How To Restore Your Wedding Ring's Shine

Wedding rings are often made from tough precious metals like platinum and gold, but they can still get scratched and scuffed. It's normal for a wedding ring to get scratched, and many people like the look of a well-loved ring. However, if you want your ring to shine like new, you can get it professionally polished or do it yourself at home.

Professional jewellers offer cleaning and polishing services, which can make your ring look brand new. They use special tools to make your ring super shiny, and they can also check for loose stones or other issues. However, some people don't like to be without their rings, and it can be a hassle to drop it off and wait for it to be ready.

If you want to clean your ring at home, you can use a simple method with items you probably already have. Fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of basic dishwashing soap. Soak your ring for 20-40 minutes, then gently brush it with a soft toothbrush to remove any residue. Rinse the ring with warm water and pat it dry with a soft cloth. You can also use a microfiber jewellery polishing cloth to give your ring a quick shine.

Some people also recommend adding a tiny bit of baking soda to the water and soap mixture if your ring is very dirty, but be careful with this method as it can be abrasive. You should also avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, chlorine, and acetone, as these can damage your ring.

How to polish a wedding ring at home

Cleaning your wedding ring at home is simple and effective. The best way to clean your ring will depend on the type of ring you have, but there is a basic method that works for all rings.

Firstly, fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of basic dishwashing soap. Avoid using harsh cleaning liquids as these can damage your ring. Soak your ring in the bowl for 20-30 minutes.

Next, gently brush your ring with a soft toothbrush to remove any residue, especially in any grooves in the design and setting of your ring. Rinse your ring in warm water to remove any remaining soap, and then pat dry with a soft cloth. Do not use a paper towel, as this can scratch gold.

If your ring is still not shining as you would like it to, you can try adding a small amount of baking soda to your solution (no more than half a teaspoon). You can also try burnishing, which involves using a smooth stainless steel implement, such as a screwdriver, to buff your ring. This method is particularly effective for platinum and gold rings.

How often to polish a wedding ring

The frequency with which you should polish your wedding ring depends on the type of ring you have. For diamond rings, it is recommended to polish your ring every week to keep it looking its best. However, if you have a gold band, polishing it too often can wear it away, so it is best to only polish it when you feel it needs a special shine. The finer the gold, the more fragile it is.

Some people prefer to have their rings professionally polished, especially before a special event like a wedding. This can be done by a local jeweller or by using an at-home ultrasonic jewellery cleaner. If you are polishing your ring at home, fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of basic dishwashing soap. Soak your ring in the bowl for 20-30 minutes, then gently brush it with a soft toothbrush to remove any residue. Rinse the ring with warm water and pat it dry with a soft cloth.

If your ring is made of platinum, you may not need to polish it at all. One source suggests that an engagement ring usually does not need polishing, only a good ultrasonic cleaning and steaming. However, another source recommends getting a platinum ring polished every few months.

How to polish a wedding ring without scratching it

Wedding rings are often crafted from metals such as platinum, gold, silver, and rhodium. Over time, these rings may become scratched and dull due to everyday tasks and contact with other metals. While some people embrace these scratches as reminders of their ring's unique journey, others may prefer to restore their ring's shine.

Polishing Cloths

Using a microfiber jewelry polishing cloth is a gentle and effective way to clean your ring. These cloths are designed for gold, silver, or platinum jewelry and can help remove light dirt and residue.

Warm Water and Dish Soap Soak

For a deeper clean, fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of basic dishwashing soap. Soak your ring in the solution for about 20-30 minutes. Then, gently brush it with a soft toothbrush to remove any leftover dirt or residue, especially in the grooves of the ring's design. Finally, rinse the ring with warm water and pat it dry with a soft cloth. Avoid using paper towels, as they can scratch the ring.

Burnishing with Smooth Stainless Steel

Burnishing is a technique that uses a smooth stainless steel implement, such as a screwdriver or the back of a spoon, to polish the ring. This method is suitable for solid gold, platinum, or silver rings and can be done as often as needed without removing any metal. However, it may not be effective for rhodium-plated rings.

Professional Polishing

If your ring has intricate details or deep scratches, consider taking it to a professional jeweler for polishing. They have specialized tools and techniques to clean and polish your ring without causing damage.

Additional Tips:

• Baking soda can be added to the warm water and dish soap solution for a stronger cleaning effect, but use no more than half a teaspoon.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as they can damage the ring.
• Remember to be gentle when brushing or burnishing your ring to avoid scratching it.
• To reduce the appearance of scratches and maintain the shine of plain white gold bands, consider re-plating with rhodium every few years.

How to polish a wedding ring with a professional

If you want to get your wedding ring professionally polished, it's best to consult a jeweller. They will be able to advise on the best course of action for your ring, as different rings require different treatments. For example, while a platinum ring can be burnished with a smooth stainless steel implement, this method should not be used on a rhodium-plated ring.

If you are unable to access a jeweller, there are some at-home cleaning methods you can try. One method is to fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of basic dishwashing soap. Soak your ring in the bowl for about 20-30 minutes, then gently brush it with a soft toothbrush. Rinse the ring off in warm water to remove any remaining soap, then pat it dry with a soft cloth and leave it to air dry. Do not use paper towels as these can scratch the ring.

Another method is to use a microfiber jewellery polishing cloth designed for gold, silver, or platinum. Gently wipe down your ring to clean it.

How to polish a wedding ring without damaging it

Wedding rings are often made from precious metals and stones, so it's important to know how to polish your ring without damaging it. Here are some tips on how to do this effectively:

How Often to Polish Your Ring

Firstly, it's important to consider how often to polish your wedding ring. For diamond rings, it is recommended to polish them weekly to maintain their shine. Gold bands, on the other hand, should be polished less frequently, as polishing them too often can wear them away. The finer the gold, the more fragile it is, so only polish your gold ring when it needs a special shine.

DIY Ring Polishing

If you want to polish your ring at home, there is a simple method that works for all types of rings. Start by filling a bowl with warm water and adding a few drops of basic dishwashing soap. Avoid using harsh cleaning liquids as these can damage your ring. Soak your ring in the bowl for 20-30 minutes. Then, gently brush your ring with a soft toothbrush to remove any residue, especially from the grooves in the ring's design and setting. Rinse the ring in warm water to remove any remaining soap, and then pat it dry with a soft cloth. Leave it to air dry completely. Do not use a paper towel, as this can scratch gold rings.

Additional Tips

If your ring is particularly dirty, or if the soap and water method is not effective, you can add a small amount of baking soda to your cleaning solution. However, use no more than half a teaspoon, and only if your ring is very dirty. Additionally, you can use a microfiber jewelry polishing cloth to gently wipe down your ring and keep it clean.

Frequently asked questions