A diamond is forever, especially when embedded in an engagement ring. These rings represent a significant financial investment, so it’s understandable you’d want them to maintain their allure now and even a decade down the line.
How can this be achieved? By mastering the care of your engagement ring and wedding band. It’s important to note that different ring metals require different care. Platinum, for example, has unique characteristics that gold lacks. Let’s explore the proper care techniques for platinum ring bands.
Should You Embrace the Patina on Your Platinum Band?
Don’t worry—you can choose whether or not to have a patina on your ring. If you prefer the shiny original look, polishing can eliminate the patina. On the other hand, if you like the patina, you can keep it and reduce the frequency of cleaning your ring. It’s a personal choice with no right or wrong answer.
Essential Care Tips for Platinum Ring Bands
Just like unwashed dishes pile up in your sink, neglecting your platinum ring will lead to unnecessary wear and damage. It’s easier to prevent issues than to deal with them afterwards.
To maintain your platinum ring’s pristine condition, here are some tips:
- Remove your ring when handling chemicals like bleach or abrasive materials to avoid scratching the platinum and potentially damaging the center stone.
- Refrain from wearing the ring during activities that involve heavy use of your hands, such as gardening, working out, or garage work.
- Store the ring separately from other jewelry to prevent scratches, both to and from the platinum.
It’s reassuring to know that scratches on platinum aren’t as dire as those on gold. Unlike gold, which loses material when scratched, platinum merely moves. This allows for easy restoration through polishing, bringing your ring back to its original state and shine.
Cleaning Tips for Platinum Ring Bands
Preventative care is key, but even with the best efforts, your ring will eventually get dirty and require cleaning.
The most effective way to clean platinum is by using a gentle jewelry cleaner specifically designed for platinum, such as the affordable Connoisseurs Precious Jewelry Cleaner. If this is unavailable, a mild soap mixed with warm water will suffice—use your fingers to gently scrub the ring and dry it with a lint-free cloth. Avoid submerging your rings in cleaning solutions as they can harm the center stone. Soft-bristle toothbrushes are perfect for removing surface dirt.
Cost of Professional Cleaning
Sometimes professional attention is necessary to restore your ring to its pristine condition.
Jewelers possess the expertise and tools to thoroughly clean your rings without causing damage. Costs can vary: some jewelers offer lifetime free cleaning if you purchased the ring from them, while others charge a nominal fee (usually $50 or less) for rings bought elsewhere.
