Wedding Bands: Scratch-Resistant Options

Wedding bands are often made from soft metals such as gold, silver, and platinum, which are prone to scratching. Gold, for example, can easily get scratched through everyday wear, and its shine can be dulled by contact with detergents, moisturisers, and soaps. Platinum, while the strongest precious metal used in jewellery, can also get scratched, though the metal is displaced rather than lost, so the volume remains the same. Other metals used for wedding bands include titanium, zirconium, tungsten carbide, and stainless steel, which are less likely to scratch but can shatter under pressure.

Soft metals like gold and silver are more prone to scratches

Pure gold is too soft to be crafted into jewellery, which is why gold jewellery is typically made from alloyed forms of gold. The higher the karat of gold, the softer it is. Therefore, the higher the karat of gold alloy you choose for your wedding band, the more likely it is to get scratched.

The same logic applies to silver. Sterling silver, in particular, is highly susceptible to tarnishing and oxidising, especially when it comes into contact with certain substances. For example, the acids in your skin can affect how quickly silver tarnishes. What you eat, drink, or smoke, as well as the cosmetics and perfumes you use, can all impact the acidity levels of your skin, which in turn influences how quickly silver tarnishes when it comes into contact with your skin.

If you have a gold or silver wedding band, you can easily restore its shine by polishing it with a soft cloth. You can also take it to a professional jeweller for a more thorough polishing, which will cost you around $10-$30.

Platinum is the strongest precious metal used in jewellery

Platinum's durability makes it a popular choice for heirloom jewellery, as it can be passed down through generations. It is also hypoallergenic, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin or allergies to metals like nickel. The current standard for platinum purity is 850ppt (parts per thousand), meaning at least 85% of the jewellery piece must contain platinum.

Despite its strength, platinum can still get scratched. When scratched, the metal is displaced rather than lost, maintaining the volume of metal. This displacement creates a patina, a satin sheen that develops over time and is considered desirable by many. If you prefer a polished look, a jeweller can easily restore the shine and reflective lustre of platinum.

To care for your platinum jewellery, consider removing it during chores or activities that may bring it into contact with hard substances or harsh chemicals. Clean your platinum pieces with a mild soap and water solution, gently drying them with a soft cloth.

Pure gold is too soft to be used in jewellery

Gold's softness also makes it malleable and easy to shape without heating. However, this malleability means that a thin piece of gold can be easily bent, and a larger piece can be scratched or dented. For example, a pure gold bracelet could be bent with strong applied pressure from bare hands. Similarly, a gold coin can be bitten to test its authenticity, leaving an obvious bite mark.

To make gold jewellery harder and more durable, it is mixed with other metals. This way, gold jewellery can withstand superficial damage and last longer without needing repairs. For example, a gold bracelet mixed with other metals will cause less damage if slammed into something or dropped on the floor.

While pure gold is too soft for jewellery, other metals such as titanium and tungsten are more suitable. These metals are harder and more durable, making them scratch-resistant and better able to withstand everyday wear and tear.

Titanium and tungsten are tough metals that are scratch-resistant

Wedding rings are often made from gold and silver, which are precious metals and therefore expensive. However, these metals are quite soft, making them prone to scuffs and scratches. This has led to an increase in people choosing alternative metals for their wedding rings.

Two such alternatives are titanium and tungsten, which are tough metals that are scratch-resistant. While both metals are renowned for their strength, there are some differences to note.

Titanium is given a 6 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, which ranks materials by their scratch resistance. In comparison, gold is rated 3 and platinum is given a rating of 4 to 4.5. So, titanium rings are harder than precious metal rings and hold up well to everyday wear, maintaining their original finish and shine. Titanium is also corrosion, tarnish, scratch, and break-resistant, making it a suitable material for wedding bands and jewellery.

Tungsten is the harder of the two metals, with a Mohs hardness rating of 8.5 to 9, which is only slightly lower than diamond. This makes it extremely difficult to scratch and ideal for those with active lifestyles. However, because of its hardness, tungsten is also very brittle, meaning that if enough pressure is applied, it can shatter or break.

Both metals are considered affordable, with rings made from either metal available for relatively low prices. However, the price of a ring will depend on its design, craftsmanship, quality, and any additional elements. Intricate inlays or more elegant materials can increase the price of a ring to over $5,000 or even $10,000.

In terms of appearance, titanium has a natural, slightly lighter grey colour, while tungsten typically has a darker grey or near-black colour. Titanium can be treated to create a wider variety of colours, including black. Tungsten, due to its hardness, is more challenging to create intricate designs with, but it is possible to finish it in various styles.

Both titanium and tungsten are hypoallergenic, so they won't irritate those with metal allergies. However, tungsten may cause reactions in people with extreme sensitivities to the trace metals in tungsten carbide alloys.

In summary, titanium and tungsten are tough metals that offer excellent scratch resistance, making them good choices for those who want a durable wedding band. When choosing between the two, consider factors such as scratch resistance, weight, style, engraving, budget, and sensitivity to determine which metal is better suited to your needs.

Home cleaning methods can remove minor scratches

Wedding bands are often made from precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum, which are soft and prone to scratches. While some scratches are inevitable, there are home cleaning methods to remove minor scratches and restore your ring's shine.

Firstly, it is important to assess the severity of the scratch. There are two types of scratches: surface-level and deep scratches. Surface-level scratches are shallow and mainly affect the outer layer of the ring, while deep scratches penetrate deeper into the metal and are more challenging to repair. To determine the type of scratch, run your fingernail across it. If your nail gets caught, it is likely a deep scratch.

For surface-level scratches, you can use a soft, non-abrasive polishing cloth to gently rub the surface of the ring in a circular motion. You can also use mild liquid jewellery cleaner by applying it to a soft cloth or brush and gently rubbing it onto the scratched area. Rinse and dry the ring afterward.

Another method is to create a mixture of warm water and a few drops of liquid detergent and soak your ring in it for about five minutes. Rinse and dry the ring, then use a polishing cloth to buff out the scratches gently.

Toothpaste can also be used as a mild abrasive to buff out scratches. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to a soft, non-abrasive cloth and gently rub it onto the scratched area in a circular motion. Rinse and dry the ring afterward.

Baking soda can be used in a similar way by creating a paste with water and applying it to the scratched area with a soft cloth or toothbrush. Gently rub the paste onto the scratches in a circular motion, then rinse and dry the ring.

While these methods are effective for minor scratches, deep scratches may require professional assistance. Polishing can remove surface-level scratches, but it cannot repair deep grooves. If you attempt to remove deep scratches at home, you may damage the ring further.

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