Jewellery often becomes an extension of our persona, shaping who we are. However, our jewellery is also shaped by who we are, and delicate pieces can be marred by the inevitable wear and tear of daily life. If you've ever wondered how to get rid of scratches on jewellery, you're not alone. Scratched jewellery, especially when it's made of precious metals like gold and platinum, requires special care and attention.
Gold in its purest form is inherently soft. This means that 24-karat gold jewellery, while boasting unmatched brilliance, is more susceptible to nicks and scratches. This characteristic softness is a hallmark of pure gold, making it a unique yet delicate choice for jewellery enthusiasts. On the other hand, while gold pieces of lesser karats might be harder, they are more prone to corrosion and still need care to maintain their sheen.
Platinum jewellery, although more resistant to wear, isn't entirely immune to scratches. Over time, it develops a natural patina, a testament to its journey. But, one of platinum's standout features is its ability to retain its mass even when scratched. Instead of chipping, it reshapes, ensuring that your investment retains its value.
In this guide, we explain all you need to know about gold and platinum jewellery care. From understanding the nuances of these metals to offering actionable advice on maintaining their lustre, we've got you covered. A touch of regular polishing can ensure that your cherished pieces remain scratch-free, shining brilliantly for years to come.
How to remove scratches from your jewellery
Every jewellery enthusiast knows the heart-sinking feeling of discovering a scratch on a cherished piece. Whether it's a treasured gold heirloom or a statement platinum ring, scratches can diminish the shine and allure of your jewellery.
But fear not; with the right techniques and care, it's possible to restore that lost lustre and even prevent future marks. Below, you’ll find both DIY methods and professional solutions, guiding you on how to rejuvenate your precious pieces and maintain their pristine condition.
Polishing your jewellery at home
For those moments when your jewellery needs a quick refresh, a polishing cloth is your go-to solution, easily found in select boutiques and online stores. Before embarking on the polishing, ensure your piece is clean and pristine. Gently cleanse your jewellery with a cloth moistened in a mild soapy solution.
Once your item gleams with cleanliness and is thoroughly dried, it's time to bring out its brilliance with your polishing cloth. If your jewellery is adorned with gemstones, exercise caution. Avoid the polishing cloth's contact with the stones to ensure their integrity and lustre remain uncompromised.
Remember that this method is best suited for addressing minor surface marks on gold or platinum. Deeper scratches or a multitude of them warrant the expertise of a professional jeweller.
Professional jewellery polishing
As mentioned above, when dealing with scratched gold or platinum, it’s important to acknowledge when the damage may be beyond your ability to repair. If your gold or platinum jewellery has many scratches, some of which are also deep, it is always best to have it polished by a professional.
A professional jeweller’s polishing fee usually runs to approximately £25 per item for yellow gold and £40 per item for platinum. Jewellers use polishing materials that are more abrasive than your regular polishing cloth, which is why professional buffing will always be more effective than anything you can manage on your own at home.
There are, unfortunately, also downsides to professional polishing. One of the inevitable downsides of polishing gold jewellery is that the process involves removing a tiny layer of the jewellery’s surface so that it can become even once more. For this reason, too many polishing sessions can wear down your gold jewellery, and even weaken it.
The more frequently this happens, the further your piece will depreciate. Unfortunately, the piece will slowly shed more of its gold mass with each polish. You can easily avoid this happening with a little routine, discipline, and diligence by polishing your jewellery items at home.
How often to polish your jewellery
Knowing how to remove scratches from gold can help alleviate the concerns of any owners of gold jewellery. Because of the abrasive nature of polishing, you shouldn't simply go to your jeweller to have your pieces buffed every time you notice a couple of visible scratches. In general, and for the reasons we spoke about above, you shouldn't have your gold jewellery polished more often than once or twice a year.
If you don't wear your rings or other jewellery every day, polishing them once every two or three years may also work well for you. It's best to not have your jewellery polished until it is excessively scratched.
What about buffing your pieces with a polishing cloth? This you can do more often, as these cloths are nowhere near as abrasive as a professional cleaning. Doing this once a month or once every two to three months shouldn’t do any damage to your pieces.
Maintaining a regular polishing schedule at home could save you visits to the jeweller down the line, thus extending the overall lifespan of your jewellery items. If you have several items of jewellery, you can even take care of them all at once—you can make a monthly cleaning ritual out of it!
How to avoid scratches on jewellery
Ah, the heartbreak of discovering a scratch on that cherished gold piece! It's akin to finding a blemish on a masterpiece. Luckily, wearing gold and platinum doesn’t need to be fraught with such perils. You can take a few simple steps to ensure your jewellery remains as radiant as the day you first laid eyes on it.
Here are some golden (and platinum) rules to live by:
- Wear your less-durable pieces less frequently
- Remove your jewellery before doing any particularly physical activities which may cause scratching (such as cooking, gardening, or cleaning)
- Store your jewellery in a safe place where it cannot get scratched (such as in a soft pouch inside a jewellery box)
- Be particularly careful with delicate gemstones, as they are even more susceptible to scratches
- Avoid contact between different pieces of jewellery, as they may scratch one other
- Avoid wearing several pieces of jewellery at the same time, as this can also lead to scratching between the pieces
- Always make sure your jewellery is adequately secure before wearing it, as a loose ring or bracelet is more likely to get scratched
In essence, with a sprinkle of care and a dash of diligence, your gold and platinum pieces will remain timeless treasures. These simple yet effective steps not only ensure longevity but also reduce those pesky trips to the jeweller. So, wear your jewellery with confidence, knowing it's cared for in the best possible way.
Get more tips on looking after your jewellery
Every piece of jewellery is a testament to artistry, craftsmanship, and personal memories. At 7879, we're passionate about ensuring that these cherished narratives endure beautifully through time. To help you in this journey, we've curated a library of knowledge tailored for the discerning jewellery enthusiast.
Dive deep into the intricacies of precious metal maintenance with our comprehensive guide on How to Care for Your Gold and Platinum. And for those who believe that learning never stops, our Jewellery Care & Design Hub is a reservoir of insights, tips, and best practices.
But knowledge is just one facet of the 7879 experience. We invite you to explore the 7879 Collection, where each piece is a blend of timeless design and impeccable quality. Whether you're looking to add to your collection or find that perfect gift, our store promises pieces that resonate with elegance and meaning.