will remain intact and secure your stone(s). Please note that there will be a charge to re-tip prongs and we also do not cover any stones that become lost due to the prongs being worn down.

For details regarding the treatments and qualities of your gemstone, review our gemstone guide.

Inspecting Your Ring:

Inspect your ring regularly to ensure nothing looks out of the ordinary with your ring band, the stone, or the prongs securing your stones. As prongs wear down they become rough or sharp, so to catch this early on it's best to inspect and feel them regularly. We recommend getting your ring inspected at least annually, and if you purchased the Extended Protection Plan you can file a claim with them in order to get that sent in. If you didn’t purchase the Extend Protection Plan we do offer these services in-house so please reach out for more information on pricing and how to send your ring in. 

If you notice a bent prong, a loose stone, or anything unusual with your ring please remove it immediately in order to avoid any gemstones or small diamond accents from falling out. 

Cleaning Your Ring:

Daily wear and tear of your ring can cause dulling of the stones and the metal band. To clean your ring at home, mix one part dish soap and five parts warm water and let your ring soak in the solution for 5 minutes. Take the ring and gently scrub it with a soft bristle brush, rinse it, and dry with a soft cloth and your ring should be sparkling clean again! For rings which contain crushed or set natural materials (crushed turquoise, antler, wood, etc.) we recommend NOT soaking the ring in water. Brushing it with the solution will be fine, just as long as there’s no prolonged exposure to the water. For a more detailed tutorial and video, please visit our guide on How to Clean Your Custom Wedding or Engagement Ring.

Please note that we do not recommend using steam cleaners, since the heat can cause damage to the stone or the inlays of natural materials in the ring.

If you would like to send your ring in for inspections, cleaning, or polishing please email us and put "Attention Repairs" in the subject line

REPAIRS

In order to ensure your ring is protected and covered in case of damage and loss, or whether it is just in need of its annual inspection and maintenance, we have partnered with Extend to offer an Extend Protection Plan which offers extensive coverage to your ring. The warranty can be purchased to cover repairs, reseals, the loss of gemstones in your ring, and more! You can purchase the Extend Protection warranty within the listing of any qualifying ring, and you will be provided the option to select the duration of coverage on your ring (3 years, 5 years, or lifetime).

Please read the full details and coverage offered on Extend’s website HERE.

If no warranty is purchased we still offer repair and maintenance services, please reach out for additional information. Please keep in mind when sending your ring in for repair that we may have to replace some or all of the damaged materials contained in your ring (wood, turquoise, etc.). While we do our best to save the original materials used in your ring, sometimes they need to be replaced in order to ensure its long-term durability.

*If you purchased our in-house Staghead Warranty prior to us offering the Extend Protection Plan please contact us for information on what is covered*

GEMSTONE TREATMENTS & QUALITIES

While many of these stones have a Moh's scale rating below 7-8, we have been extremely pleased with the durability of all of the stones that we offer. For almost a decade, we have found that all of the stones described below are suitable for engagement rings.

