Lyla Dejesus
Engagement and wedding rings are often made from precious metals like gold and platinum, which are very strong but also flexible. This means that they will inevitably get scratched, dinged, and worn over time. Scratches on a wedding band are one of the most common types of damage and are expected with everyday wear. The type of metal you choose can determine the likelihood of scratches, with platinum and 18k gold being the most durable and least prone to scratches, while metals like 9k gold are more susceptible to scratching. Friction between the engagement ring and wedding band can also cause scratching, especially if one of the bands comes into contact with diamonds from the other ring. While scratches may be unsightly, they can be removed by polishing the ring or having it re-plated by a jeweler.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are scratches on wedding rings inevitable? | Yes |
| Can scratches be removed? | Yes, a jeweler can polish or re-plate the ring to hide the look of scratches. |
| How to prevent scratches? | The only way to ensure that your rings never get scratched is to not wear them. |
| What are some ways to fix scratches at home? | Using a soft polishing cloth on the ring every once in a while to keep it looking its best. |
| What are some ways to fix scratches professionally? | Jewelers can polish or re-plate the ring to hide the look of scratches. |
| How often should the ring be polished? | It is recommended to polish the ring no more than once or twice a year. |
| What are some other types of damage? | Chips, bent prongs, and dents. |
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What You'll Learn
- Platinum, gold, and silver rings will inevitably get scratched and worn over time
- Scratches are caused by friction between the two bands or contact with harder materials
- A patina is a sheen that develops from daily wear and scratches, which some people find desirable
- Rings can be polished or replated to restore shine, but this may thin the band over time
- To prevent scratches, avoid wearing rings during tasks like washing dishes, gardening, or closing car doors
Platinum, gold, and silver rings will inevitably get scratched and worn over time
Gold wedding bands, regardless of their carat weight and alloy metal quantities, are also susceptible to wear and tear. Scratches are a natural feature of gold jewellery, and many people embrace the imperfections that their rings accumulate over time as a unique journey and story. While gold rings can be polished to buff away shallow scratches and restore some of their original shine, it is important to note that frequent polishing should be avoided, especially if the ring has delicate engravings, as a little metal is removed with each polish. White gold bands, in particular, may benefit from re-plating or 're-dipping' in rhodium every few years to restore their tint and reduce the appearance of scratches.
Silver jewellery is also prone to scratching, and while it will not oxidize and rust, it will tarnish if left unprotected and unpolished. Fine or surface scratches on silver can be treated with a product called "jeweller's rouge", a wax that contains various chemical agents that polish the silver. For deeper scratches, professional methods may be required, such as rebuilding the affected area with a new layer of molten silver.
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Scratches are caused by friction between the two bands or contact with harder materials
Scratches on wedding rings are inevitable, and this is especially true when an engagement ring and wedding band are worn together. The friction between the two bands can create scratching, and if one of the bands is coming into contact with diamonds from the other ring, the scratching will be more exaggerated, as diamonds are harder than gold.
The type of metal chosen for the ring will also determine the likelihood of scratches. Platinum is the strongest precious metal used in jewellery, but it can still get scratched. When platinum is scratched, the metal is displaced rather than lost, so the volume of metal remains the same. Platinum is tougher than 18-karat gold, which is the second most durable and least prone to scratches. Metals like 14-karat gold are more susceptible to scratching due to their higher silver content, and 9-karat gold is highly prone to marking.
Precious metals used in engagement and wedding rings are very soft. For example, 14-karat gold is only a 3.5-4 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, meaning that the ring is softer than many household items made of glass or steel. Rings can also be made of palladium, which has a hardness of 4.75, but this is still lower than many other materials, including hardened steel, stone countertops, and rocks.
To prevent scratches, one could consider removing their ring when doing chores or when there is a risk of it coming into contact with hard substances or harsh chemicals.
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A patina is a sheen that develops from daily wear and scratches, which some people find desirable
It is inevitable that your engagement ring and wedding band will get scratched, dinged, and worn over time. This is because even the toughest precious metals are flexible and not rigid. While scratches are a natural feature of 'forever' jewellery, some people may not like the “well-loved” look of their rings.
