Have you ever Googled a jewellery question but couldn’t find a straight answer? You’re not alone. We’ve delved into 10 real common jewellery questions people are asking to give you the honest answers no one else has.
1. Why does my gold ring turn my finger green?
A green tint on your finger results from a chemical reaction between your skin and metals, including copper or nickel, in lower-karat gold, such as 9-carat Gold. The effect is harmless but can be avoided by choosing a precious metal with a higher Gold content, such as 18ct Gold, with its 75% Gold purity. Keep your rings clean and dry, remove tarnish with a polishing cloth and avoid wearing items if you experience a rash on your finger. Try to include an engagement ring care routine for your jewellery to ensure rings are kept clean. If the ring has immense sentimental value, but the metal causes a green tinge, consider upgrading to Platinum or a higher purity of Gold.
2. Is it bad to sleep with my engagement ring on?
Yes, sleeping with your engagement ring on can cause the prongs to bend or loosen over time. It also increases the risk of scratching your skin or snagging on fabric. For long-term care, it’s best to take your engagement ring off at night. Place it in a safe place, ready to wear again in the morning. If your ring is too tight to remove easily, consider a size adjustment to make removal possible.
3. Can I wear silver and gold jewellery together?
Yes, mixing silver and gold is completely fine — and stylish. Just keep the pieces balanced in tone and style for a cohesive look. Mixed-metal stacks and layered chains are a modern trend that works well.
4. Why is my diamond loose in the setting?
A diamond may become loose from daily wear, hard knocks, or worn prongs. If you notice movement or hear a rattle, stop wearing the ring and take it to a jeweller immediately to avoid losing the stone. Avoid poking the diamond and setting since this can cause the stone to become loose. Instead, once cleaned, tap your ring with a finger next to your ear. If your diamond is loose, you will hear a faint rattle as the stone moves in the setting. This remains one of our most common jewellery questions answered during our daily work.
5. How often should I clean my engagement ring at home?
Clean your engagement ring once a week using warm water, mild soap, and a soft toothbrush. This helps prevent buildup from lotions, oils, and dirt, keeping the stone sparkling between professional cleanings. For anyone looking for a near-professional cleaning solution, we recommend DazzleStik. This ingenious pen-sized cleaner includes a cleaning gel and a fine brush to clean behind settings.
6. What’s the safest way to travel with expensive jewellery?
Always carry jewellery in your hand luggage, use a travel jewellery case, and avoid wearing flashy pieces in unfamiliar areas. If staying at a hotel, use the secure hotel safe. Consider jewellery insurance if travelling with high-value items. Some travellers organise replica travel rings for expensive engagement rings, leaving their more costly counterparts in a home safe.
7. Can I resize a ring more than once?
Yes, most rings can be resized multiple times, but repeated adjustments may reduce the thickness and strength of the band over time. It’s best to get professionally measured and only resize the ring when necessary to maintain the ring’s integrity. When purchasing an engagement ring, choose a ring with a substantial band suitable for multiple size adjustments. We recommend 2.5mm—the standard width for many of our engagement ring styles.
8. Why do my earrings smell bad?
The odor comes from a buildup of dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria around the piercing. Clean your earrings and earlobes regularly with warm water and gentle soap to prevent this.
9. Are lab-grown diamonds a bad investment?
Lab-grown diamonds have a much lower intrinsic value compared to natural diamonds. For many people they offer everything a natural diamond provides, except resale value. They’re a smart, ethical, and budget-friendly choice if you’re buying for love, not profit.
10. Can I insure a ring I didn’t buy from a jeweller?
Yes, you can insure any ring even if you have not purchased it from a jeweller. Many of our clients inherit diamond rings or buy second-hand (pre-loved or pre-owned) engagement rings. If you can verify ownership of the item, it will be possible to insure the ring. As part of our work, we create detailed valuations for insurance. An insurance valuation confirms the ring exists, details the specifications of the ring and lists a replacement value suitable for insurance.
About Mark Johnson
My name is Mark and I’m founder at Serendipity Diamonds. I have 30 years or experience in polished diamonds and jewellery. Today, I work with an expert team in our Isle of Wight jewellery showroom located in Ryde. Most of my work involves helping clients in our showroom, working on our two websites and photographing jewellery commissions.
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