ANNE DALE JEWELERS — MANDEVILLE, LOUISIANA

How to Choose a Jeweler You Can Actually Trust

WHAT TO LOOK FOR — AND WHAT TO WALK AWAY FROM

GIA CERTIFIED GEMOLOGIST | MASTER GOLDSMITH ON-SITE | MANDEVILLE SINCE 1983

THE QUESTION WORTH ASKING FIRST

Choosing a jeweler is not like choosing a restaurant. The stakes are different.

The piece you bring in may be the most valuable thing you own — financially or sentimentally. The ring may be one you plan to wear every day for the rest of your life. The estate collection may represent three generations of your family’s history.

The person you hand it to should earn that trust. Here is how to tell whether they have.

Not every store that sells jewelry is run by someone who knows it.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Six things that separate a real jeweler from a retail store.

01

Verifiable credentials.

A GIA Graduate Gemologist designation is the most recognized credential in the industry. It requires years of formal study and examination — not a weekend certification course. Ask to see it. A jeweler who has earned it will display it proudly.

02

Repair done in-house.

Ask plainly: do you repair on-site? If the answer involves shipping, a service center, or a third party — your piece will leave the building in an envelope. That is a different level of accountability than a craftsman working in the next room.

03

Community history.

How long have they been in the same community? A store that has served the same families for decades has something to protect. Their reputation is not a marketing claim — it is a forty-year record that neighbors can verify.

04

Honest answers to hard questions.

Ask about the weaknesses of a stone they are showing you. Ask what they would not recommend. A jeweler who answers those questions directly — who tells you what to avoid rather than what to buy — is operating from a different set of values than one who does not.

05

Word of mouth over advertising.

The best jewelers rarely advertise heavily. They don’t need to. Ask around — specifically ask people who have been engaged, married or inherited jewelry in the last few years. The names that come up repeatedly without prompting are the ones worth visiting.

06

No pressure. Ever.

A jeweler who is confident in what they offer does not need to create urgency. There is no limited-time offer. There is no other customer waiting for this stone. If you feel pressure, that pressure is telling you something important — listen to it.

WHAT TO WALK AWAY FROM

Red flags worth recognizing before it costs you.

WALK AWAY IF YOU SEE THIS

Reluctance to show GIA grading reports
Pressure to decide before you are ready
Vague answers about where repairs are performed
Appraisals that seem inflated to justify the price
No fixed pricing on repairs until after the work is done
Staff who cannot answer basic questions about the 4Cs
A store that discourages you from shopping around
Anyone who makes you feel uninformed for asking questions

STAY IF YOU EXPERIENCE THIS

Credentials displayed and explained without being asked
Honest acknowledgment of a stone’s limitations
Clear answers about exactly where and how repairs happen
A budget respected from the first conversation
Time given without any sense of rushing
Education offered before any selling begins
References to past customers available on request
A feeling of being genuinely heard

THE NORTHSHORE STANDARD

What Anne Dale Jewelers brings to every conversation.

Anne Dale holds a GIA Graduate Gemologist designation and is a Fellow of the Gemological Association of Great Britain — one of a small number of people in Louisiana with both credentials. Michael Dale is a Master Goldsmith with over forty years at the bench. Every repair is performed on-site. Every diamond is personally sourced and evaluated.

Anne Dale Jewelers has served Mandeville and the Northshore since 1983. Nearly every customer who walks through the door was sent by someone who had already been here.

That is the standard we hold ourselves to. Come see whether we meet it.

COME IN AND JUDGE FOR YOURSELF

The best way to choose a jeweler is to meet one.

Walk in during showroom hours or schedule an appointment. Ask us the hard questions. See how we answer. There is no obligation and no pressure — just an honest conversation with people who have been doing this for forty years.

Serving Mandeville, Covington, Madisonville and the Northshore since 1983.

