Erase Scratches From Your Wedding Band

Wedding bands are often made of gold, a soft metal that is prone to scratching. While scratches are inevitable, there are several ways to remove them and restore your ring to its former glory. For minor scratches, a simple at-home fix involves using a Jeweler's Rouge Polishing Cloth, which can be purchased for around $5 from most jewellers or jewellery supply stores. For deeper scratches, a Jeweler's Rouge compound can be used with a buffer wheel to buff out the scratches. Alternatively, a professional jeweller can buff your ring to its original shine in about 24 hours for $10-$30. If you're looking for a quick fix, a complete polish of the ring surface can remove scratches, and a re-application of the surface texture can restore the original brushed finish.

How to Remove Scratches from a Wedding Band

Soak in warm water and detergent

Soaking your wedding band in warm water and detergent is a great first step to removing scratches. This method is best for light scratches. First, fill a small bowl with warm water and add a few drops of liquid detergent. You can use any type of mild detergent, such as washing-up liquid. Next, place your wedding band in the bowl and let it soak for about five minutes. After soaking, use a soft cloth to carefully rinse and dry the ring.

Once your ring is dry, you can proceed to the next step of the process, which is buffing out the scratches. You can purchase a polishing cloth at most jewellery stores. Gently buff the scratches out, being careful not to rub any gemstones as this could cause damage. This process can be done once a month or once every two to three months.

If your wedding band has deeper scratches, it is best to take it to a professional jeweller to be polished. It is recommended that you only do this once or twice a year at most, as too many polishing sessions can wear down the jewellery.

Buff with a polishing cloth

If you want to remove scratches from your wedding band, one option is to buff the ring with a polishing cloth. This method is suitable for minor scratches and can be done at home.

Jeweller's Rouge Polishing Clothes are recommended for this purpose. These cloths are designed to remove scratches and create a smooth surface on one side, while the other side is used to polish the metal to a mirror finish. They are affordable, costing around $5, and can be purchased from most jewellers or jewellery supply stores.

Before using the polishing cloth, it is recommended to clean the ring. This can be done by soaking the ring in warm water with a few drops of liquid detergent for about five minutes. Rinse and dry the ring gently with a cloth.

Once the ring is clean and dry, you can start buffing it with the polishing cloth. Take your time and be careful not to rub any gemstones, as this could cause damage. You can use the polishing cloth once a month or once every two to three months.

While this method is effective for minor scratches, deeper scratches may require a different approach, such as using a Jeweler's Rouge compound with a buffer's wheel or seeking the help of a professional jeweller.

Use Jeweler's Rouge compound for deeper scratches

Gold is a soft metal that can easily be scratched through everyday wear. Wedding bands, especially gold ones, are more susceptible to scratches than most other jewellery. However, gold bands can be buffed to their previous condition inexpensively.

For deeper scratches, Jeweler's Rouge compound can be used. This compound is ideal for removing deep scratches and polishing the metal to a mirror shine. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use Jeweler's Rouge compound to remove deeper scratches from your wedding band:

Step 1: Purchase Jeweler's Rouge Compound

The compound can be bought from most jewellers or jewellery supply stores. It is a relatively inexpensive solution for removing scratches.

Step 2: Prepare the Compound

The compound is designed to be used with a buffer's wheel. Place the compound onto the wheel, following the instructions provided with the product. Ensure that you are wearing protective gear, such as gloves and safety goggles, before proceeding.

Step 3: Apply the Compound to the Wedding Band

Once the compound is on the wheel, gently spin it onto the metal surface of the wedding band. Take care to focus on the scratched areas, as the compound will buff out the scratches by taking the ring down a layer.

Step 4: Buff Out the Scratches

Using the buffer wheel, gently buff the scratched areas of the ring. Take your time with this step, as it is important to ensure that the compound is applied evenly and thoroughly. The compound will help remove the scratches and restore the metal to a smooth, mirror-like finish.

Step 5: Clean and Polish the Ring

After removing the scratches, clean the wedding band with warm water and a mild detergent to remove any compound residue. You can then use a polishing cloth to add a final shine to your ring. One side of the cloth can be used to create a smooth surface, while the reverse side can be used for a mirror finish.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove deeper scratches from your wedding band using Jeweler's Rouge compound. It is important to be gentle and careful throughout the process to ensure the best results and avoid any further damage to your ring.

Professional buffing

Professional jewellers can perform a complete polish of the ring's surface to remove scratches. They may also need to reapply the surface texture to restore the original finish. The results can be outstanding, giving a new lease of life to a well-loved piece.

Jeweller's Rouge is a compound that, when spun onto the metal, helps to remove deep scratches and polishes the metal to a mirror shine. It is used with a buffer's wheel and basically buffs out all the scratches in the metal by taking the ring down a layer.

It is recommended that you do not have your ring polished too often, especially if it has delicate engraving. This is because a little metal and detail are lifted away each time. However, an occasional polish can buff away shallow scratches and revive some of the ring's original shine.

Avoid harsh chemicals like chlorine

While scratches are a natural feature of wedding bands, you can avoid serious damage by taking preventative measures. One of the most important things to remember is to keep your ring away from harsh chemicals, such as chlorine. Chlorine can weaken gold and cause it to break, so it is best to avoid wearing your ring when swimming in pools or hot tubs.

To keep your wedding band in optimal condition, it is recommended to take it off before performing any manual labour, household chores, or exercising. Additionally, be cautious when handling other metals, as they can be a common cause of ring-scratching. For example, keys or coins in your pocket can rub against your ring and create scratches.

When not wearing your ring, store it in a safe and clean place, such as a jewellery box or a cloth bag. Ensure that your ring is not touching other pieces of jewellery to avoid any potential scratches.

By following these simple care tips, you can help prevent scratches and maintain the shine of your wedding band. Remember, even with proper care, some scratches may still occur, but you can always explore polishing options to restore its original lustre.

Frequently asked questions