Once he puts that engagement ring on your finger, chances are you never want to take it off. We totally get it! However, if you want your bling to continue shining bright for a really long time, it’s important not to wear it while you’re busy doing these seven things. Here’s when take off engagement rings if you want to keep them in mint condition!

1. Working Out

Before you break a sweat, it’s a good idea to take that pretty little ring off. “The materials used in diamond jewelry, platinum and gold, are, to a certain degree, soft,” explains David Watling of De Beers. So if you rock your ring while participating in certain activities that put pressure on these metals, you risk changing their shape. “If the shape of a ring is bent enough, you then risk bending the claws that hold the diamond and your diamond falling out.”

Same goes for sports. Any kind of hands-on physical activity (soccer, basketball, tennis, etc.) are other great examples of when to take off wedding rings and engagement rings. Do yourself a solid and keep your ring in a safe place, preferably at home, so you won’t accidentally damage it during competition.

2. Moisturizing

Lotions and moisturizers may be great for your skin, but not so much for your ring, as excess buildup can diminish the brilliance and dull your stone over time. To protect your rock and ensure a cloudy layer of film doesn’t form on it, wait until your hands have completely dried before slipping your bling back on.

3. Primping

Did you know that cosmetics, hair sprays, perfumes, and other substances and chemicals commonly used by women could cause buildup of grime, weakening the natural sheen of your ring? According to Nadine Tacorian Arzerounian, president of operations and design for Tacori, it’s true! “I take off my rings the moment I walk into my house so I can seamlessly move through my nightly routine,” she says.

If you do get any grime buildup on your engagement ring, Watling recommends gently rinsing it with hot water and dishwashing liquid. “When doing this, don’t forget to first secure the sink or use a bowl,” he warns. “Then dry your jewelry with a cotton or linen towel before using a polishing cloth for a sparkling finish.”

4. Swimming

Never, ever, ever wear your expensive jewelry in the ocean or in the pool! For one, cold water “shrinks” your fingers, making it that much easier for an already loose engagement ring to disappear during a swim. The ocean should be off-limits for engagement rings.

You’re probably still wondering “Can I wear my engagement ring in the pool?” The answer is still no. Chlorine can damage and discolor the mounting of your ring and your platinum, gold, or white-gold wedding band.

5. Cleaning

Not only can you easily bang up your engagement ring on tough surfaces (think bathroom counters, kitchen floors, etc.) cleaning the house, but you can also do serious damage to the stone and setting. You can even potentially alter the color, thanks to harsh chemicals like bleach and ammonia found in many common household cleaners.

6. Showering

If you’ve ever wondered “can I shower with my engagement ring,” you probably already had a feeling the answer was no — and you were right. The shower can be a dangerous place for engagement rings for two reasons. First, a ring can easily slip off when you fingers are all lathered up and slippery with soap—and if the ring slips off, it’s liable to fall down a drain and get lost forever. Second, oily soaps will dull the finish of your diamond and exfoliating soaps will scratch it.

7. Cooking

The final time when not to wear an engagement ring is during cooking and food prep. Germs and bacteria can easily get lodged into the ring setting. And, just like in the shower, you risk the ring slipping off when you rinse anything in the sink. If you can, it’s better to take it off while cooking.

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