829 ASBURY DRIVE | MANDEVILLE, LOUISIANA 70471 | (985) 626-4266

Why Anne Dale Jewelers →


Most people have at least one piece sitting in a drawer right now.

Maybe it is a gold chain that went out of style twenty years ago. A cocktail ring from an estate sale that never quite suited you. A set of earrings from a relationship better left in the past. Or simply a pile of broken pieces — a clasp here, a bent prong there — that you kept meaning to deal with.

The question is not whether the jewelry has value. The question is what kind of value and what you want to do about it.

Three things you can do with old jewelry

Have it redesigned into something you will actually wear.
This is the most satisfying option when a piece has sentimental meaning but the style no longer suits you. A grandmother’s diamond in an outdated setting becomes a modern solitaire. A collection of small stones gets combined into one piece worth wearing every day. An old brooch becomes a pendant. Michael Dale has been doing this work for forty years — there is very little that cannot be reimagined.

Sell the gold.
Gold is worth real money right now. Old pieces that have no sentimental value — broken chains, mismatched earrings, outdated bangles — can be sold for their gold content. We buy gold at Anne Dale Jewelers and we pay honestly. If you have a drawer full of pieces you will never wear, it is worth bringing them in for an evaluation. You may be surprised what they are worth.

Leave it as an heirloom and have it properly assessed.
Sometimes the right answer is to understand what you have before making any decision. A professional jewelry evaluation tells you the actual value of a piece — not what a chain store offers you on the spot, but what it is genuinely worth. From there you decide.

Why repurposing matters beyond sentiment

Every piece of gold or gemstone that gets redesigned rather than discarded is one less thing extracted from the ground. Mining is expensive, environmentally intensive and complicated. The gold already in circulation — already refined, already worked — is a resource worth using again.

This is not a marketing position. It is simply true. And for clients who care about where their materials come from, repurposing existing gold and stones is as ethical a choice as buying Canadian diamonds or lab-grown stones.

The practical starting point

Gather whatever you have. Bring it in. Do not worry about whether any of it is worth anything or what condition it is in. That is exactly the kind of assessment we do every day.

Anne will tell you what you have, what it is worth and what it could become. Michael will tell you what is possible from a craftsmanship standpoint. From there the decision is entirely yours.

No commitment required to have the conversation.

Bring in your old jewelry for a complimentary evaluation →

Anne Dale Jewelers — 829 Asbury Drive, Mandeville, Louisiana — serving the Northshore since 1983.


 

Looking for the Perfect Christmas Gift for 2023?

It’s Christmas time and the festive season is upon us yet again. The upcoming holidays present the perfect opportunity to show appreciation and love to the special people in our lives.

However, with so many holiday gift options available, choosing the perfect gift can be overwhelming. In today’s blog post, we’re going to talk about why diamond jewelry from a local jeweler is the ultimate Christmas gift idea to consider.

It’s personal, it’s timeless, and it’s a symbol of love and commitment. So, sit back and let’s make your holiday shopping stress-free and meaningful.

1. Personal touch: Diamond jewelry from a local jeweler is a unique way to show your loved ones how much you care. With personalized designs, you can create bespoke pieces tailored to your recipient’s specific preferences. Perfect Christmas Gift for 2023

2. Timeless elegance: Diamond jewelry never goes out of style and is always a great investment. It’s not only beautiful, but it’s also durable, making it a long-lasting gift that can be passed down for generations. A classic diamond ring or earrings will never go out of fashion. Instead, it will always be a chic and timeless addition to any outfit. Whether it’s the first piece of jewelry in a young woman’s collection or a timeless addition to a seasoned collector, it’s a gift that will be appreciated and admired for years to come.

3. Symbol of love and commitment: Diamonds have always been a symbol of love and commitment, making them a perfect gift for your significant other. The bright and sparkling gemstones are a perfect representation of the love and trust that is shared between two people. A diamond engagement ring or wedding band is a timeless and long-lasting symbol of a couple’s love for each other. Additionally, gifting diamond jewelry to your mother, sister, or friend is a way to show them how much you love and appreciate their presence in your life.