GEMSTONE COMMON TREATMENTS QUALITIES
Moss Agate None Moss agate ranks 6.5-7 on the Moh's scale, indicating fair to good hardness. It lacks defined cleavage, making it resistant to fracturing.
Sapphire Heat Ranking 9 on the Moh's scale, which signifies excellent hardness. It has no cleavage, ensuring high resistance to fracturing. Heating can serve to enhance or remove particular colors, eliminate or minimize inclusions, or create a more uniform coloring. Heating can also happen naturally beneath the earth’s crust.
Salt and Pepper Diamond None While they are just as hard as an eye clean diamond, avoid exposing them to unnecessary force or impact, as these diamonds may have inclusions that could be more susceptible to damage. Avoid exposing your salt and pepper diamond to extreme temperatures, as sudden changes can lead to stress on the stone.
Turquoise None Turquoise ranks a 5-6 on the Moh's scale with fair to good toughness. It's generally stable to light but can discolor and sustain surface damage under high heat. Turquoise dissolves slowly in hydrochloric acid, and it can be discolored by chemicals, cosmetics, and even skin oils or perspiration.
Lab-Grown Alexandrite None Alexandrite scores 8.5 on the Moh's scale, showcasing superior toughness and no cleavage. It remains stable in regular conditions, resisting the impact of heat, light, and common chemicals.
Opal None Opals are commonly shaped into cabochons, featuring a convex top and flat bottom. Given opal's softness (around 6.5 on Moh's hardness scale, similar to glass), it's crucial to handle opal with care to prevent damage. Additionally, while opal is generally stable, exposure to heat can lead to fracture lines known as "crazing," and high heat or sudden temperature changes can cause fractures. Opal is vulnerable to hydrofluoric acid and alkaline solutions. Some treatment methods include impregnation with oil, wax, or plastic, along with surface modifications like sugar treatment and smoke treatment.
Moissanite None With a hardness of 9.25 on the Moh's scale, it is highly resistant to scratches, making it suitable for everyday wear. It's best to avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals, including household cleaners and chlorine, which can affect its brilliance over time.
Moonstone None Moonstone rates between 6 and 6.5 on the Moh's scale with poor toughness due to cleavage. High heat or sudden temperature changes can cause breaks. It's stable in light but harmed by exposure to hydrofluoric acid.
Sunstone None Feldspars, like sunstone, are a 6.5 to 7.2 on the Moh's scale and have poor toughness due to cleavage in two directions, making them prone to damage. Despite this, sunstone is an excellent jewelry choice when in a well-protected setting. Avoid exposing sunstone to excess heat, but its color remains stable in light. Hydrochloric acid rapidly affects feldspars, so bleach based cleaning products are not recommended.
Labradorite None Ranking 6 to 6.5, labradorite has poor toughness due to cleavage. Labradorite is generally stable in light, but prolonged exposure to intense sunlight may affect its colors over time. Can be sensitive to acids and chemicals, so it's advisable to avoid contact with substances like acids, bleach, and harsh cleaning chemicals.
Morganite Heat & Irradiation Scoring 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, is durable but requires careful handling to prevent scratches and impacts. Avoid exposing it to heat, but its color remains stable in light. Take caution with hydrofluoric acid, as it will damage morganite.
Natural Emerald Oiled 7.5 to 8 on the Moh's scale, emerald is relatively durable. Despite their hardness, emeralds can lack toughness and can be brittle, particularly when the stone is heavily included. It's crucial to avoid abrupt shocks, including thermal and physical impacts. A significant portion, approximately 90%, of natural emeralds in the market undergo enhancement with oil or resin.
Aquamarine Heat 7.5 to 8 on the Moh's scale, aquamarine is durable. Avoid exposing it to heat, although its color remains stable against light exposure. Take caution with hydrofluoric acid, as it can affect aquamarine.
Green Beryl Oiled 7.5 to 8 on the Moh's scale, green beryl is relatively durable. Despite their hardness, they can lack toughness and can be brittle, particularly when the stone is heavily included. It's crucial to avoid abrupt shocks, including thermal and physical impacts. Green beryl derives its green hue from iron trace elements. Notably, light-green-colored green beryl lacks vanadium or chromium, distinguishing it from emeralds, even if visually green at first glance.
Rose Quartz Heat Ranking 7 on the Moh's scale, it lacks cleavage, reducing the risk of breaking when struck. Rose quartz exhibits stability under normal wear conditions, resisting the effects of heat, light, and common chemicals. However, it is advised to handle it with care to avoid scratches and hard blows.
Garnet None Garnet hardness varies (6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale). Almandine, Pyrope, Spessartine, and Tsavorite are harder, while Demantoid is softer. Garnets are fair to good toughness, suitable for all jewelry with proper care. Avoid hard blows and rough wear. Stable to light and chemicals, but vulnerable to hydrofluoric acid.
