Wedding Band Maintenance: To Polish Or Not?

Wedding bands are often exposed to the elements and can get scratched, scuffed, and dirty. While some people embrace these marks as reminders of their ring's unique journey, others prefer to keep their rings in pristine condition.

If you're wondering whether you should polish your wedding band, it's important to consider the material it's made of. For example, gold bands can be polished, but doing so too often can wear them away, so it's recommended to only polish when necessary. On the other hand, platinum rings are more durable and can be polished more frequently.

Polishing your wedding band can make it look brand new and bring out its shine. However, it's not always necessary to go to a professional jeweler for polishing. Simple at-home methods, such as using warm water, mild soap, and a soft toothbrush, can effectively clean and polish your ring.

Pros and cons of polishing versus regular cleaning

Polishing and cleaning are two different processes that can help your wedding band maintain its shine and sparkle. While cleaning removes dirt, grease, lotions, and skin oils, polishing involves buffing out the metal to bring back its shine. Here are the pros and cons of polishing versus regular cleaning:

Polishing

Pros:

• Brings back the shine: Polishing uses a polishing wheel to buff out the metal and restore its original shine, making your ring look brand new.
• Removes scratches: The polishing process can help buff away shallow scratches on the ring's surface.
• Professional option: While DIY methods are available, professional jewellers use polishing wheels to achieve the best results, especially for intricate pieces.

Cons:

• Removes a thin layer of metal: Each time a ring is polished, a thin layer of metal is removed. Therefore, it is recommended to limit polishing to less than twice a year to avoid potential damage.
• Not suitable for engraved rings: Polishing can remove a little metal and detail from engraved rings, so it is generally discouraged for rings with delicate engravings.

Regular Cleaning

Pros:

• Removes dirt and grease: Regular cleaning helps eliminate dirt, grease, lotions, and skin oils that accumulate on the ring's surface, making it look dull.
• Maintenance: Cleaning can be done at home using DIY methods or professionally with ultrasonic cleaning, which is safe for most jewellery.
• Less frequent: Cleaning is typically done every six months or when the ring feels like it needs a special shine.

Cons:

• Doesn't remove scratches: While cleaning can help remove dirt and grime, it doesn't address scratches or restore the metal's original shine.
• Not as thorough: Regular cleaning is a basic maintenance practice and doesn't provide the same level of thoroughness as polishing.

In summary, both polishing and regular cleaning have their advantages and disadvantages. Polishing is a more intensive process that restores shine and removes scratches but should be done sparingly to avoid damaging the ring. Regular cleaning is a simpler process that can be done more frequently to maintain the ring's appearance, but it doesn't address scratches or deep cleaning. Ultimately, the decision between polishing and regular cleaning depends on the condition of your wedding band and your personal preferences.

How often to polish a wedding band

Wedding rings are often exposed to the elements, which can cause them to lose their shine. This is completely normal, and many people learn to love their rings just the way they are, scuffs and all. However, if you want to restore your ring's original shine, polishing is a great option.

The frequency with which you should polish your wedding band depends on the type of ring you have. For diamond rings, it is recommended to polish the ring every week to keep it looking as good as new. On the other hand, 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.

If your ring has delicate engraving, it is recommended to avoid polishing it too often, as a little metal and detail are lifted away with each polish. However, an occasional polish can buff away shallow scratches and revive some of the ring's original shine.

For plain white gold bands, re-plating can be a good option. White gold usually has a slightly yellow tinge, so rhodium plating is applied to give it a perfect silvery finish. This plating wears away over time, so you can get your ring re-dipped in rhodium every few years to restore its white tint and reduce the appearance of small scratches.

Other Tips to Keep Your Ring Looking Its Best

• Avoid exposing your ring to harsh manual activities such as gym workouts, climbing, or building sites, as these can cause deep-set damage.
• Give your ring a rub with a polishing cloth every once in a while.
• Treat your ring to an occasional home clean using warm water, washing-up liquid, and a soft toothbrush to remove any residue.
• If your ring is especially dirty, you can add a bit of baking soda to your cleaning solution.

DIY methods for polishing a wedding band

Warm soapy water

This is the most highly recommended method for cleaning rings across the board. It is suitable for platinum, gold, white gold, and silver rings. Simply add a few drops of basic dishwashing soap to a bowl of warm water. Soak your ring for 20-40 minutes, then gently brush with a soft toothbrush. Rinse the ring with warm water and pat dry with a soft cloth. Be sure not to use a paper towel, as this can scratch gold.

Beer

This method is suitable for solid gold bands or gold-plated bands without gemstones. Pour a little light-coloured beer onto a washcloth and rub it all over your band. Then, dry the band with a clean towel. The hops used in beer contain alpha acids that polish dirt and grime off gold. Lighter beers have the right level of acidity to polish and protect your gold band.

