Phoenix Wedding Photographers

We really enjoyed spending time at The Arizona Grand for these engagement images.

Tons of fun with Nicole and Rick!

I love this last photo…which one is your favorite?

I am thrilled to have a guest blogger today! Please enjoy these great engagement ring tips from Eric Pettingill from Gemsetters & Co.

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Your engagement ring commemorates a major moment in your life. It’s something you’ll cherish the rest of your life and may even pass down to future generations.

As a professional jeweler, I have years of experience that will keep your engagement ring looking beautiful for decades to come. These 3 simple tips are the best ways I have found to keep your engagement ring looking as gorgeous as the day you received it.

1)  Protect your engagement ring. (Daily)

What Goes Wrong:

Your hands are constantly active as you go about your day. If you wear your engagement ring through it all, your ring will undergo wear and tear as you work out, do chores, garden, and everything else your hands are involved in. Even showering and sleeping wear on your ring.

Wear and tear is only one part of the abuse a ring sees in a normal day; exposure to pollutants is another. Soap, lotion, and oil from your skin coat your diamond with a greasy film. That film keeps light from entering your stone, artificially dulling its natural shine. Grease also attracts lint, dirt, grime, dust, and other pollutants that further hide your stone’s brilliance.

How To Fix It:

The best way to protect your engagement ring is to simply not put it through so much abuse. Here’s the rule we live by in my house:

The engagement ring is the last thing that goes on in the morning and the first thing taken off after coming home from work.

Minimizing your ring’s exposure to daily distress and pollutants keeps it looking better, longer.

2) Give your ring the sparkle treatment. (Monthly)

What Goes Wrong:

Protecting your engagement ring is a good start, but it’s just that: a start. Unless you leave it in a safe deposit box, it will still collect dirt. And let’s be honest, you want to wear your ring, not hide it away. As a result, even with care it will lose luster over time.

How To Fix It:

I recommend gentle, regular cleanings at home. It’s simple to do:

1)      Soak your jewelry in Formula 409 cleaner for 10 minutes.

2)      After soaking, use a soft-bristle toothbrush to gently clean the band, the prongs, and the gemstone.

3)      Rinse in warm water and dry.

Why should you use Formula 409? Formula 409 is an excellent degreaser, which not only cleans off any dirt and grime but also any oils that are holding the grime to your ring. Many commercial cleaners don’t degrease well, and that will significantly reduce the efficiency of cleaning.

This simple process will remove the greasy film and pollutants that keep your ring from sparkling.

3)  Treat your ring to a jewelry spa day. (Yearly)

What Goes Wrong:

Let’s put it this way. Even if your fiancé or husband gives you back rubs, there’s something special about going to the spa and having a professional give you an all-over massage, right? Similarly, while home cleanings are helpful, your ring will greatly benefit from a professional’s touch.

How To Fix It:

Once a year, take your engagement ring to a jeweler for a professional cleaning. A jeweler will use specialized cleaning materials to gently but thoroughly clean your engagement ring. This will make every ounce of gold and every facet of your diamond shine as it is meant to.

This is also an excellent chance for a jeweler to turn a careful eye to your ring and make sure the prongs are still tight, the gem is sitting properly in its setting, and everything is just as it should be.

Bonus Benefit:

Good jewelry care will reduce the need for costly repairs or costlier replacement. That’s important for a priceless heirloom. Not only will your engagement ring look stunning, but you can rest assured your ring won’t give you any unpleasant surprises down the road.

It doesn’t take a lot of time or money to take care of your engagement ring. Follow these 3 simple steps to keep your engagement ring looking beautiful for years to come.

To learn more about how I can help you care for your jewelry, visit http://www.gemsetter.com/services.html.

It’s Engagement Photo Season here at Jill Lauren Photography…we love this time of year! Getting pictures done before it gets to hot and in time to use them for Save the Dates or Invitations…

We have a soft spot in our hearts for Heather and Michael.

I met Michael when he was 10 years old….I started dating his older brother – and wouldn’t you know it – I married his brother!

So this is super exciting for us – to be part of Michael and Heather’s big day. We LOVE their engagement photos!

My favorite is the first one in the tunnel….I absolutely LOVE it!

Which is your favorite?