You get gas in your car when it’s almost empty? You wash it? You check the water and other fluids when you get an oil change right? Because you want your car to last, it serves a purpose in your life, so you take care of it. And, because you know if you don't maintain it, it won't run as well as you want it to.
Diamonds, rings, watches, all jewelry? The same rules apply. You spent money. You wear it. With constant wear comes the saying, "wear and tear." It’s said for a reason.
Gold and platinum are metal and are relatively strong. But with daily wear will also scratch, ding, and dent. Platinum is actually quite soft (comparatively) so keep that in mind when you wear your rings into say the gym (Noooooooo.)
Here are my quick thoughts on what you need to do to keep your jewelry nice, intact and beautiful.
Wash it. Warm water, soft toothbrush in a bowl, gently. Rinse. Alternatively use the small red tub of cleaner available at almost any market, anywhere. I put my rings in there, shake it gently leave it in 5 to 10 min, use the brush to get out any gross stuff (which is dead skin, lotion, grease, and more) rinse and dry with a t-shirt or soft clean cloth.
You know you have seen this stuff in every store, everywhere. Buy some. Use it. Your'e welcome.
Detail it. Once a year please take it to your jeweler for a deep sonic cleaning. Then have them check all the stones for secure placement of the prongs, most especially that your larger stones are still seated properly in the prongs. The cleaning should be free but the stone check will be about $50 or less. The good news about sonic cleaning once a year? If diamonds are loose they will drop out in the cleaning basket and they can be put back in for a small amount to $ for the small stones, far less money than say replacing lost diamonds.
Maintain it. You will have to pay to replace worn prong tips. Re-pronging isn’t terribly expensive, you might have to even do a full new head (4 to 6 prongs) for your main stone. But a couple hundred dollars later you have a new uh, chassis that holds the important things together.
Maybe have your jeweler dip your ring in rhodium and then polish up - it should look like new.
Keep your jewelry maintained and it will hopefully, if well built, will serve you for a very long time.
xo, the gemgal.