George Boyle
Wedding rings are often one of the most important pieces of jewellery a person will own, so it's understandable that customers are disappointed when their rings get scratched. However, it is very normal for wedding rings to get scratched. The precious metals used in wedding rings, such as gold, silver and platinum, are very soft and flexible, making them susceptible to wear and tear. While platinum is the strongest precious metal used in jewellery, it can still get scratched. Scratches are caused by contact with harder substances, such as stainless steel, and other jewellery. Over time, scratches will fade and develop a patina, which is considered desirable by many.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is it normal for wedding rings to get scratched? | Yes |
| How to prevent scratches | Avoid wearing the ring; remove it when doing chores, gymming, or manual labour; keep it in a soft dedicated pouch when not wearing it |
| How to fix scratches | Buff out scratches with a polishing cloth; get it professionally re-polished; clean with warm water, washing-up liquid, and a soft toothbrush; soak in a mild solution of soap and water |
| Metals prone to scratching | 9ct gold; 14ct gold; white gold |
| Metals less prone to scratching | Platinum; 18ct gold |
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What You'll Learn
Wedding rings are prone to scratches
The metal type and the activities performed while wearing the ring are factors that contribute to the rate at which a wedding ring gets marked. Platinum is the toughest metal used in jewellery, but even platinum rings can get scratched. Gold alloys with higher karat values, such as 14ct gold, are more susceptible to scratching due to their higher silver content. 9ct gold is highly prone to marking, which is why it is not recommended for bridal rings.
Daily activities can cause wedding rings to get scratched. For example, washing dishes, carrying a suitcase, gardening, closing car doors, or even just banging against keyboards and cups can leave scrapes on a ring. Stacking an engagement ring and wedding band together can also create scratching due to the friction between the two bands. If one of the bands comes into contact with diamonds from the other ring, the scratching will be more exaggerated as diamonds are harder than gold.
While it is disappointing to see scratches on a wedding ring, many people come to appreciate the unique character that these marks impart. Over time, the scratches on a wedding ring will develop a patina, a subtle sheen or satin lustre, that tells the story of the ring's journey and the longevity of the wearer's love. Some people prefer the look of a well-worn patina to the bright shine of a brand new ring.
To minimise scratching, it is recommended to remove wedding rings before activities that could cause contact with hard substances or harsh chemicals, such as housework, manual labour, or going to the gym. When not wearing a ring, it should be stored in a soft dedicated pouch to prevent it from getting scratched by other jewellery. A polishing cloth can be used to buff out superficial scratches and restore some shine to a ring, but professional polishing should be limited to once or twice a year as it removes the metal and can cause the ring to thin out over time.
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Platinum is the strongest metal for wedding rings
It is normal for wedding rings to get scratched. The only way to ensure that your ring never gets scratched is to not wear it. However, since that is not an option, there are other ways to prevent scratching. One way is to avoid wearing your ring when doing manual labour, household chores, or going to the gym. Another way is to be mindful of what your ring comes into contact with. Metals such as keys or door handles are the main culprits for ring-scratching.
Platinum is one of the strongest metals for wedding rings. It is denser, rarer, and more pure than gold, making it more valuable. Platinum is also hypoallergenic, beneficial for those who are allergic to the nickel alloy used in gold rings. Platinum rings are usually 95% pure platinum, while 14-karat gold is only 58.5% gold. Platinum's extreme density and chemical structure make it more durable than gold. Its chemical structure means that when platinum is struck, the metal only moves, instead of being scratched off.
Other strong metals for wedding rings include tungsten carbide, titanium, ceramic, palladium, and stainless steel. Tungsten carbide is scratch-resistant, long-lasting, and hypoallergenic. It is also much less costly than gold or platinum rings. However, tungsten carbide rings are heavy and cannot be resized. Titanium is strong, tough, hardwearing, and remarkably lightweight. It is also inert and non-reactive to virtually all chemicals, so there is no risk of rusting, corroding, or tarnishing.
Gold and silver are also common metals for wedding rings, but they are softer and more susceptible to scratching. 14-karat gold, for example, is only a 3.5-4 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, making it softer than many household items such as glass or steel. Over time, tiny scratches can thin out the metal, requiring the ring to be re-shanked.
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Gold and silver rings are soft and scratch easily
It is completely normal for wedding rings to get scratched. While it may be disappointing, it is inevitable. The first scratch is always the worst, but over time, the marks will fade down to a patina that tells the story of your love.
