Q&A Fashion & Beauty Local experts offer advice on how to look your big-day best SHINE BRIGHT LIKE A DIAMOND My partner recently proposed and I was wondering how I could keep my engagement ring in perfect condition? From toothpaste to bicarbonate of soda, there are plenty of myths around the best way to keep your engagement ring sparkling all year, but what is the correct way to keep one of your most prized jewellery pieces clean? To clean your gold engagement ring, I’d advise soaking it in some warm water for around 20 minutes, then gently brushing the setting with a soft bristled brush. If you have significant buildup, you can also add a small amount of soap to the water. Once you’ve finished brushing, gently rinse the ring and dry it with a soft cloth. If you have a white gold engagement ring and it starts to look discoloured over time, it might benefit from rhodium plating to achieve a bright, white appearance once again. This can be achieved by taking it to a professional jeweller. Gold is also prone to scratches and small dents over a long period of daily wear, so a professional polish may be needed to bring older rings back to a brilliant shine. One of the harder-wearing metals, platinum rings are very durable, but they will still need a regular clean to maintain sparkle. You can clean platinum in much the same way as gold by submerging it in some warm water and soap for around 20 minutes and then gently brushing and wiping clean. Ultrasonic machines are another great option for platinum rings, as they vibrate away any dirt, leaving the ring clean and bright without the need for brushing. It can be common for silver jewellery to develop a dull finish over time, but rest assured, you can get a sparkly finish to your ring once more. The easiest way to bring silver back to life is to use a silver cleaning cloth, which is readily available and affordable. A few minutes of gentle swiping around the band and you will see the tarnishing come away and the shine return. There are also silver cleaning solutions available in which you can soak your ring to break down any buildup around the setting. You can then follow the same rinsing and drying process as gold. It’s important to choose the right solution for the metal of your ring and avoid any abrasive cleaners so you don’t cause any damage. If you’re unsure, it’s best to stick to a cleaning cloth. If your ring has developed scratches, small dents, or is looking a little dull, professional jewellers can offer a more advanced clean and polish with specialist equipment, which can get your ring looking sparkling and new again. I suggest getting a professional clean of your engagement ring before your wedding day so it looks perfect for close-ups and sparkles next to your new wedding band. Sally Hill – Jewellery designer www.berrysjewellers.co.uk SPRING ROMANCE We’re getting married this spring and I would love some ideas for my hair and make-up? Braids are one of the most common and popular hairstyles for brides-to-be. These look great on most hair types and can be styled in endlessly beautiful ways. They are perfect for spring, summer, fall, and winter weddings and are an extremely versatile, classy and stylish hairstyle that will add an element of sophistication, charm and romance to any wedding look. The best thing about braids is that they can be styled in a variety of ways while adding a wow factor to your look. You can transform your braids by adding curls, styling and securing them as desired, and adorning them with flowers, tiaras, or other glamorous accessories. For your make-up, try to keep it simple and natural. Choose a tinted moisturiser and a soft pink blush, as these are perfect for any wedding. Opt for a natural lipstick colour that is closer to your natural lip colour, a waterproof mascara and add a touch of shimmer to your eyelids to enhance your natural beauty. Deephad Hair, Beauty and Fashion www.facebook.com/deephad.hbf Getty Images 76
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