... as such should not be remove but be treasured! Is a ring not a part of its history in the same manner as that grunge stuck in the crevices? It a makes chipping what it is.
BTW, I do believe that you have lowered the value of the chip. Do you clean coins also?
If you think I'm wrong, check with Barry H, Archie, John B. or Gene T.
My one and a half cents... 
