The short answer: polishing smooths fine scratches on the metal, while replating renews a thin surface layer such as the finish on white gold. Which one your ring needs depends on the metal and what is worn. Platinum is naturally white and is polished, while white gold may be polished and refinished.
Rings get tired with wear. Two treatments restore their look, and they are different.
Polishing
Polishing removes fine scratches and brings back shine. It takes a very small amount of metal, so it is done only when needed. It suits gold, platinum and silver.
Replating
White gold is often finished with a thin white layer to give it a bright white look. Over time, this layer can wear and the natural warmer tone of the alloy shows through. Renewing the finish brings the bright white look back. If you are choosing a metal and want to avoid this, platinum is naturally white, and we can talk through the options with you. Our guide to why white gold turns yellow explains the finish in more detail.
| Metal | Typical care |
|---|---|
| Platinum | Polish if wished. |
| White gold | Polish and possibly refinish. |
| Yellow gold | Polish. |
| Rose gold | Polish. |
How to tell what you need
- Fine scratches with the same colour: polishing.
- A yellowish tinge on white gold: renewing the finish.
- Dull and scratched with colour change: both.
Platinum's patina
Platinum behaves differently from gold. When it is scratched, the metal tends to move aside rather than being lost, and over time it develops a soft, satin look that some people love. If you prefer that lived in finish, you can leave it alone. If you want the mirror shine back, a polish restores it. Neither choice is wrong, and it is worth deciding which look you prefer before booking a service.
How often
It varies with wear. Many people consider it every year or two for a ring worn daily, and some leave it longer.
Polishing and engraving
Polishing removes a thin layer of metal, so very deep wear or fine engraving can soften with repeated polishing. If your ring has detail you want to keep, such as milgrain, texture or engraving, tell the jeweller before any work starts.
Textured and matte finishes
A brushed, hammered or sandblasted finish cannot simply be polished, because polishing would turn it shiny. Instead, the texture is refreshed by hand so it matches the original. If your ring mixes polished and textured areas, the jeweller protects each part and treats it separately.
Rings worn together
An engagement ring and a wedding band worn side by side rub against each other, and the faces that touch wear faster. Having both serviced at the same time keeps their finish and colour matched, which matters most with white gold.
Check the setting at the same time
A service is a good moment to check claws and prongs. See what happens at a ring service appointment.
Our approach
Whichever jeweller you use, ask what they plan to do before any work is done. If you would like advice on your own ring, contact us, and we will tell you what we can see from photographs and what we cannot.
Nothing is made until you approve the design in writing, and our standard making time is 5 to 6 weeks, which can vary with your location and how busy we are. Pieces start from £600.
See ring care checklist by season and inherited ring hallmarks and wear.
Frequently asked questions
Does polishing remove gold? A tiny amount.
Is platinum plated? Platinum is naturally white and does not rely on a surface finish for its colour.
Can I do it at home? A soft cloth is fine, but professional work needs a jeweller.
Will refinishing change the size? It should not change it noticeably, though a jeweller can confirm for your ring.
Can a textured band be refreshed? Yes, by hand, so the texture matches the original.