4. Local jeweler expertise: Shopping for diamond jewelry can be overwhelming, especially if you lack knowledge about diamonds. Local jewelers have the expertise and experience to help you navigate the world of diamond jewelry. They can advise you on the best diamond cut, quality and provide guidance on how to care for and maintain your jewelry. Moreover, they can help you make an informed decision, ensuring that the piece of jewelry is perfect for you.

5. Supporting local businesses: By purchasing diamond jewelry from a local jeweler, you are supporting local businesses. Local jewelers are small businesses that need your support to thrive. They are invested in their communities, providing quality service and personalized experiences that big box stores cannot match. Additionally, by buying locally, you can feel good about your purchase, knowing that your money is supporting a real person in your community.

In conclusion, looking for the perfect Christmas Gift for 2023, why not opt for diamond jewelry from a local jeweler? It’s a personal, timeless, and meaningful gift that will be cherished for years to come. Diamonds are a symbol of love and commitment, making them an excellent gift for that significant person in your life. Local jewelers have the expertise and experience to guide you through the diamond buying process, ensuring that you make an informed decision. Furthermore, supporting local businesses is an excellent way to give back to your community. So, this Christmas, head to your local jeweler and discover the perfect piece of diamond jewelry for your loved one.


When Your Jewelry Needs More Than a Quick Fix — It Needs a Craftsman

By Anne Dale Jewelers | Mandeville, Louisiana

Most jewelry repairs are straightforward. A chain needs soldering. A prong needs retipping. A ring needs to go up a size. Michael handles those every day at his bench — quickly, cleanly, done while you wait in many cases.

But every so often a piece comes through the door that requires something more. A repair that asks the craftsman to think, to problem-solve, to find a solution that preserves what matters about the piece while making it wearable again. Those are the jobs that remind us why we have always believed in keeping the work in-house rather than shipping it out to an anonymous facility somewhere out of state.

The video below is a good example. A woman brought in her diamond ring — a piece she loved and had worn for years. Arthritis had made it impossible to get the ring over her knuckle, and it had been sitting in a drawer. The challenge was not simple resizing. It required modifying the ring in a way that would allow it to pass over an arthritic knuckle and then sit properly on the finger — without compromising the design or the integrity of the piece.

Why On-Site Repair Makes the Difference

When a piece of jewelry leaves your hands and gets shipped somewhere, you lose something important — direct communication with the person doing the work. You cannot describe the problem fully. They cannot ask you questions. The nuance of what matters about the piece gets lost in translation.

At our store in Mandeville, Michael is here. You can sit across from him and explain exactly what you need. He can look at the piece, ask the right questions, and tell you honestly what is possible and what is not. That conversation — between the owner of the piece and the craftsman who will work on it — is something you simply cannot replicate when the repair goes out of house.

Michael Dale has been working at a jeweler’s bench for over 40 years. Master Goldsmith. Diamond setter. On-site every day at our Mandeville location. Whether the job is a minor repair or a complex restoration, the same hands and the same level of care go into every piece.

Every Piece Has a Story Worth Preserving

We have been doing this long enough to know that jewelry is rarely just jewelry. The ring that cannot get over an arthritic knuckle is not just a ring — it is forty years of marriage sitting in a drawer unused. The heirloom bracelet that needs restoration is not just old metal — it is a grandmother who is no longer here but whose presence deserves to be carried forward.

That is the weight behind the work. We do not take it lightly and neither should anyone trusted to do it.

If you have a piece that needs more than a routine repair — something that requires real thought, real skill, and someone who genuinely cares about getting it right — bring it in. We offer free estimates on all repairs and Michael is here to take a look in person.

No appointment needed. Walk-ins always welcome. Anne Dale Jewelers — 829 Asbury Drive, Mandeville, Louisiana. Serving the Northshore since 1983.


