Your engagement ring is not just a beautiful piece of jewelry; it’s a symbol of your love and commitment. To ensure it remains as stunning as the day you received it, proper care and maintenance are essential. At Maison Karat, we understand the importance of preserving the beauty and brilliance of your engagement ring. Here are some expert tips from our Montreal jewelers to help you care for your precious ring. 1. Regular Cleaning Keeping your engagement ring clean is crucial to maintaining its sparkle. Over time, oils, lotions, and everyday dirt can dull the shine of your diamond or gemstone. Here’s how to clean your ring at home: Mild Soap and Water: Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water. Soak your ring for 20-30 minutes, then gently scrub it with a soft toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a lint-free cloth. Professional Cleaning: For a deeper clean, bring your ring to Maison Karat. We offer professional cleaning services that safely remove built-up grime and restore your ring’s brilliance. 2. Routine Inspections Regular inspections can help identify and prevent potential issues before they become serious problems. We recommend visiting Maison Karat every six months for a professional inspection. Our jewelers will check for loose stones, worn prongs, and other signs of wear and tear. Catching these issues early can prevent costly repairs and ensure your ring remains secure. 3. Proper Storage When you’re not wearing your engagement ring, proper storage is essential to protect it from damage. Here are some tips: Use a Jewelry Box: Store your ring in a dedicated compartment of a jewelry box lined with soft fabric. This prevents it from coming into contact with other pieces that could scratch or damage it. Individual Pouches: Alternatively, use individual jewelry pouches or small soft cloth bags to store your ring separately from other jewelry. 4. Avoid Harsh Chemicals Chemicals found in household cleaners, beauty products, and even swimming pools can damage your ring. To protect it: Remove Your Ring: Take off your ring when using cleaning products, applying lotions or perfumes, or swimming in chlorinated water. Wear Gloves: If you must handle harsh chemicals, wear protective gloves to shield your ring from exposure. 5. Protecting Your Ring from Physical Damage Engagement rings, especially those with intricate settings or delicate stones, can be vulnerable to physical damage. Here’s how to protect your ring: Remove During Activities: Take off your ring during activities that could cause impact or pressure, such as exercising, gardening, or lifting heavy objects. Use Ring Dishes: Place small ring dishes in key locations around your home, such as the kitchen or bathroom, so you have a safe place to put your ring when you need to remove it temporarily. 6. Insurance for Peace of Mind Consider insuring your engagement ring to protect against loss, theft, or damage. An insurance policy provides financial coverage and peace of mind. When choosing insurance: Get an Appraisal: Have your ring appraised by a certified jeweler at Maison Karat to determine its current value. Choose Comprehensive Coverage: Look for a policy that covers various scenarios, including loss, theft, and damage, both at home and while traveling. 7. Avoiding Temperature Extremes Extreme temperatures can affect the metal and stones in your ring. To prevent damage: Avoid Direct Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause some gemstones to fade or change color. Keep Away from Heat Sources: Remove your ring when using heat styling tools or when near open flames. Why Choose Maison Karat for Your Engagement Ring Care? At Maison Karat, we are dedicated to helping you preserve the beauty and longevity of your engagement ring. Our experienced Montreal jewelers offer a range of services to ensure your ring remains in perfect condition, including: Professional Cleaning: Deep cleaning services that restore your ring’s sparkle. Routine Inspections: Comprehensive inspections to check for loose stones, worn prongs, and other potential issues. Expert Repairs: Skilled repairs to fix any damage and maintain the integrity of your ring. Visit Us Today For expert care and maintenance of your engagement ring, visit Maison Karat in Montreal. Our knowledgeable staff is here to provide personalized advice and services to keep your ring looking its best for years to come. Your engagement ring is a cherished symbol of your love story. With proper care and attention, it will continue to shine brightly and remind you of your special moments together. Trust Maison Karat to help you protect and preserve your treasured ring.

