Gold Bands: Scratch-Resistant?

Gold wedding bands are prone to scratching due to everyday wear and tear. Gold is a soft metal, so it's no surprise that gold rings are more susceptible to scratching than other types of jewellery. While scratches are inevitable, there are ways to minimise them and remove them.

Gold is a soft metal, so scratches are inevitable

The softness of gold means that scratches are to be expected, and these scratches are simply a sign that your ring is accumulating memories and character. Think of the rings of married friends and family members—they probably don't look brand new and shiny anymore. These scratches are a poetic parallel to marriage—not always a perfectly paved road, but the detours and missteps you make along the way are what ultimately bond you closer together.

While scratches are inevitable, there are ways to minimise them. Firstly, be mindful of what you do while wearing your ring. Day-to-day tasks like washing dishes, carrying a suitcase, gardening or closing the car door can leave scrapes. The main culprit for ring-scratching is contact with other metals, such as keys or door handles. To avoid deep-set damage, it's best to take off your ring before going to the gym, carrying out housework or doing any manual labour.

If your ring does get scratched, there are ways to remove the scratches. For light scratches, you can soak your gold ring in warm water and liquid detergent, then use a polishing cloth to buff out the scratches. Be careful not to rub any gemstones with the cloth, as this could cause damage. For deeper scratches, it's best to take your ring to a professional jeweller.

14K gold is more durable than 18K gold

Gold is a popular choice for wedding bands due to its timeless and prestigious appeal. However, it is essential to understand that gold in its pure form is too soft for daily wear and is therefore mixed with other metals to increase its durability. This is where 14K and 18K gold come into the picture.

When it comes to 14K vs 18K gold, the main difference lies in the percentage of gold present in each. 14K gold contains 58% gold, while 18K gold contains 75% gold. The remaining content in both types of gold is made up of alloyed metals such as silver, copper, nickel, and palladium. This higher proportion of gold in 18K gold gives it a richer, more vibrant colour, making it more visually appealing.

However, the higher gold content in 18K gold also makes it less durable than 14K gold. 14K gold is harder and more resistant to tarnishing and discolouration due to its higher alloy content. This makes it a more suitable option for those with an active lifestyle or those who work with their hands. The strength and resilience of 14K gold ensure that it can withstand daily wear and tear better than 18K gold.

Additionally, 14K gold is more affordable than 18K gold because it contains less gold. This makes it a popular choice for detailed rings, such as engagement rings, where a strong metal is required to hold the diamond securely in place. About 90% of engagement rings in the US are made with 14K gold.

While 18K gold is more fragile and less durable, it is still a good investment for those who only plan to wear fine jewellery on special occasions. It is also a better option for those with skin sensitivities as it contains fewer non-gold metals, reducing the chances of an allergic reaction.

In conclusion, 14K gold is more durable than 18K gold due to its higher alloy content. It is a better choice for everyday wear and those with active lifestyles. However, 18K gold is more suitable for those who prioritise colour and purity over durability and are willing to pay a higher price. Ultimately, the choice between 14K and 18K gold depends on personal preferences and lifestyle factors.

Platinum is tougher than gold

Platinum is denser and more durable than gold, which is a soft metal by nature. Although gold is alloyed with stronger metals to increase its durability, it is still relatively soft and prone to wear and tear such as scratching.

Platinum is harder than gold, ranking at 3.5-4.5 on the Mohs Scale, while 18k gold ranks at 2.8 and 14k gold between 3.5 and 4. The higher the rating on the Mohs Scale, the harder the material. Therefore, platinum is harder than gold.

Despite being stronger and more durable than gold, platinum can get scratched easily on the surface. When platinum is scratched, the metal gets moved from one place on the ring to another, and it develops a "patina finish", which looks like an antique or worn ring. This is a desirable effect for many people.

Gold, on the other hand, is scratched away and lost when damaged. However, both metals can be re-polished to restore them to their original look.

Scratches can be polished out

Gold is a soft metal, and therefore prone to scratches. If your wedding band is made of gold, scratches are inevitable. However, there are ways to remove scratches and prevent them from occurring in the first place.

Polishing Scratches Out of Gold Wedding Bands

If your gold wedding band has scratches, you can use a polishing cloth to buff them out. You can buy these cloths at a jeweller's. Before using the cloth, ensure your ring is clean and dry. If your ring is dirty, wash it with warm water and a mild detergent, then dry it with a soft cloth. You can also take your ring to a professional to be polished, but this should be done sparingly as polishing removes a thin layer of metal from the ring, which can weaken it over time.

Preventing Scratches on Gold Wedding Bands

To prevent scratches on your gold wedding band, avoid wearing it when doing manual labour, such as housework or gardening. You should also take your ring off before going to the gym or swimming in a pool, as chlorine can weaken gold. In addition, be careful not to store your ring with other jewellery, as metals rubbing together can cause scratches.

Chlorine can weaken gold

Gold is renowned for its stability and resistance to corrosion. However, gold jewellery is rarely pure gold, which is too soft for everyday wear. Instead, gold is often mixed with other metals like copper, silver, or nickel to make it more durable. These alloys in gold can be more susceptible to reactions with chlorine, especially when the karat value is lower.

Chlorine is a highly reactive substance, often used in pools to kill bacteria and keep the water clean. When gold alloys come into contact with chlorine, the chlorine can react with the alloyed metals, causing discoloration and structural damage. The purer the gold, the less likely it is to be affected by chlorine. But lower karats of gold, containing metals like copper or silver, may be more vulnerable.

The chlorine can oxidize these metals, leading to discoloration, tarnishing, and, in some cases, corrosion. The chemical reactions can undermine the structural cohesion of the jewellery, making it brittle or prone to defects. Therefore, the impact of chlorine is especially pronounced on lower-karat gold, as its increased content of other reactive metals amplifies the potential for damage and deterioration.

To protect gold jewellery from chlorine damage, it is best to remove the jewellery before entering a pool, hot tub, or any chlorinated water source. If you forget, rinse the jewellery immediately afterward with fresh, warm water to remove residual chlorine. Regularly cleaning gold jewellery with a mild soap and water solution and gently scrubbing with a soft-bristle brush can also help remove any chlorine deposits and maintain the jewellery's shine.

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