Timeless Wedding Bands

When it comes to dream wedding bands or anniversary rings, there are so many stunning options to consider. Whether you’re looking for a timeless wedding ring set, a classic wedding ring, or a diamond anniversary band with colorful gemstones, the choice ultimately depends on your personal style and preferences. Here are a few ideas for each category:

 

1. Wedding Ring Set with Diamonds:

A wedding ring set typically consists of an engagement ring and a matching wedding band. For a timeless and elegant look, you might consider a set with a solitaire diamond engagement ring and a matching diamond-studded wedding band. The choice of metal—white, yellow, or rose gold—depends on your skin tone and personal preference.

 

2. Classic Wedding Band:

If you’re drawn to classic and understated designs, a simple yet elegant wedding band might be perfect. You can choose a solid 14k gold band in your preferred color, or opt for a white gold or platinum band with a brushed or polished finish. Engraving your wedding date or a meaningful message on the inside can add a personal touch.

 

3. Diamond Anniversary Wedding Bands:

For an anniversary band, you could choose a design that features a row of sparkling diamonds. This could be a channel-set band where diamonds are set within a groove, or a prong-set band with diamonds showcased prominently. You can choose the number of diamonds based on your preference and budget.

 

4. Colorful Gemstone Anniversary Band:

If you’re interested in adding a pop of color to your anniversary band, consider choosing gemstones in addition to or instead of diamonds. Sapphire, ruby, emerald, and other precious or semi-precious gemstones can create a stunning and unique look. These gemstones can be alternated with diamonds or set in a pattern around the band.

 

5. Stackable Wedding Rings:

Stackable rings are a trendy option for creating a customized and versatile look. You can mix and match different bands in various metals and styles. You might have a combination of plain bands, diamond-studded bands, and gemstone bands that can be worn together or separately.

 

Remember, the most important aspect of choosing wedding or anniversary bands is that they reflect your personal style and the meaning behind a true commitment. Take your time to explore different options, try on different styles, and choose the rings that resonate with you and your partner.


When to Get the Prongs Re-tipped on Your Diamond Engagement Ring

You probably don’t realize that four small pieces of metal are the only things which keep the center stone in place on your diamond engagement ring. And for their size, they are expected to bear a considerable amount of pressure. You might find that, over time, the prongs are snagging on your clothes and your hair. We are experts in prongs and jewelry repair.

As they raise up more and more, you run a greater risk of losing the diamond in your engagement ring. This means that you should make an appointment with your local jeweler to get your prongs re-tipped.

 

About the Re-tipping Process

When re-tipping the prongs on your diamond engagement ring, the jeweler fortifies them by adding new metal pieces to help them hold the center stone better. Keep in mind that the prongs on your diamond engagement ring can only be re-tipped if they are broken or worn, but not missing entirely. In that case, you would need to rebuild them instead.

 

Why You Should Get Your Engagement Ring Re-tipped

Jewelry experts have found that the prongs tend to decline at the same time, because brides wear their engagement rings so often. However, they observe that the prongs on the outside of the ring are more likely to get damaged faster.

As we mentioned earlier, weak prongs can enhance the likelihood that your center stone might fall out of the setting. If one of the prongs on your diamond engagement ring looks flatter than the others, you might consider reinforcing them all as a precaution.

 

When You Should Get Your Engagement Ring Re-tipped

It would be wise to get the prongs on your diamond engagement ring re-tipped every five to ten years. Just don’t make it the first time that you ever visit the jewelry store!

Even though your diamond engagement ring appears pristine, there are some hidden defects that could need to be repaired. We recommend that our customers schedule an appointment every six months to have their engagement rings inspected and cleaned. That way, we can determine anything which merits your attention before the worst-case scenario happens.

When you consider the expense of replacing the stone in your diamond engagement ring, it is relatively affordable to get the prongs re-tipped. Most jewelry stores charge no more than $25 per prong, and it can cost as little as $10 each.

