How to care for platinum and gold rings
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Not all ring metals behave in exactly the same way.
Platinum 950, 18K yellow gold, 18K rose gold and 18K white gold are all used for fine jewellery, but each has slightly different care requirements.
Understanding what your ring is made from makes it easier to look after it properly and know when it needs professional attention.
At Lester & Brown Jewellers, we work with Platinum 950 and 18K gold for bespoke and ready-to-wear jewellery, so we see first-hand how different metals develop through everyday wear.
Caring for Platinum 950
Platinum 950 is made from 95% platinum with alloy metals added for strength.
It is naturally white and does not require rhodium plating.
With everyday wear, platinum can develop a soft patina as tiny surface scratches build up. Some people like this more softened appearance, while others prefer a highly polished finish.
A professional polish can restore a brighter finish when required.
How to clean a platinum ring
For routine cleaning:
- Soak the ring in warm water with a little mild soap.
- Use a soft brush around the stone and setting.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Dry with a lint-free cloth.
Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cloths.
Caring for 18K yellow gold
18K yellow gold contains 75% pure gold and alloy metals for strength and colour.
One of the benefits of yellow gold is that its colour runs through the metal rather than relying on a surface rhodium finish.
Routine care is simple.
Clean the ring gently with warm water, mild soap and a soft brush, then rinse and dry with a lint-free cloth.
Occasional professional polishing can help refresh the finish after everyday wear.
Caring for 18K rose gold
18K rose gold has a warm tone that works across both modern and more traditional jewellery designs.
Like yellow gold, it does not require rhodium plating.
Routine home care is the same: warm water, mild soap, a soft brush and a lint-free cloth.
Professional polishing can be carried out when the surface has picked up marks through normal wear.
Caring for 18K white gold
White gold is slightly different.
18K white gold is an alloy that is usually finished with rhodium plating to give it a bright white appearance.
Over time, everyday wear can cause the rhodium finish to wear.
When this happens, the underlying tone of the white gold can become more visible.
How often does white gold need re-plating?
The frequency depends on how often the ring is worn and the amount of everyday contact it experiences.
For daily-wear rings, rhodium re-plating is typically carried out every 12 to 24 months, although some rings may require it sooner or later.
At Lester & Brown Jewellers, we can assess the ring and advise whether it needs cleaning, polishing or re-plating.
Does platinum scratch?
Like any precious metal, platinum can pick up marks through everyday wear.
The difference is that platinum displaces rather than loses metal when scratched, allowing it to develop its characteristic patina.
If you prefer your platinum ring to have a brighter polished finish, it can be professionally polished as part of its aftercare.
Can you clean platinum and gold in the same way?
For everyday home cleaning, the basic method is similar.
Warm water, mild soap, a soft brush and a lint-free cloth are suitable for routine cleaning of platinum and gold jewellery.
Where the metals differ is in their longer-term maintenance.
Platinum does not need rhodium plating.
Yellow and rose gold do not need rhodium plating either.
White gold may need periodic rhodium re-plating to maintain its bright white appearance.
When should a ring be polished?
Professional polishing can be useful when your ring has developed visible marks or has lost the finish you prefer.
With platinum, polishing can restore a high-shine finish after the metal develops its natural patina.
Yellow and rose gold can also be polished occasionally to refresh the surface.
Ring care at Lester & Brown Jewellers
Our Poynton showroom offers cleaning, polishing, rhodium re-plating and claw checks.
This means a professional jewellery service can do more than simply make your ring look cleaner.
It also gives us the opportunity to check the setting and make sure the ring is still in good condition.
FAQs
Does platinum need to be re-plated?
No. Platinum 950 is naturally white and does not require rhodium plating.
Does yellow gold need rhodium plating?
No. 18K yellow gold has its natural colour throughout the metal and does not require rhodium plating.
Does rose gold need rhodium plating?
No. 18K rose gold does not require rhodium plating.
How often does white gold need rhodium plating?
Daily-wear rings will typically need re-plating every 12 to 24 months, although the timing varies with wear.
Does platinum change colour?
Platinum does not turn yellow. It can develop a softer greyish patina as it picks up fine surface marks, which can be polished if you prefer a brighter finish.
Which is easier to maintain, platinum or white gold?
Both can be cared for with regular cleaning, but white gold may require periodic rhodium re-plating whereas Platinum 950 does not.
Choosing the right metal for your ring
Metal choice is about more than colour.
Consider the finish you prefer, how much maintenance you are happy with and how the metal works alongside the diamond or gemstone in your design.
At Lester & Brown Jewellers, we can show you different metals and finishes in person so you can see the difference rather than trying to judge it from a screen.
Summary
Platinum 950 and 18K gold are both excellent choices for fine jewellery, but they have different care requirements.
Platinum develops a patina and can be polished when required. Yellow and rose gold need straightforward cleaning and occasional polishing. White gold normally requires periodic rhodium re-plating to maintain its bright white appearance.
Whichever metal you choose, gentle cleaning and regular professional checks will help keep your ring looking its best.