Wedding bands may be the most symbolic of all jewellery, but because couples do wear them all the time, there’s a higher chance of getting scratches on a gold ring through good old everyday wear and tear. If you’ve found yourself with your gold ring scratched, don’t panic just yet because it’s not ruined. Diamonds Factory is here with some helpful advice on how to fix wedding ring scratches, and what you can do to avoid future damage.
Is it normal for wedding rings to get scratched?
First of all, it's completely normal to expect a gold ring to get scratched.
Metals commonly used for wedding rings, such as gold, platinum, and silver are softer than what you might think - especially gold. 24k gold is extremely soft, and while it’s a highly valuable and luxurious metal, its purity means that it’s at high risk of scratches and dents. For gold
diamond engagement rings, wedding rings, and any other gold jewellery that you want to wear all the time, you’re better off going with a 10k, 14k, or 18k gold, or a gold mixed with other alloys. Regardless of the type of precious metal you chose for your big day, a ring that you wear everyday will naturally face some wear and tear or minor damage.
6 Common Reasons For Scratches On A Gold Ring
Even some very basic things can cause tiny scratches on a gold ring.
1. Daily Wear and Tear: activities such as typing, cooking, cleaning, gardening, and reaching your hand into the pockets of your clothes can cause a gold ring to get scratched over time.
2. Contact with Hard Surfaces: such as countertops or door handles, can create a noticeably scratched wedding band. The friction between the metal and these surfaces can scratch the surface and dull its shine.
3. Exposure to Abrasive Materials: like sand, grit, or even certain cleaning products, can wear down the metal and create scratches.
4. Sports and Physical Activities: think high-impact sports, lifting exercises, or even swimming can cause damage, especially if your ring comes into contact with rough surfaces or hard/heavy objects.
5. Inadequate Storage: even if you do take your ring off, keep in mind that storing your ring with other jewellery can lead to scratches. Instead, keep your wedding ring protected in a separate soft pouch or jewellery box.
6. Using Tough Tools: can also result in wedding ring scratches.
Now you know many of the main causes, you can take more mindful steps to save your wedding ring!
Gold Ring Scratched? Here’s What To Do
Okay, so what if it’s too late and you’ve already scratched your wedding band? Well, you’d be happy to know that there are some very effective ways to restore a wedding ring with scratches to its former glory.
How to Remove Scratches on a Ring
1. Professional Polishing: Take your ring into an expert jeweller for polishing. They’ll have the tools and experience to remove any scratches on a gold ring.
2. At-Home Cleaning Kits: Get your hands on a high-quality home jewellery cleaning kit. These kits often include polishing cloths and gentle cleaning solutions designed to remove minor wedding ring scratches.
3. DIY Polishing with Baking Soda: If you’re not afraid to DIY, to reduce the appearance of fine scratches you can create a paste with baking soda and water. Gently rub it onto your wedding ring using a soft cloth.
4. Jewellery Buffing Cloth: Invest in a jewellery buffing cloth, specifically made for polishing precious metals. Regular buffing can help to maintain shine and minimise the appearance of wedding ring scratches.
5. Ultrasonic Cleaner: This device uses sound waves to remove dirt and scratches, and is great for using on all kinds of jewellery.
6. Re-Engraving: If your ring has intricate designs or engravings that have become dull or scratched, consider having them re-engraved by a professional jeweller.
How to Avoid Scratches on a Ring Altogether
While scratches are a common part of everyday wear, there are some steps you can take to show your wedding ring the love and care it deserves.
Preventative Measures to Avoid Wedding Ring Scratches:
1. Take It Off: Before sports/exercise/physical activities or any other chore that might damage the metal.
2. Rhodium Plating: For white gold rings, rhodium plating is an excellent option. This process involves applying a thin layer of rhodium to the ring, which not only enhances its shine but also covers up a scratched wedding band.
3. Consider a Ring Guard: Use a ring guard or spacer to protect your wedding ring from rubbing against other rings on the same finger.