 

Where to Get Your Ring Repaired

Located at 829 Asbury Drive in Mandeville, Anne Dale Jewelers has provided the Northshore with jewelry repair services for the past forty years. When the prongs on your diamond engagement need to be re-tipped, make sure to schedule an appointment with us. Call us today at (985) 626-4266.


What is a Halo Engagement Ring and Could It Be the Next Marquis Diamond?

With a distinguished and classic appearance, halo engagement rings might make your significant other feel like a famous celebrity.

Hollywood stars and members of the Royal Family gravitate towards this particular ring style because it looks breathtaking on the finger of their beautiful lady, while symbolizing old-world charm.

But many jewelry experts wonder whether this trend will precede along the same path as the marquis diamond, which became outdated after celebrities no longer fueled the fire.

About Halo Engagement Rings

Jewelry designers create the halo effect on an engagement ring through placing smaller diamonds or other gemstones around the center stone. This allows the center stone to sparkle brighter and catch more light.

Gemologists have found that not all diamond shapes work with the halo design, so they typically use the round cut, oval cut, princess cut, cushion cut, and radiant cut diamonds for this ring style.

Many future brides choose halo engagement rings for their versatile nature, since there isn’t just one way to interpret the look. A woman who values tradition may prefer to have a diamond as the center stone, whereas a more style-minded woman may put a colored gemstone in the middle.

Having smaller diamonds also increases the carat weight of the halo engagement ring, but it provides more bang for your buck than buying one with a larger single diamond.

Another popular aspect of halo engagement rings – and one not often pondered – is the fact that the pavé gemstones form a shield around the center stone, therefore protecting it from accidental damage.

More Than a Fashion Trend

Marquise diamond engagement rings were in their prime between the 1970s and the 1990s, when the popularity of disco music turned everyone’s fancies toward vivid and eccentric looks. Eventually, their ubiquitous presence in bridal jewelry made them into secondhand pieces which were passed from mother to daughter – and they faded from the stores. Jewelry designers have ventured the theory that halo engagement rings will do the same.

Given the long history of these settings, however, we would argue that they will maintain the same favor as the solitaire engagement ring. Here are some reasons why that might be.

Consider that a woman can never have too many diamonds for her taste, and buying a halo engagement ring guarantees plenty of them. Whether the diamond takes center stage or appears in the pavéd crown of the halo, her engagement ring will brighten the room for every side.

Plus, jewelers discovered that they could not do much with a marquis diamond and it wasn’t contemporary enough to last. The same isn’t true for halo engagement rings, because they can vary the precious metal used for the setting, the stones in the ring itself, and the cut of the diamond to add a modern twist.

Come Visit Us for Your Halo Engagement Ring Needs

Located at 829 Asbury Drive in Mandeville, Anne Dale Jewelers’ newly expanded engagement ring gallery features a wide collection of halo-style settings. We offer all shapes and metals, including some platinum options.

If you still don’t see an engagement ring that you like, visit our showroom to design a customized piece of jewelry. A GIA-certified gemologist and a master goldsmith are always on hand, making sure that you receive a product that you will cherish forever. You can also call to set up an appointment at (985) 626-4266.


Engagement Ring Bands: White Gold or Yellow Gold?

No two metals are more classic than white gold and yellow gold for an engagement ring band. Each one provides a distinct beauty for the center stone, and jewelers adapt their trends to match these setting choices. When you are deciding on the perfect metal for your unique engagement ring, it’s important to know whether white gold or yellow gold works best.

We will compare the two metals in depth, so that you can be more informed while you seek out – or customarily design – your engagement ring.

Engagement Ring Bands a Case for White Gold

White Gold Looks More Attractive

Jewelers recommend a white gold setting to their customers because it is an impressive metal that never goes out of style. Not only will the milky color enhance the appearance of your engagement ring, but it will also accentuate every shade in your closet.

