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Jewelers Guide to Sleeping with Your Engagement Ring
Should you sleep with your engagement ring on, or is it a risk to your jewelry and your comfort? Afshin Shaddaie, a renowned author, celebrity jeweler, and lecturer, reveals what ring owners need to know before heading to bed with their ring.
7 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Sleep with Your Ring On
Here is my list of most compelling reasons why you shouldn’t sleep with rings on your fingers.
- Risk of Damage. Pressure from your body weight or accidental knocks against hard surfaces can bend the band or loosen the setting.
- Prong Wear and Tear. Prongs holding your diamond or gemstone in place can weaken over time, increasing the risk of losing your stone.
- Skin Irritation. Sweat, oils, and trapped moisture under your ring can cause irritation, rashes, or even allergic reactions, especially for sensitive skin.
- Hair and Fabric Snagging. Rings with prongs or intricate designs can get caught in your hair or bedsheets, potentially pulling prongs out of alignment.
- Swelling Fingers. Fingers naturally swell overnight, making it uncomfortable or even difficult to remove your ring in the morning.
- Increased Risk of Loss. If your ring becomes loose while sleeping, it can slip off unnoticed, especially if you toss and turn.
- Buildup of Dirt and Oils. Wearing your ring constantly allows dirt, sweat, and oils to accumulate faster, dulling its sparkle and requiring more frequent cleanings.
For the longevity of your engagement ring and your comfort, it’s best to remove it and store it in a safe place.
Why Most People Still Sleep with Their Rings On
Although we mentioned a lot of good reasons to remove rings during sleep, we still see a large majority of people still sleeping with their rings. Here’s why:
- Sentimental Attachment. Many feel emotionally connected to their engagement ring and prefer to keep it on at all times.
- Fear of Losing It. Some worry they might misplace their ring if they take it off before bed, especially if they don’t have a designated storage spot.
- Habit and Convenience. Once a ring becomes part of daily wear, removing it every night can feel like an unnecessary hassle.
- Unaware of the Risks. Many people simply don’t realize that sleeping with their ring on can cause damage or wear over time.
- Comfortable Fit. If a ring fits snugly without feeling too tight, some people don’t notice it while sleeping and see no reason to remove it.
- Belief That It’s Safer On Their Finger. Some assume it’s more secure on their hand than left on a nightstand or jewelry box where it could be knocked over or lost.
- Superstition or Tradition. Certain cultures or personal beliefs suggest that removing an engagement ring is bad luck or signifies something negative.
While it may seem harmless, wearing your engagement ring to bed can lead to long-term damage. Taking a moment to remove and store it properly can help preserve its beauty for years to come.
Where to Store Your Ring While You Sleep
Taking off your engagement ring before bed is a smart way to protect it, but finding the right storage spot is just as important.
A jewelry box with a soft lining is one of the safest options, keeping your ring cushioned and free from dust or scratches. A ring dish or tray on your nightstand provides a convenient and accessible spot while preventing it from rolling off and getting lost. If you prefer added protection, a fabric pouch made of microfiber can prevent scratches and is especially useful when traveling. For maximum security, a safe or lockbox ensures your ring is protected from theft or accidental loss. Another stylish option is a wall-mounted ring holder, which keeps your ring off surfaces while making it easy to grab in the morning.
Avoid leaving your ring in risky places such as the bathroom sink, where it could easily slip down the drain, or loosely on a nightstand, where it might get knocked off. Storing it in a pocket may also cause unnecessary wear due to fabric friction. By choosing a secure and consistent storage spot, you’ll help keep your ring in pristine condition for years to come.
Important Note: Many insurances will require you to place your ring in a safe while not worn.
Is It Bad for You to Wear an Engagement Ring to Sleep?
Some metals can cause skin irritation. However, your engagement ring is hopefully made of a precious metal that is non-allergenic and non-reactive. Therefore, it is safe for you to wear an engagement ring to sleep, as long as you follow rules for protecting it.
If you wear your ring in bed, the worst thing that can happen is red marks left on the skin or getting hair tangled in the delicate detailing.
Unless your ring features a large diamond with sharp edges, wearing it to sleep should be safe for you. But the ring might scratch your partner or cause damage to your bedding.
Can Wearing a Ring to Sleep Damage It?
An engagement ring is a fine piece of jewelry and should be treated as such. Diamonds are the hardest minerals, so you are highly unlikely to damage the stone itself. But you are much more likely to harm the precious metal that the ring setting is made of. The constant pressure applied to the ring can deform the shape, causing the center stone to fall out. Furthermore, the metal may gather dust, oil, and small scratches, that affect the luster.
Another thing that brides wearing an engagement ring to sleep have to deal with are small dirt particles that get caught in the ring. Tiny hairs, textile from your bedding, and dust can get stuck around the stone setting. For the most part, the ring will be easy to clean, but it’s even easier to avoid dirt accumulation by taking the ring off when going to sleep.
Owners of gemstone engagement rings are at higher risk. Depending on the type of stone, the risk of scratching can range from the unlikely to the inevitable. The hardness of the gemstone can be checked on the Mohs scale. Sapphires and rubies are almost as hard as diamonds and you can wear them to sleep with a bit of caution. Opals and pearls are very fragile and are better off spending the night on your bedside table.
Treat Your Ring as It Deserves
To sum everything up, whether you should wear your engagement ring to bed depends on the type of ring. But the general advice is – you shouldn’t. If you are wearing a simple band without additional detailing, you can be sure that sleeping with the ring won’t cause issues. However, you still have to clean and polish it regularly.
If you have a classic diamond ring, taking it off during the nighttime will ensure that the stone doesn’t fall off. And you likely don’t want to get your hair entangled in the ring or damage your bedding. Finally, if you are wearing a ring with a gemstone, do not sleep with it under any circumstance. A lot of gemstones are fragile and require lots of care and attention.
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