I don't take mine off if I am cooking. I usually clean my ring in a solution every week to make sure that it is clean. If I took it off I might lose it down the sink (just in hopes of a new one).

kind of off topic, but the jewelry store where my husband got my rings said the best cleaner for them is a warm water and windex solution. Who woulda thought? It works great though. They get a great shine, even after all of these years.

Really, I will have to try that. I usually get some jewelry cleaner from the stores.

I think if you are going to do meatloaf or something with meat for the love of your family and friends either where gloves or remove the rings. If you lose a diamond or a pearl somebody will probably lose a tooth. Also I feel that it is like not washing your hands after using the restroom, deadly germs grow from these types of contamination on jewelry etc.

If I am preparing a dish that I need to put my hands into like making hamburgers or meatballs, etc. I take my rings off otherwise I always have my rings on. I shower with my rings on so they get a good soap and water washing everyday. I never thought about the rings having so many germs but I guess you are right if you do not wash them regularly.