A patina is a thin layer that forms on the surface of certain materials, such as metals, leather, and denim, as a result of daily wear, scratches, and exposure to the elements. On metal, patina is a coating of various chemical compounds formed during exposure to atmospheric elements such as oxygen, rain, and carbon dioxide. The process of patination can be accelerated by applying chemicals with heat, resulting in colours ranging from matte sandstone yellow to deep blues and greens.
In the context of jewellery, patina is a transformation that occurs on metal, creating a distinctive surface finish through either natural oxidation or controlled chemical processes. Unlike tarnish, which appears as an unwanted, dull discoloration, patina is often desirable, creating a sophisticated finish that enhances the beauty and character of the piece. For example, platinum jewellery develops a unique "wear patina", where micro-scratches and everyday wear create a soft, matte finish that many collectors covet. This gradual transformation adds depth and character to the jewellery, with some people finding beauty in the imperfections that tell a story of the metal's journey.
The development of patina is influenced by environmental conditions such as humidity, air quality, and temperature. Coastal environments, rich in salty air, can accelerate patina formation, while drier climates may slow down the process.
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Rings can be polished or replated to restore shine, but this may thin the band over time
It is inevitable that your wedding ring will get scratched, scuffed, and worn over time. This is because even the toughest precious metals are flexible and not rigid. While scratches are a natural feature of 'forever' jewellery, some people may prefer to restore their rings to their former glory.
Rings can be polished to restore shine, but this may thin the band over time. Polishing involves using an abrasive material to smoothen the surface of the ring. Usually, this is done by using a machine with a rotating polishing wheel. A microscopic layer of metal is removed from the ring during this process, which can weaken the construction of the ring over time. The setting of the ring is particularly vulnerable to thinning out, as it is made up of small, thin parts. If the ring has prongs, they will get thinner and shorter with each polish, and the gemstones will become loose and fall out. Therefore, it is recommended that rings are not polished too often—no more than once or twice a year.
Rings can also be replated to restore shine. White gold rings, in particular, can benefit from replating, as they tend to turn yellow over time. The rhodium plating on these rings can rub off or wear over time, depending on how the wearer treats their jewellery. Replating involves stripping any remaining rhodium from the ring and applying a new layer of plating. However, before a ring can be replated, it must be buffed and cleaned, which can thin the band out over time. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the ring receives a thick enough coat of rhodium plating.
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To prevent scratches, avoid wearing rings during tasks like washing dishes, gardening, or closing car doors
While scratches on your wedding band are inevitable, there are ways to prevent them from occurring too frequently. One way to do this is to avoid wearing your ring during tasks that could cause scratches. This includes activities like washing dishes, gardening, or closing car doors. These activities can cause your ring to come into contact with hard substances or harsh chemicals that can leave scrapes.
For example, when washing dishes, your ring may be exposed to harsh detergents and scrubbing brushes that can scratch the metal. Gardening can also present risks, as your ring may come into contact with rough surfaces, dirt, and sharp objects. Even closing a car door while wearing a ring can lead to accidental scratches if the ring knocks against the door or car interior.
By removing your ring before engaging in these tasks, you can significantly reduce the chances of scratching. Store your ring in a safe place, such as a jewellery box or ring dish, to ensure it doesn't get misplaced. While it may be inconvenient to constantly remove and put on your ring, this simple act can help maintain its shine and overall appearance.
Additionally, regular polishing can help buff out minor scratches and restore some of the ring's original lustre. However, excessive polishing should be avoided, especially if your ring has delicate engravings, as it can remove metal and detail over time. Instead, consider using a soft polishing cloth to gently wipe your ring, removing any built-up dirt or grime that could contribute to scratching.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, your engagement ring will likely scratch your wedding band and vice versa. This is because precious metals, including gold and platinum, are very soft. The larger the surface area of your ring, the more quickly scratches will become noticeable. Friction between the two rings can also cause scratching, especially if one ring has diamonds.
The only way to ensure your wedding band doesn't get scratched is to not wear it. However, if you're looking to minimise scratches, opt for a ring made from platinum or 18k gold, as these metals are the most durable and least prone to scratches.
You can use a soft polishing cloth to buff out superficial scratches on your ring. For deeper scratches, a jeweller can re-polish your ring to restore its shine. However, this should be done sparingly as each polish removes a small amount of metal.