As more couples become conscious of their environmental and social impact, the demand for eco-friendly and ethical engagement rings has significantly increased. At Maison Karat, we are committed to offering beautiful, sustainable, and ethically sourced engagement rings that you can feel good about wearing. Here’s a guide to help you find the perfect eco-friendly and ethical engagement ring in Montreal. 1. Lab-Grown Diamonds Lab-grown diamonds are identical to natural diamonds in every way, except for their origin. They are created in a controlled environment using advanced technology that mimics the natural diamond formation process. Lab-grown diamonds are a more sustainable option because they require less energy and water, and they eliminate the need for mining, which can have detrimental environmental and social impacts. Benefits: Environmentally friendly Ethically sourced Cost-effective Our Recommendation: A stunning lab-grown diamond solitaire ring set in recycled platinum. 2. Recycled Metals Using recycled metals for your engagement ring is an excellent way to reduce the environmental impact of mining. Recycled gold, platinum, and silver are refined and repurposed from existing jewelry, electronic components, and industrial materials. These metals offer the same quality and appearance as newly mined metals but with a significantly lower environmental footprint. Benefits: Reduces mining impact Conserves natural resources Maintains quality and durability Our Recommendation: An elegant engagement ring with a recycled white gold band and a sparkling diamond. 3. Fair Trade and Ethical Gemstones Fair trade gemstones are mined and processed in a manner that ensures fair wages, safe working conditions, and environmental sustainability. By choosing fair trade gemstones, you support mining communities and promote ethical practices within the gemstone industry. Benefits: Supports fair wages and safe working conditions Promotes environmentally responsible mining Enhances community development Our Recommendation: A fair trade sapphire ring with a vintage-inspired design. 4. Vintage and Antique Rings Choosing a vintage or antique engagement ring is a sustainable option that also offers unique charm and history. By giving a pre-owned ring a new life, you reduce the demand for new materials and enjoy the intricate craftsmanship of bygone eras. Many Montreal jewelers, including Maison Karat, specialize in sourcing and restoring beautiful vintage rings. Benefits: Environmentally friendly Unique and historical High-quality craftsmanship Our Recommendation: A timeless Art Deco engagement ring with a European-cut diamond. 5. Conflict-Free Diamonds Conflict-free diamonds, also known as ethical or blood-free diamonds, are sourced from mines that adhere to strict labor and environmental standards. These diamonds are certified to ensure they are not financing armed conflict or causing human suffering. Benefits: Ethically sourced Supports responsible mining practices Peace of mind for consumers Our Recommendation: A classic engagement ring featuring a conflict-free diamond set in an ethical gold band. 6. Eco-Friendly Settings and Designs Choosing an eco-friendly setting and design can further enhance the sustainability of your engagement ring. Look for jewelers who use eco-friendly practices in their workshops, such as reducing waste, using non-toxic materials, and incorporating energy-efficient processes. Benefits: Minimizes environmental impact Supports sustainable craftsmanship Customizable to your preferences Our Recommendation: A custom-designed engagement ring with an eco-friendly setting and a lab-grown diamond. Why Choose Maison Karat? At Maison Karat, we are dedicated to offering eco-friendly and ethical engagement rings without compromising on beauty or quality. Our commitment to sustainability includes: Ethically sourced diamonds and gemstones: We ensure that all our diamonds and gemstones are sourced from responsible suppliers who adhere to ethical and environmental standards. Recycled metals: We use recycled gold, platinum, and silver to create stunning engagement rings that are both beautiful and sustainable. Fair trade practices: We support fair trade initiatives and work with suppliers who prioritize fair wages, safe working conditions, and community development. Eco-friendly workshop: Our workshop practices minimize waste, use non-toxic materials, and incorporate energy-efficient processes to reduce our environmental footprint. Visit Us Today If you're looking for an eco-friendly and ethical engagement ring in Montreal, visit Maison Karat. Our knowledgeable staff will guide you through our exquisite collection of sustainable engagement rings, helping you find the perfect ring that reflects your values and love story. Choosing an eco-friendly and ethical engagement ring is a meaningful way to celebrate your commitment while supporting responsible practices. At Maison Karat, we're here to help you make a choice that you can feel proud of.