White Gold Is Less Expensive than Platinum

You might desire a lighter tone for your engagement ring, but the price of platinum gives you sticker shock. That’s why so many people choose white gold settings instead. White gold is more prevalent than platinum when it comes to the mining process, so it doesn’t cost as much. Choosing a white gold setting will save you some money, while ensuring a great purchase.

It’s Easy to Find a Selection of White Gold Rings

Jewelers have picked up on the secret that white gold is more affordable than platinum, so they offer a wider range of options for these settings. With this fact in mind, you will never have trouble looking for a white gold ring – but you might not be able to choose your favorite, either!

White Gold Works Better with Colored Gemstones

Most people mistake white gold settings for silver, because the rhodium plating creates a pearly sheen on the ring. Perhaps this is the reason why white gold pairs better with colored gemstones, especially the cool-toned ones like emeralds and blue sapphires. Jewelers also find that white gold makes diamonds look purer.

The Drawbacks of White Gold

White Gold Is More Fragile

Jewelers advise that white gold does not endure as long as other metals, because it’s naturally softer. These settings gradually shed their coating over time, causing visible scratches to appear on the band. With everyday wear, the ring will therefore develop a yellow shade instead of the white tint which first caught your eye.

White Gold Rings Require More Maintenance

Sustaining the manufactured color of white gold takes some work to accomplish, and the upkeep will eventually cost you a small fortune. Make two yearly appointments with your local jeweler to put a new rhodium plating on the ring, one for the first six months and another for the next six months. You will also need to polish the ring regularly, since it will easily lose its luster.

White Gold Might Cause Allergic Reactions

Rather than being made from pure gold, white gold is actually a combination of many lighter-colored alloys. This mixture often includes silver, palladium, nickel, and zinc, which might irritate sensitive skin for wearers who have allergies to any of those metals. No engagement ring will look beautiful on an itchy and red finger!

The Case for Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Creates a More Iconic Look

Jewelers will promote yellow gold engagement ring bands for their stately appearance and their reputation as the quintessential precious metal. After all, 18-karat gold is the purest form available. Plus, yellow gold settings can be used to give engagement rings a vintage touch.

Yellow Gold Complements All Skin Tones

Prospective brides who have darker skin tones, especially olive and brown, might be more attracted to yellow gold engagement rings. The golden hues emphasize the warm color of the skin, while simultaneously making the ring stand out on her finger. Those with cooler tones benefit from yellow gold settings, as well, since they have found that it casts a small glow and actually brightens their skin.

Yellow Gold Is Easier to Manage

If you purchase an engagement ring that’s set in yellow gold, it will save multiple visits to the jewelry store for maintenance appointments. Yellow gold is a natural metal, so it holds onto its color without the hassle of replating every six months. In addition, you will find that it can effortlessly be upgraded and modified – should you find the occasion to make any changes over the years.

The Drawbacks of Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Overwhelms the Diamond

Jewelers have found that, when paired with a yellow gold setting, diamonds develop an amber tint in certain types of light. This might reflect the way that the diamond has been shaped, because it most often happens with shallow-cut stones. Light escapes through the bottom of these diamonds, causing it to pick up other colors. If you want the perfect sparkle and clarity for your ring, choose a different setting than yellow gold.

Yellow Gold Demands Frequent Repair

Although yellow gold does not need to be replated like white gold, greater care is vital to this metal’s stamina. By nature, gold is a softer metal than others used for engagement ring settings like platinum. This makes it more prone to being scratched and dented, so you must polish the engagement ring regularly.

Yellow Gold Is Not Cheap

We already mentioned that yellow gold is one of the purest precious metals, because it contains no mixed alloys. This ensures that, in every jewelry product with a yellow gold setting, there is a timeless and beautiful work of art. However, it also means that the ring will cost more than those engagement rings set in other metals. If you consider money to be an object, you might opt for white gold instead.

