How To Care For Platinum Ring Bands
A diamond is forever, especially when that diamond is in an engagement ring. They're also a big investment of your hard-earned dollar bills, so obviously you want your ring to look good now — and 10 years from now.
But how? By learning how to take care of the engagement ring and wedding band. That said, all ring metals aren't created equally — and they need to be cared for differently. Take platinum, for example, this metal has certain quirks that gold doesn't have, so let's break down on how to care for platinum ring bands properly.
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Should You Go for Patina on Your Platinum Band?
But here's the thing: you aren't doomed to have patina on your ring if you don't want it. Polishing the ring can remove this patina and get it back to its shiny original state. And if you do like the patina? You can keep it — and you won't have to clean your ring as much. Neither is better or worse, so it comes down to a personal choice.
How to Care for Platinum Ring Bands
You know how dishes pile up in your sink when you don't keep up with cleaning them? The same goes for your platinum ring. You'll save a lot of headaches if you prevent damage and wear before it starts — not after.
To keep your platinum looking new, you should:
- Take it off when you're using chemicals (like bleach) or other abrasives because these can cause scratching on the platinum — and potentially damage the center stone.
- Avoid wearing your ring when you're using your hands a lot, like when you're working in the garage or garden or working out.
- Store it separately from other pieces in your jewelry box. Platinum can get scratched — and the platinum can scratch other jewelry, too.
Luckily, a scratch on a platinum ring band isn't as serious as on gold. That's because unlike gold, which loses material when it's scratched, platinum simply moves. So you're not moving actual metal. Polishing platinum ring bands can push that material back into place, restoring your ring to its original state and luster.
How to Clean Your Platinum Ring Bands
Preventing wear is the best way to keep your ring looking like you just got it, but it will get dirty and you will have to clean it regularly.
The best way to clean platinum is to use a gentle jewelry cleaner made specifically for platinum, like the inexpensive Connoisseurs Precious Jewelry Cleaner. If that's not an option, using mild soap and warm water is a good replacement — just use your fingers to gently scrub the ring and dry with a lint-free cloth. Never submerge your rings in any cleaning solution because it can damage the center stone. Clean off any surface dirt with a soft-bristle toothbrush.
How Much Does a Professional Cleaning Cost?
Sometimes a little bit of professional TLC is just what your ring needs to take it back to that new status.
Jewelers have the expert knowledge — and the equipment — to thoroughly clean your rings without risking damage. The actual cost varies depending on the jeweler: some offer lifetime cleaning for free if you buy the ring from them, while others will clean rings bought from anywhere for a small fee (typically $50 or less).