4. Proper Storage: Store your ring in a soft, separate pouch or jewellery box when you’re not wearing it.
5. Routine Cleaning: Regularly clean your ring with mild soap and water to remove dirt and grime, and use a soft cloth to gently polish it.
6. Regular Maintenance: This might sound a bit unusual, but regular check and cleans with your trusted jeweller will help to keep your wedding ring in top condition.
Until your Wedding Ring does you part…
Taking good care of your wedding ring ensures it stays beautiful and free from scratches and damage.
If you're looking for a helping hand when your wedding band or gold ring is scratched, pop into one of our Diamonds Factory stores today, or browse online if you’d like to add more exquisite pieces to your personal jewellery collection or find out more about diamond clarity.
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Wedding bands may be the most symbolic of all jewellery, but because couples do wear them all the time, there’s a higher chance of getting scratches on a gold ring through good old everyday wear and tear. If you’ve found yourself with your gold ring scratched, don’t panic just yet because it’s not ruined. Diamonds Factory is here with some helpful advice on how to fix wedding ring scratches, and what you can do to avoid future damage.
Is it normal for wedding rings to get scratched?
6 Common Reasons For Scratches On A Gold Ring
1. Daily Wear and Tear: activities such as typing, cooking, cleaning, gardening, and reaching your hand into the pockets of your clothes can cause a gold ring to get scratched over time.
2. Contact with Hard Surfaces: such as countertops or door handles, can create a noticeably scratched wedding band. The friction between the metal and these surfaces can scratch the surface and dull its shine.
3. Exposure to Abrasive Materials: like sand, grit, or even certain cleaning products, can wear down the metal and create scratches.
4. Sports and Physical Activities: think high-impact sports, lifting exercises, or even swimming can cause damage, especially if your ring comes into contact with rough surfaces or hard/heavy objects.
5. Inadequate Storage: even if you do take your ring off, keep in mind that storing your ring with other jewellery can lead to scratches. Instead, keep your wedding ring protected in a separate soft pouch or jewellery box.
6. Using Tough Tools: can also result in wedding ring scratches. Now you know many of the main causes, you can take more mindful steps to save your wedding ring!
Gold Ring Scratched? Here’s What To Do
How to Remove Scratches on a Ring
2. At-Home Cleaning Kits: Get your hands on a high-quality home jewellery cleaning kit. These kits often include polishing cloths and gentle cleaning solutions designed to remove minor wedding ring scratches.
3. DIY Polishing with Baking Soda: If you’re not afraid to DIY, to reduce the appearance of fine scratches you can create a paste with baking soda and water. Gently rub it onto your wedding ring using a soft cloth.
4. Jewellery Buffing Cloth: Invest in a jewellery buffing cloth, specifically made for polishing precious metals. Regular buffing can help to maintain shine and minimise the appearance of wedding ring scratches.
5. Ultrasonic Cleaner: This device uses sound waves to remove dirt and scratches, and is great for using on all kinds of jewellery.
6. Re-Engraving: If your ring has intricate designs or engravings that have become dull or scratched, consider having them re-engraved by a professional jeweller.
How to Avoid Scratches on a Ring Altogether
Preventative Measures to Avoid Wedding Ring Scratches:
2. Rhodium Plating: For white gold rings, rhodium plating is an excellent option. This process involves applying a thin layer of rhodium to the ring, which not only enhances its shine but also covers up a scratched wedding band.
3. Consider a Ring Guard: Use a ring guard or spacer to protect your wedding ring from rubbing against other rings on the same finger.
4. Proper Storage: Store your ring in a soft, separate pouch or jewellery box when you’re not wearing it.
5. Routine Cleaning: Regularly clean your ring with mild soap and water to remove dirt and grime, and use a soft cloth to gently polish it.
6. Regular Maintenance: This might sound a bit unusual, but regular check and cleans with your trusted jeweller will help to keep your wedding ring in top condition.
Until your Wedding Ring does you part…
If you're looking for a helping hand when your wedding band or gold ring is scratched, pop into one of our Diamonds Factory stores today, or browse online if you’d like to add more exquisite pieces to your personal jewellery collection or find out more about diamond clarity.