Ketchup

Ketchup can be used to clean tarnished silver rings. Submerge your ring in a shallow bowl of ketchup for 5-10 minutes. Then, scrub the ring with a soft toothbrush, rinse with warm water, and dry. The vinegar and tomatoes in ketchup contain acids that react strongly with the chemical makeup of silver to break down gunk.

Alka-Seltzer

Drop two Alka-Seltzer tablets into a cup of warm water and place your ring in the cup. Soak for 20 minutes, then remove and dry. The chemical reaction between sodium bicarbonate and anhydrous citric acid will help to loosen caked-on dirt.

Baking soda and water

Make a thick paste with 1/4 cup of baking soda and two tablespoons of water. Apply the paste with a damp kitchen sponge and gently rub, then rinse and buff dry. Alternatively, cover your ring with a light coating of baking soda and pour a bit of white vinegar over it. Then, rinse clean.

Polishing cloth

Give your ring a rub with a polishing cloth to keep it looking healthy.

When to get a wedding band professionally polished

Wedding bands are often exposed to the elements and can get scratched, scuffed, and dirty. While some people embrace these marks as reminders of their ring's unique journey, others prefer to keep their rings polished and shiny.

There are several at-home methods for cleaning and polishing wedding bands. One common method involves using warm water, a soft toothbrush, and a polishing or soft jewellery cloth. However, it is important to avoid harsh cleaning liquids and paper towels, as these can damage the ring. For gold rings, adding a small amount of baking soda to the warm water solution can provide a deeper clean.

While at-home cleaning methods can be effective, there are times when it is best to get a wedding band professionally polished. Firstly, if your ring has any delicate engraving or intricate detailing, it is recommended to leave it to the professionals. Professional jewellers have the expertise and tools to polish and clean your ring without causing any damage to these intricate details. They can also check for any loose stones, breakage, or maintenance issues that may require further attention.

Additionally, if your ring is made of a fine or soft metal, such as gold, excessive polishing can wear it away over time. In such cases, it is advisable to have your ring professionally polished occasionally, rather than polishing it too frequently at home. This is particularly important for white gold bands, which may require re-plating with rhodium every few years to maintain their silvery finish and reduce the appearance of scratches.

Furthermore, if your ring has any deep scratches or damaged engraving that cannot be easily buffed away, a professional jeweller may be able to restore its shine. They can also advise on the best practices for cleaning and maintaining your ring at home, based on its unique materials and features.

In summary, while simple cleaning and polishing can be done at home, it is recommended to get a wedding band professionally polished for intricate details, fine metals, re-plating needs, and deep scratches or damage.

How to prevent scratches and damage to a wedding band

Wedding rings are often one of the most prized possessions for people, and it is only natural to want to keep them in pristine condition. However, it is important to remember that scratches and scuffs are inevitable, no matter how careful you are. The good news is that there are ways to minimise the damage and slow down the process. Here are some tips to prevent scratches and damage to your wedding band:

Choose the Right Material

The type of metal used for your wedding band plays a crucial role in its durability and resistance to scratches. Platinum is considered the toughest metal for jewellery, followed by 18-carat gold. 14-carat gold is slightly more susceptible to scratches due to its higher silver content, while 9-carat gold is highly prone to marking and may not be the best choice for intricate engravings. Palladium, titanium, zirconium, and tungsten carbide are other durable options, each with its own unique properties.

Avoid Harsh Activities

While it is not practical to avoid everyday objects like door handles and keys, you can minimise exposure to harsh activities that can cause more severe damage. Remove your wedding band before going to the gym, doing housework, gardening, or any manual labour. These activities can increase the chances of deep scratches and dents.

Be Mindful of Other Jewellery

When taking off your ring, avoid placing it in a pocket or pouch with other jewellery, especially those with diamonds or harder gemstones. Instead, store it in a dedicated soft pouch or box to prevent scratches from contact with other items.

Proper Cleaning and Polishing

Regular cleaning and polishing can help maintain the shine and lustre of your wedding band. For diamond rings, weekly polishing is recommended. For gold bands, less frequent polishing is advised, as over-polishing can wear away the metal. Use warm water, a mild detergent or soap, and a soft toothbrush for cleaning. Avoid boiling water and harsh cleaning liquids. You can also use a polishing cloth for a quick shine boost.

Professional Maintenance

For deeper scratches or intricate engravings, consider taking your ring to a professional jeweller for polishing and maintenance. They have the expertise and tools to restore the shine without causing further damage. However, avoid frequent professional polishing, as it can remove metal and detail over time.

Remember, some scratches and scuffs are inevitable, and they tell the unique story of your ring's journey. With proper care and maintenance, you can slow down the process and keep your wedding band looking its best for years to come.

Frequently asked questions