At the risk of sounding opportunistic or exploitive of the current COVID-19 situation, we still believe that people do have plenty of perfectly legit questions about caring for their rings and bracelets while washing and sanitizing their hands with increasing frequency. A little advice can be genuinely useful.
Are sanitizing gels or foams bad for my rings?We’ve long advocated using hand sanitizer instead of hand lotion as a lubricant forremoving stuck rings. Because they are mostly alcohol – sanitizers quickly evaporate, leaving little, if anything, to gunk up stones and undercarriages. That said, frequent and vigorous rubbing may shorten the ‘life expectancy’ of gold and rhodium plating (IP plating, FYI, is considerably more durable which is why we often recommend thesehandsome IP plated bands for guys who do a lot of manual work or exercise). Do be sure to remind folks that replating is always a safe and fairly inexpensive option, however, removing rings while washing hands may be a better idea, provided you stash them in a safe place and don’t accidentally walk away from the sink without them!
But what about the stones?Most transparent gemstones, including of course lab-grown ones, can tolerate both soap and water and the alcohol in sanitizers. Opaque and more porous materials such as lapis, opal, turquoise or any organic materials may be susceptible to chemicals. For general cleaning, we’d recommend a diluted, fragrance-free mild dish soap but under current circumstances – removing them while washing is definitely best practice. Here too, advise people to avoid excessive rubbing that may loosen prongs or abrade facets. Walking around witha stash of clean lint-free clothsis surely a bit of a stretch, but treating your rings as-if is wise, and better yet, just air dry when practical.
What’s the best way to clean silicon? Whether it’s work or lifestyle, many people wear a silicon stand-in and save their fine jewelry for off-duty wear. When silicon gets dirty, our usual advice is applying a non-soap cleanser (such as those used for sensitive skin or baby products), gently rubbing with a non-abrasive cloth and air drying. Under normal circumstances, we’d definitely say keep silicon away from alcohol sanitizers but, given the $6 to $7.5 MSRP andmany fun colorsof these bands, it’s easy to think of them as a small price to pay in exchange for your health. Think of them as disposables, though they will certainly last much more than mere single-use.
And since we’re on the topic, a word about leather;especially for the die-hards who are scrubbing up to their elbows.Leather braceletscan be cleaned by wiping with a damp cloth, but they are vulnerable to sweat and soaking. This is often regarded as normal weathering or even desirable as a well-earned character. Soap and sanitizers, however, are much more likely to cause actual discoloration, so if you are a wrists-n-all hand-washer, leave your leather cuffs at home. You can still maintain a rugged, boho or casual chic with plenty of otherrubber,contemporary metalornatural stone beadbracelets. (Previously stated cleaning advice still applies!)
When Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce announced their engagement, the world didn’t just see a diamond — it saw a story. A story told not in carats or clarity, but in light, warmth, and intention. The ring — an elongated antique cushion-cut diamond set in luminous yellow gold — feels less like jewelry and more like a keepsake from another century. It hums with history, whispers of candlelit rooms and handwritten vows, carrying a romance that feels lived-in and true.
Every detail reflects devotion over display — a design crafted with heart, echoing Taylor’s own lyrical storytelling about love that endures. This is more than a ring; it’s a legacy in the making. And just like her songs, its beauty lies not in perfection, but in emotion.
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The holiday season is one of the most magical times of the year—and the perfect moment to pop the question. Whether it's under twinkling lights, by a cozy fireplace, or at a festive family gathering, a holiday proposal is always unforgettable. At Gemmas Jewelers, we’re here to help you make it even more special with a one-of-a-kind engagement ring crafted just for your love story.
Custom Engagement Rings for Every Love Story
At Gemmas Jewelers, we specialize in custom-designed engagement rings. From classic solitaires to modern halos or vintage-inspired settings, our expert designers will bring your dream ring to life. Whether you choose a natural diamond or a lab-grown diamond, we offer only the highest quality, GIA and IGI-certified stones—so you can propose with confidence.
Visit One of Our Southern California Showrooms
We proudly serve Southern California with three beautiful showroom locations: Mission Viejo Rancho Cucamonga Eastvale Make an appointment today and sit down with one of our talented custom ring designers. Beat the holiday rush and ensure your ring is ready for your big moment.
Not Local? No Problem. Planning your proposal from afar? We offer convenient virtual appointments so you can design your perfect ring no matter where you are. Just email us at amyv@gemmasjewelers.com to get started. Start Your Holiday Proposal Journey
Whether you're ready to browse diamonds or just beginning to think about the perfect ring, Gemmas Jewelers is here to help every step of the way. Let’s make this holiday season the one you’ll remember forever—with a proposal as unique as your love. Contact Us Today to Start Customizing Your Dream Engagement Ring📧 Email: amyv@gemmasjewelers.com📍 Mission Viejo | Rancho Cucamonga | Eastvale💻 Virtual Appointments Available From Natural Diamonds to Pink Lab Diamonds and Ceylon Sapphires, we love creating one-of-a-kind rings that reflect your unique style and love story. 💎 Follow us on Instagram @gemmasjewelers to see some of the stunning custom rings we’ve designed—we promise you'll be inspired!
Celebrate Your Love: Anniversary Gift Ideas from Gemmas Jewelers
Your anniversary is more than just a date—it's a celebration of your love story. Whether it’s your 1st or your 20th, Gemmas Jewelers is here to help you mark the occasion with timeless elegance and personalized touches that last a lifetime.