Similarly, silver ranks very low on the Mohs hardness scale, at about 2.5 to 3. This means that there are a lot of other materials out there that can easily scratch it.
To prevent scratches, you could avoid wearing your ring altogether. However, this is not a desirable option. Instead, you could avoid wearing your ring when doing chores or when there is a risk of it coming into contact with hard substances or harsh chemicals. You could also remove your ring before going to the gym, carrying out housework, or doing any manual labour. To keep your ring looking its healthiest, you can rub it with a polishing cloth every once in a while. You can also treat it to the occasional home clean using warm water, washing-up liquid, and a soft toothbrush.
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Diamonds and other metals cause scratches
It is normal for wedding rings to get scratched. Even the toughest of precious metals are not entirely immune to wear and tear. Platinum, for instance, is the strongest precious metal used in jewellery, yet even platinum rings can get scratched. Similarly, gold and silver will accumulate tiny scratches that, over time, can thin out the metal. This is because gold and silver are relatively soft metals, ranking low on the Mohs hardness scale at about 2.5 to 4. This means that everyday objects like door handles, stair rails, cutlery, and even diamonds in another piece of jewellery can easily scratch them.
Diamonds are one of the hardest substances known to man, ranking at a 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This makes diamonds harder than any metal, including gold, silver, and platinum. When a diamond comes into contact with one of these metals, it will inevitably scratch the metal. This is why stacking an engagement ring with a diamond setting against a wedding band can result in more exaggerated scratching.
While it is impossible to prevent scratches entirely, there are some steps you can take to minimise them. Firstly, consider removing your ring when doing chores or any manual labour, as this will reduce the risk of your ring coming into contact with hard substances or harsh chemicals. Secondly, store your ring in a soft, dedicated pouch when you are not wearing it to prevent it from getting scratched by other jewellery or hard objects in your pocket. Finally, you can give your ring an occasional clean using warm water, washing-up liquid, and a soft-bristled toothbrush to keep it looking its healthiest.
Although scratches may be disappointing, they are a natural feature of well-loved jewellery. Over time, these marks will fade into a patina, a desirable satin sheen that tells the story and longevity of your love. Some people even love the character of a well-worn patina, finding beauty in the unique journey that their ring has been on. So, while it is normal to want to keep your ring in pristine condition, remember that each scratch is a reminder of a moment in your life and the passing of time.
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Scratches can be removed by polishing
It is normal for wedding rings to get scratched. Even the toughest of precious metals are not immune to wear and tear. Platinum is the strongest precious metal used in jewellery, but it can still get scratched. Gold, which is also commonly used for wedding rings, is softer than many household items, such as glass or steel, and is therefore more susceptible to scratching.
Scratches on your wedding ring are inevitable, but they can be removed by polishing. A polishing cloth can buff out superficial scratches, and a professional jeweller can also re-polish your ring to restore its original shine. However, it is important to note that professional polishing removes some of the metal, so it is recommended to only polish your ring once or twice a year.
If you prefer to polish your ring at home, you can use a soft cloth to gently rub the ring. You can also clean your ring using warm water, washing-up liquid, and a soft-bristled toothbrush. For platinum rings, you can use a shop-bought jewellery cleaner or soak the ring in a mild solution of soap and water.
In addition to polishing, there are other ways to reduce the appearance of scratches. Over time, scratches on your wedding ring will fade to a patina, which is a satin sheen that develops from daily wear and tiny scratches. Many people appreciate the patina look, as it tells a story and adds character to the ring. If you prefer a more polished look, you can also consider re-dipping or re-plating your ring, which is a common practice for white gold rings.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is normal for wedding rings to get scratched. Even the toughest of precious metals are not invincible and will be vulnerable to wear and tear.
Wedding rings get scratched when they come into contact with harder substances such as stainless steel, which is commonly found in door handles, stair rails, and cutlery. Other common causes include friction with other jewellery, manual labour, and day-to-day tasks like washing dishes or gardening.
The only way to completely prevent scratches is to not wear the ring. However, there are ways to minimise scratching, such as removing the ring before activities that may cause scratches and storing it in a soft dedicated pouch.
Yes, superficial scratches can be removed by buffing the ring with a polishing cloth or having it professionally polished by a jeweller. However, frequent professional polishing may thin out the band over time.
Scratches on a wedding ring are a natural part of its journey and can be seen as reminders of its unique story. Many people embrace the character that a well-worn patina adds to their ring.
