Owning an Engagement Ring in Houston – the Complete Manual

By Devorah Isenberg, Tuesday, April 19, 2011 9:43 AM

1. There are many Houston jewelry stores where you can buy engagement rings, whether you are looking for a custom-designed three-stone ring with loose diamonds from Whiteflash, a classic Tiffany ring, or a vintage heirloom gemstone and diamond ring from Paul Carter Jewelers. No matter what you choose, Houston offers the widest variety of diamonds and engagement rings—so talk to friends, read online reviews, and find the Houston diamond jewelry stores that is right for you.

2. Once you choose an engagement ring, you will want to get it appraised. That will help you rest assured with your purchase and make sure you get the proper insurance that your diamond ring needs. Lastovia Appraisals, located on Richmond Avenue, gets great reviews for its honest appraisals and quick turn-around time, while Christine York Appraisals is a good choice in the Bellaire area.
3. If you buy diamond rings often, or even if you don’t, you probably know how important insurance is. Without insurance on your ring, you will have no reimbursement or replacement if the ring is lost, stolen, or damaged. One way to insure your ring is to purchase a rider, or an extension, to your regular homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. If you want more complete coverage, or if your ring is very valuable, consider purchasing specialized jewelry insurance from a service like Katzenellenbogen Jewelers Insurance or Noltensmayer and Associates. That way, even if a diamond falls out of your ring, you can just buy diamonds to replace it!
4. If you travel often or don’t intend to wear your engagement ring every day, consider keeping it in a safe so you don’t have to worry that a cleaning service, repairmen, or even a burglar might be taking off with your precious ring. Houston Safe and Lock is the most trusted safe company in Houston—they will help you find the safe or deposit box that is perfect for your valuables.

5. Even with the best care, your engagement ring will eventually accumulate dust and debris. You can always wash it yourself with a mild liquid detergent and soft-bristled brush, but if you need a more thorough cleaning, most stores where you can buy engagement rings also offer cleaning and refurbishing services, sometimes for free if you bought your ring there. If you’ve been wearing your white gold engagement ring for over a year before the wedding, you may want to get it re-dipped in rhodium so its bright-white shine will match the wedding band.
6. Houston is a notoriously humid and hot city, so special precautions with your engagement ring are in order. If your ring is sized to fit your finger in normal weather, it may feel tight in Houston’s humid summer air. Wear your ring on a thinner finger to compensate, but if your ring does get stuck on your finger, don’t panic. Hold your hand above your head to lessen blood flow, and use a little bit of detergent to help it slide off. Keep your engagement ring in a velvet-lined box to protect it from excess humidity when you are not wearing it.

7. If you are visiting Houston, talk to the concierge at your hotel about renting a safe deposit box for your ring before going out for outdoor activities or sports. If you are planning to visit the Houston Medical Center, be aware that some areas of the hospitals are metal-free because of sensitive medical equipment; you will be glad not to have to leave your ring in a locker. Finally, although Houston is a relatively safe city for its size, there are neighborhoods where you will not want to wear flashy jewelry like diamonds. Slip your ring into a secure pocket if you accidentally find yourself in such a neighborhood.