A vintage or antique engagement ring is a unique, expressive piece of jewelry that should be properly cared for. Since they are older than modern-day equivalents, there are a few practical considerations to keep in mind when it comes to protecting these rings from wear and keep them in top shape.
First of all, you should avoid wearing other pieces of jewelry on the fingers adjacent to your engagement ring. These can bump against and potentially scratch the metal, snag certain types of settings and cause stones to loosen, and cause other incidental damage to your vintage ring. Avoid cooking, showering, cleaning, or applying toiletries while wearing your ring, as both chemicals and extreme temperatures can damage it. Lastly, inspect your ring regularly to make sure any stones aren't coming loose. If they begin to, have the settings repaired by a jeweler who has experience with handling vintage or antique pieces.
When the time comes to clean your vintage or antique engagement ring, avoid using commercial cleaners or polishes. Polishes work by removing tarnish; over time, this also abrades away the metal of your ring and can wear away intricate designs. Dips can contain harsh chemicals that aren't good for you or your jewelry, some may even damage certain stones. Use a soft cloth to clean your ring. Avoid rinsing it under a tap-- this can wash a loose stone right down the drain.
There are some homemade cleaning solutions that can restore the beauty of a vintage piece with less risk of harming it. All solutions should be used in a jar or bowl, and rings should be rinsed above a jar or bowl of fresh water to catch any loose stones. To clean silver jewelry, combine shreds of aluminum foil, warm water, and baking soda. This helps remove tarnish from the outside of the piece without stripping away the metal. For gold or platinum jewelry, combine one part household ammonia to two parts water, dip or soak the piece, rub with a soft rag, and rinse in fresh water.
Rings with stones require some additional care. Some, like diamonds, will be fine with the cleaning solutions above. Softer or porous gemstones, like opals, should never be cleaned with more than a soft cloth. If you aren't sure what kind of materials your vintage ring is made of, have it evaluated by a jeweler. Some will lose their looks and value if not properly handled.
Remember, it's always better to err on the side of not cleaning a piece enough versus too much. With the right care, a vintage or antique engagement ring can last for generations.
