Caring for Platinum Jewellery
March 11, 2020Platinum is a naturally white metal that’s four times stronger than gold, making it a popular choice for rings, necklaces, bracelets and bangles that are both stylish and durable. Platinum is a material that doesn’t colour or fade, plus it’s also hypoallergenic. But while platinum is immune to fading and discolouration, age and frequent wear can cause a patina, which is where the metal obtains a frosted look. To learn what to do when a patina appears and get other tips for caring for platinum jewellery, read on for a comprehensive guide from the experts at REIGNE JEWELLERY.
General Tips for Platinum Jewellery Care
To ensure the best care for your platinum jewellery, the following steps should be taken:
- Remove platinum jewellery during any rigorous activity that could cause damage, i.e. swimming, exercise, cooking.
- Clean your platinum jewellery using a solution of warm soapy water. A soft-bristle toothbrush or soft cloth should be used to gently scrub the jewellery clean. For drying, use a lint-free cloth.
- When not being worn, store platinum jewellery separately from other jewellery pieces to prevent scratching.
- Avoid exposing platinum to abrasives and harsh chemicals such as bleach, as these substances can cause scratching.
- If a patina appears, this can be fixed by having your platinum jewellery professionally cleaned and polished. REIGNE JEWELLERY can take care of this for you, handling your jewellery with the greatest professionalism during the cleaning and polishing process.
A Closer Look at Different Methods to Clean Platinum
Liquid Cleaner
Liquid cleaners consist of a gentle cleaning solution and a basket that allows platinum jewellery to be easily dipped in and removed. Make sure you follow all instructions, and after cleaning, dry the jewellery with a lint-free cloth.
Jewellery Cleaning Foam
Cleaning foam can be applied to platinum jewellery in order to clean away surface grime. It’s recommended that you leave the foam on for a short period in order to loosen grime before using a soft brush to gently scrub the jewellery clean.
Ultrasonic Cleaners
Ultrasonic cleaners use sound-wave technology to remove dirt and grime from platinum jewellery. Afterwards, gently dry the jewellery with a lint-free cloth.
Steam Cleaners
Jewellery steam cleaners can be safely used for platinum jewellery. Many professional jewellers use steam to remove debris and leave platinum jewellery looking its best.
Soapy Water
A solution of warm soapy water is one of the simplest ways to clean platinum jewellery. Soak the jewellery in the solution for several minutes before gently scrubbing with a soft brush. Wipe dry with a soft cloth that’s free from lint.
Platinum Care Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about caring for your platinum jewellery? Here are answers to some of the most common questions we’ve received from our customers:
There’s no required frequency for cleaning platinum jewellery, as it will depend on how often the jewellery is worn and how well it’s looked after. Cleaning is recommended when the jewellery starts to display signs of surface grime or a patina.
If a platinum ring becomes damaged, it must be restored by a skilled jeweller who has the necessary skills and tools. Platinum restoration should not be attempted if you don’t have knowledge of soldering and shaping metals.
While platinum is stronger than gold, it is still susceptible to scratches. Care must therefore be taken with platinum rings to prevent scratching. If scratches do appear, these can be removed by taking the jewellery to a professional jeweller for cleaning and polishing.
When performed correctly by a professional, polishing platinum does not result in any metal being removed.
While you can wear platinum rings in the shower without causing harm to the platinum, exposure to water can affect shine and lustre. It’s therefore recommended to remove your platinum ring before showering in order to maintain its overall look.
No, as it’s a pure metal that doesn’t contain any iron, platinum does not rust. Platinum is also a metal that doesn’t corrode or tarnish, which is why it’s used for many types of jewellery.
Yes, platinum can lose its shine over time and develop a patina, where the surface of the metal becomes frosted and dull. A clean and polish is all that’s needed to bring back platinum to its original condition.
Shop Stylish Platinum Pieces Today
REIGNE JEWELLERY has countless platinum jewellery pieces available to choose from that are sure to impress. Contact us today to learn more about our options or enquire about a custom piece.