Amethyst Heat Amethyst is a 7 on the Moh's scale with good toughness. However, be cautious of abrupt temperature changes, as that can cause fractures. Prolonged exposure to intense light may fade some colors, and amethyst is susceptible to damage from hydrofluoric acid, ammonium fluoride, and alkaline solutions.
Prasiolite Heat Prasiolite, or green amethyst, is a 7 on the Moh's scale with good toughness. However, be cautious of abrupt temperature changes, as that can cause fractures. Prolonged exposure to intense light may fade some colors. Prasiolite is susceptible to damage from hydrofluoric acid, ammonium fluoride, and alkaline solutions.
Citrine Heat With a Mohs scale rating of 7, is durable and suitable for various jewelry types. However, it requires careful handling to prevent scratching. Abrupt temperature changes may cause fractures, and prolonged exposure to intense light can fade some colors. Additionally, citrine is susceptible to damage from hydrofluoric acid, ammonium fluoride, and alkaline solutions.
Peridot None Peridot rates 6.5 to 7 on the Moh's scale with fair to good toughness. Rapid or uneven heat may cause fractures. Peridot is stable in light but susceptible to sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid. Long-term exposure to acidic perspiration can also affect the stone.
Jade None Jadeite scores 6.5 to 7, and nephrite is 6 to 6.5 on the Moh's scale, requiring care to prevent scratches. Despite this, both gems have exceptional toughness, resisting breaking or chipping. Jade remains stable in light but can be affected by warm acids.
Lapis Lazuli None Lapis ranks between 5 and 6 on the Moh's scale and has fair toughness. Keep it away from harsh chemicals, including household cleaners and beauty products. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight may cause fading in the color.
Tourmaline Heat Tourmaline rates 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale with fair toughness. It's generally stable in light and chemicals, but susceptible to heat damage. High heat can alter its color, and sudden temperature changes may cause fracturing. Some tourmalines undergo color-enhancing treatments, primarily heating and irradiation. Changes from heat treatment are stable and invisible, but gems with liquid inclusions can't withstand it. Color changes from irradiation may fade with heat or bright light exposure.
Spinel None Spinel ranks 8 on the Mohs scale and has good toughness, making it a durable gem for jewelry. High heat can cause some spinel colors to fade, but spinel is stable when exposed to light and chemicals. Some spinel might be subjected to color-altering heat treatment. The treatment is stable under normal wearing conditions.
Zircon Heat Zircon rates 6 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale with fair to good toughness. Zircon Can be brittle, so avoid rubbing or hitting the stone on surfaces. Blue and colorless stones are commonly heat-treated. Generally stable in light, heat-treated stones may revert to their original colors after prolonged bright light exposure. Zircon remains stable in chemical exposure.
Tanzanite Heat Zoisite, known as tanzanite, ranks 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale with fair to poor toughness and cleavage. Tanzanite is stable under normal conditions, resisting heat, light, and common chemicals, but avoid very high temperatures and sudden changes. It's vulnerable to hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acids. Tanzanite is routinely heat-treated to modify its color from a predominately brownish appearance to a predominately blue to purple appearance. The treatment is stable with no additional durability concerns.
Topaz Irradiation Topaz, with basal cleavage, demands special care in cutting, polishing, and mounting. Despite its Moh's hardness of 8, it's not very tough, prone to splitting with a hard blow or breaking under extreme pressure or temperature changes. High heat can cause breaks. Color stability is generally good, but prolonged heat or sunlight exposure may fade certain shades. Topaz is minimally affected by chemicals. Treatments include irradiation and heat.
Pearl Dyeing, Coatings, and Impregnation Pearls, with a Moh's hardness of 2.5, are very soft and easily scratched, but with care, they can be a lasting treasure. Their toughness is generally good, but aging, dehydration, and excessive bleaching can make some more fragile. High heat can burn or damage cultured pearls. They are generally stable to light, but intense light heat can cause dehydration and cracked nacre. Pearls are vulnerable to damage from various chemicals and acids, including hair spray, perfume, cosmetics, and perspiration. Treatments like dyeing, impregnation, or coating may alter over time. Bleaching and irradiation can be stable during normal wear. For routine care, wipe cultured pearls with a very soft, clean cloth after each wearing.
Ruby Heat Corundum, ruby and sapphire, ranks 9 on the Moh's scale, making it hard and tough with no cleavage, suitable for daily wear in rings. It's stable under normal conditions, resisting heat, light, and common chemicals. Boric acid powder will etch the surface of even untreated stones. Fracture-filled, cavity-filled, and dyed stones can be damaged by mild acids like lemon juice. Untreated and heat-treated corundum is very durable.