Only polishing will remove scratches from gold and platinum. However, the patina of fine scratches that develops over time can add beauty to the jewelry and can reflect the journey a piece has taken. The polishing process removes metal and is only recommended to be carried out a few times over the life of the piece.
Owing to the density of Platinum, scratches tend not to wear through it. This is because scratches tend to warp the metal but not wear away. As such, scratches do not affect the colour of the Platinum. In addition, scratches are not generally a sign of damage to the platinum.
Platinum is very durable. When scratched, the scratch actually displaces the metal, leaving ridges on the edges of the scratch. This is where durability comes in. Whereas other precious metals, if scratched, lose metal, and thus wear down, Platinum does so at a much slower rate.
To keep your platinum jewelry shining, you will need to regularly polish your pieces because the patina will return. If you wear platinum jewelry daily, perhaps on a wedding band or engagement ring, the metal will inevitably get exposed to oils and chemicals that can wear away at the platinum.
Platinum develops a patina over time, and will lose its shiny finish that it has in the beginning. The platinum patina is a charming characteristic of the metal—but if you would like to restore your ring back to its original lustre, all you would have to do is take it back to your jeweller for a simple polish.
Cons: Platinum Scratches - Being the premier choice for jewellery you would think it does not scratch, however just like all other precious metals, Platinum does scratch.
Every metal in the world will scratch with wear and tear. The only way to avoid scratches appearing will be to leave the ring in the box… which is a ridiculous suggestion. Even platinum which is naturally a heavier and harder metal than gold will be prone to scratches and scuffs.
Only polishing will remove scratches from gold and platinum. However, the patina of fine scratches that develops over time can add beauty to the jewelry and can reflect the journey a piece has taken.
Very little. But if you're wearing a particular platinum jewelry piece every day, then be cautious of what it comes into contact with. Harsh cleaning chemicals such as bleach are a strict no-no. Even repeated exposure to chlorine in swimming pools causes the platinum to weaken over time.
Similarly, diamonds are porous and can absorb water, which can cause the stone to become discolored or cloudy. On the other hand, platinum is a strong, durable metal that is less likely to be damaged by water.
White gold is a harder metal than platinum, meaning that it is not as easily scratched or dented. This is because of the white gold alloy, it is gold mixed with harder metals such as palladium, silver or copper.
Issue 2: Scratches and Dings
These can be buffed out by a jeweler* but doing so will remove a small amount of metal from around your ring.
Scratched Metal
Small scrapes or nicks can be repaired with polishing, which can be done by most professional jewelers.
Using toothpaste on your jewelry could cause scratches or pitting in the metal. While toothpaste usually won't damage the diamond itself, it could damage other stones in your ring or even the setting itself. Damage to the metal in the setting could loosen the precious stones, causing further damage to the ring.
The cool, elegant look of platinum for engagement rings and other jewelry is especially popular today and with good reason: it is the strongest, most pure metal. Platinum is more rare than gold and will last a lifetime, resisting chipping and tarnishing.
Platinum is a very dense metal, and while this can often mean more of it is needed to craft the ring, it also means platinum rings are durable and will most likely last you a lifetime.
Platinum Scratches Easier than 14k Gold
Despite being more durable, platinum is actually a softer metal than 14k gold. This means it will scratch a little easier than 14k gold.
The cheapest and easiest way to clean platinum rings is by soaking them in a sudsy solution of warm water and a mild washing up liquid for around 30 minutes. This will lift any built-up grime and debris from your rings, effortlessly restoring their lustre.
Platinum is one of the rarest metals available
For example, this Mid-Weight Men's Wedding Ring In Platinum in 95% percent platinum costs $783, compared to this Mid-Weight Men's Wedding Ring In White Gold $435 ring of the same size and weight in white gold.
In our experience, the main culprit for ring-scratching is other metals; think keys or door handles. People often think that wedding rings are indestructible but unfortunately, they're not. No matter how careful you are, yours will inevitably show some wear over time.
Platinum: Despite being nearly identical in appearance, platinum is more valuable than gold. Platinum's high price point can be attributed to its rarity and density as precious metals are often priced by their weight.
Platinum. Similar to gold, this is a precious metal that won't tarnish or react to water. Platinum jewelry is so resilient that it can even withstand the most corrosive elements. However, be aware that it can discolor over time due to the chemicals present in shampoo and soap.