Whether you prefer an engagement ring set in white gold or yellow gold, Anne Dale Jewelers will surely have the ideal piece of jewelry for you. Now located at 829 Asbury Drive in Mandeville, we have recently expanded our engagement ring gallery to feature a larger selection of bands and styles. Meet with a GIA-certified gemologist and master goldsmith to find – or design – the ring of your dreams.


Top 8 Tricks to Keep Your Engagement Ring Clean

Ever since you answered the proposal with a resounding yes, you likely haven’t wanted to take off your engagement ring. Of course not – it is a status symbol and it affirms the love of your fiance. After wearing it every day, however, you may notice that the ring no longer bears the same sparkle.

You shouldn’t worry, since you can easily restore the gleam to that rock on your finger. Here are some tips from a GIA-certified gemologist to help your engagement ring clean and stay beautiful.

 

Tip #1: Remove Your Ring When Working with Your Hands

You probably don’t realize how much you use your hands until you are wearing a dearly loved piece of jewelry on a daily basis. We recommend taking off your engagement ring whenever you are working the garden, using tools, exercising at the gym, moving heavy objects, swimming, or anything else that involves dirty work to keep ring clean.

 

Tip #2: Avoid Letting Lotions Touch Your Ring Clean

You will want to leave your engagement ring out of your skincare routine, as lotions can make the stone and the setting appear filmy over time. It would be best to take off your engagement ring while applying makeup, too, because you take the chance of gathering powder and dust on your jewelry.

 

Tip #3: Stay Away from Harsh Chemicals

It is always important to remove your engagement ring when you are doing housework or otherwise dealing with any harsh chemicals. Cleaning supplies like dish soap and bleach contain caustic substances that can damage the metals used for your ring’s finish – not to mention, ruin any colored gemstones.

Tip #4: Schedule Regular Cleanings with Your Jeweler

To make sure that your engagement ring always looks tidy, we recommend visiting your jeweler for a thorough cleaning every six months. Just like a dentist does for your teeth, these professionals use special cleaners and industrial tools on the diamond to restore its sparkle. Even if they can’t provide the service, they can suggest a good solution to purchase.

Tip #5: Never Cook While Wearing Your Ring

This might seem like a strange idea, but it’s a highly practical one. Cooking utensils are typically made from metal, so you run the risk of scratching the stone or hurting the ring itself. Cooking oils and pan juices might also prove destructive for the diamond’s beauty. Plus, food particles can collect in the prongs on your engagement ring – and you do not want to spend time picking them out. That being said, you should take off your jewelry before making daily meals.

Tip #6: Do Not Touch the Center Stone

You may not have considered this piece of advice, since the stone in your engagement ring looks so gorgeous. However, it is important to refrain from touching the diamond at all times. Diamonds naturally attract dust, dirt, and body oils, which can make your ring appear dingy. To take off and put on the ring, we suggest grasping the sides of the band instead.

 

Tip #7: Polish Your Ring Every Week

You wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to give yourself some tender loving care every week, so your engagement ring should not be any different. You may consider using Anne Dale’s professional jewelry cleaner and take a few minutes on a particular day to soak your ring, scrub gently with a toothbrush then rinse in warm water. Afterwards, run the ring under warm water for a few seconds.

 

Tip #8: Never Sleep in Your Ring

We understand that you want to make everyone jealous with your engagement ring, but no one will see it while you’re sleeping. With that in mind, you would be advised to take off your ring before you slide back the covers at night. Your skin can shed all kinds of oils and dirt during sleep, wreaking havoc on the stone in your engagement ring. So it would be best to place your ring in a dish on your nightstand.

You won’t always remember to take off your engagement ring before performing certain activities, but we still hope that these tips might give you some subtle reminders about protecting the beauty of the stone and the setting. No matter how much wear and tear it goes through, rest assured – your engagement ring can get back its sparkle with a little work. When you need an appointment to have your ring cleaned, either visit Anne Dale Jewelers at 829 Asbury Drive in Mandeville or call (985) 626-4266.