To clean your diamond wedding ring, mix some mild detergent with warm water and soak your ring in the solution. (Warning: Never immerse rings featuring opals or emeralds in hot water, as the sudden temperature change may crack these soft stones.)
Next, scrub your ring gently with a soft brush. Rinse well and dry on a soft lint-free cloth. Get your rings professionally cleaned and polished by a jeweler before your wedding, and then at least once a year. The setting can be checked for wear and tear at the same time.
The rise of the rings
The practice of exchanging rings has its origins in the time of the Roman Empire, when it symbolized a public promise that the marriage contract between a man and woman would be honoured. However, Pope Innocent III is to thank for the tradition of the bride receiving two rings. In 1215 he declared a longer waiting period between betrothal and marriage, leading to the conception of the engagement period.