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  1. Home
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  4. Techniques Jewelers Use to Remove Scratches From Rings
Jewelry Repair

Techniques Jewelers Use to Remove Scratches From Rings

Published: Jul 21, 2025
Techniques Jewelers Use to Remove Scratches From Rings
Author: 
Van Adams
When you wear your favorite ring every day, it is bound to show a few battle scars. Tiny scratches, dull spots, and scuffs can sneak up on you, making your once-shiny band look tired and worn. But do not worry—professional jewelers have a toolkit of techniques ready to bring your ring back to life.
At Van Adams Jewelers in Snellville, GA, experts use time-tested methods to help your jewelry look its best again. Whether you are dealing with a gold engagement ring, a platinum wedding band, or a cherished vintage piece, knowing what goes into removing scratches can help you feel confident when you bring your jewelry in for care.

Scratched gold wedding rings close-up.
Why Do Rings Get Scratched?

Rings take a beating. Every time you pick up your keys, carry a bag, or clap your hands, you risk brushing your ring against hard surfaces. Even materials you would never think of—like paper, fabric, or dust—can gradually wear down metal finishes.
Gold, platinum, and silver are beautiful, but they are not invincible. Over time, small scratches turn into dullness, and deep scratches become visible grooves. That is when professional jewelry repair finishing steps in.
Jeweler buffing ring with polishing wheel.

Buffing Gold: Smoothing Out the Surface
For gold rings, jewelers often start with buffing. This is like giving your ring a gentle polish using a soft wheel and a polishing compound. The compound acts like a very fine sandpaper, smoothing the outer layer without removing too much material.
Think of it like sanding a wooden table—you want to smooth the surface, not carve into it. This is why buffing is done carefully and only when needed. Done right, it removes light scratches and restores that bright, shiny look you love.
Jeweler working on ring setting.

Platinum Polishing: A Gentle Touch for a Tough Metal
Platinum is a heavy hitter in the jewelry world, but it still scratches. Interestingly, when platinum scratches, the metal is not lost—it just shifts around. That means platinum polishing is less about removing scratches and more about moving the metal back into place.
Jewelers use a series of polishing wheels and compounds, working in stages from coarse to fine. It is a bit like ironing out wrinkles in your favorite shirt—slow and steady wins the race. The goal is to restore a smooth, reflective surface while keeping the integrity of the metal.

Jewelry Repair Finishing: The Final Touch
After buffing or polishing, jewelers give the ring a final finishing. This step can involve ultrasonic cleaning, steam cleaning, and a last light polish. It is the cherry on top that makes your ring shine.
At Van Adams Jewelers, this finishing step is handled in-house, which means you can trust that your jewelry is cared for by skilled hands from start to finish.

When Should You Bring in Your Ring?
If you are squinting at your ring and wondering, “Is this scratch too small to fix?”—you are not alone. Many people wait until their ring looks completely worn before bringing it in. But small, regular touch-ups can help maintain its beauty and prevent deeper damage.
Look for these signs:
  • Visible scratches you can feel with your fingernail
  • A dull surface that does not reflect light like it used to
  • Discoloration or patchiness on the metal
When in doubt, visit Van Adams Jewelers for a checkup. They can let you know if your ring needs a light polish or something more.

What You Can Do at Home (and What You Should Not)
You might be tempted to grab a polishing cloth or toothpaste and go to town on your ring at home. While some gentle cleaning is fine, deep scratch removal is best left to professionals.
Why? Because aggressive polishing can thin out your ring, weaken prongs, or leave uneven surfaces. It is like giving yourself a haircut in the bathroom mirror—it might seem easy until it is not.
For safe at-home care:
  • Wipe your ring with a soft, lint-free cloth
  • Avoid harsh chemicals
  • Take off your ring when doing heavy work
For everything else, bring it to the experts.

Why Choose Van Adams Jewelers in Snellville, GA
With more than 35 years of experience and a reputation as one of the most trusted jewelers in Georgia, Van Adams Jewelers is the go-to place for ring care. All buffing, polishing, and jewelry repair work is done right in their Snellville store, so you know exactly who is handling your precious piece.
They specialize in bridal jewelry but care for all kinds of rings, from engagement bands to family heirlooms. Plus, with their in-house services, you can feel confident that your jewelry will come back looking refreshed without ever leaving their expert care.

Final Thoughts
Scratches on your ring are part of its journey, but that does not mean you have to live with them forever. With professional removing scratches services like buffing gold, platinum polishing, and expert jewelry repair finishing, your ring can shine bright for years to come.
So, next time you catch a scratch in the sunlight, do not panic. Just give Van Adams Jewelers a visit—they will have your ring looking polished and pretty in no time. After all, even the best-loved treasures need a little TLC now and then!
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