Montreal, with its stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and romantic ambiance, provides the perfect backdrop for a memorable marriage proposal. At Maison Karat, we believe that every proposal should be as unique and special as the love story it celebrates. To help you plan the perfect moment, we've put together a guide with creative proposal ideas and engagement ring suggestions that will make your proposal unforgettable. 1. Mount Royal Park Mount Royal Park offers breathtaking views of the city, especially from the Kondiaronk Belvedere. Imagine proposing at sunrise or sunset with the cityscape as your backdrop. A classic solitaire engagement ring with a brilliant-cut diamond will sparkle beautifully in the natural light, making the moment even more magical. Ring Suggestion: A timeless solitaire engagement ring with a round-cut diamond set in platinum. 2. Old Montreal Old Montreal's cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and charming atmosphere create a romantic setting for a proposal. Consider proposing in front of the iconic Notre-Dame Basilica or along the scenic Old Port. A vintage-inspired ring with intricate details and a cushion-cut diamond will complement the historic charm of the location. Ring Suggestion: A vintage-inspired engagement ring with a cushion-cut diamond and milgrain detailing. 3. Botanical Garden The Montreal Botanical Garden, with its lush greenery and vibrant flowers, is a serene and picturesque location for a proposal. Choose a spot in the Japanese Garden or near the beautiful rose garden for a private and intimate moment. A nature-inspired ring with floral motifs or a colored gemstone will harmonize with the surroundings. Ring Suggestion: An engagement ring with a floral-inspired setting and a sapphire or emerald center stone. 4. Atwater Market For a proposal that combines romance and local flavor, consider the Atwater Market. After a leisurely stroll through the market and sampling delicious treats, find a quiet spot by the Lachine Canal to pop the question. A unique and modern ring, such as one with a twisted band or mixed metals, will add a contemporary touch to the proposal. Ring Suggestion: A modern engagement ring with a twisted band and a round-cut diamond. 5. Le Saint-Sulpice Hotel Le Saint-Sulpice Hotel, located in the heart of Old Montreal, offers luxurious suites with private terraces overlooking the city. Plan a romantic evening with dinner and a private terrace proposal. A halo setting engagement ring will dazzle in the candlelight, adding extra sparkle to your special moment. Ring Suggestion: A halo setting engagement ring with a central diamond surrounded by smaller diamonds. 6. La Grande Roue de Montréal Take your proposal to new heights with La Grande Roue de Montréal, the city's iconic Ferris wheel. Propose at the top, with panoramic views of Montreal beneath you. The thrill of the height combined with the beauty of the view will make for an exhilarating proposal. A classic ring with a princess-cut diamond will shine brightly in this high-flying setting. Ring Suggestion: A classic engagement ring with a princess-cut diamond set in white gold. 7. Private Picnic in Parc Jean-Drapeau For a more relaxed and intimate proposal, plan a private picnic in Parc Jean-Drapeau. Choose a secluded spot near the water or under a shady tree, and surprise your partner with a picnic basket filled with their favorite treats. A minimalist solitaire ring with a simple band will be a beautiful symbol of your love in this peaceful setting. Ring Suggestion: A minimalist solitaire engagement ring with a round-cut diamond and a sleek band. 8. Scenic Helicopter Ride For a truly unforgettable proposal, book a scenic helicopter ride over Montreal. As you soar above the city's landmarks and landscapes, propose with a ring that matches the grandeur of the moment. A three-stone ring, symbolizing your past, present, and future together, will be perfect for this sky-high proposal. Ring Suggestion: A three-stone engagement ring with round-cut diamonds set in yellow gold. 9. Montreal Museum of Fine Arts If you and your partner are art enthusiasts, consider proposing at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Plan a private tour or find a quiet moment in front of a beautiful artwork that resonates with both of you. An artistic and unique ring design will complement the creative surroundings. Ring Suggestion: An artistic engagement ring with an emerald-cut diamond and an intricate band design. 10. St. Joseph’s Oratory St. Joseph’s Oratory, with its stunning architecture and peaceful gardens, offers a spiritual and serene setting for a proposal. Propose on the steps overlooking the city or in one of the beautiful gardens. A traditional ring with a round or oval diamond will look timeless in this classic setting. Ring Suggestion: A traditional engagement ring with an oval-cut diamond and a pave band. Conclusion Proposing in Montreal offers endless possibilities for creating a magical and unforgettable moment. At Maison Karat, we’re here to help you find the perfect engagement ring to match your unique proposal. Visit us today to explore our exquisite collection and let us be a part of your beautiful journey.