Jewelry shopping can be intimidating. That’s why we started Ask Holden, our blog where we answer your FAQs, break down scary industry lingo, and guide you in finding the perfect piece of jewelry.
If you've been frantically googling "Does gold scratch?", "Does white gold scratch?", or "Do platinum rings scratch?", rest assured, there's no need to panic! Ring scratches and blemishes are completely normal and to be expected when it comes to precious metals like solid gold and platinum.
Why? You definitely aren’t alone in asking this, since for many, the engagement ring is their first-ever fine jewelry purchase. At Holden, we’re here to help make the ring shopping experience as uncomplicated and stress-free as possible, so we wrote this blog to set the record straight on everything you need to know about gold and platinum ring scratches.
Precious Metals Are Softer Than You’d Think!
When it comes to scratches on gold rings or platinum, it's all about softness—precious metals are softer than most surfaces you interact with daily. So light scratches and scuffs will begin to develop on any solid gold or platinum piece as you first start to wear it. Generally speaking, we’ve found that the initial scratches on gold rings or platinum jewelry will always look the most noticeable!
As you continue wearing your engagement ring, it’ll actually start to accumulate more and more scratches until they blend together over time, developing into a lovely, soft sheen. Think of the rings of married friends and family members—they don't look as brand new and shiny (or matte) as yours, do they?
Most of our customers have let us know that they really love the way their jewelry wears over time, and we’re huge fans of it as well. The little scratches and scuffs that your ring develops are somewhat of a poetic parallel to marriage—not always a perfectly paved road, but the detours and missteps you make along the way are what ultimately bond you closer together.
The Mohs Scale: Is Gold or Platinum Softer?
If you’re wondering whether a platinum ring will scratch more easily than a gold ring or vice versa, it’s important to remember that all precious metals will scratch and wear similarly over time. However, the Mohs Scale, which is used to classify the hardness of minerals, does provide a bit more clarity into the minute differences.
Do platinum rings scratch? Yes—platinum ranks 4 to 4.5 on the Mohs Scale, meaning it will show scratches with wear, just like gold. A diamond, on the other hand, has the highest grade of 10. This means that it’s relatively soft, although pure gold is even softer—18k gold will rank around 2.8 and 14k gold will rank between 3.5 to 4. This is because 14k gold has a higher alloy metal composition, and the alloy metals used in solid gold rings tend to be harder. Interestingly, white gold engagement rings can be a little more resistant to scratching in the beginning, since its rhodium plating will rank at about a 6.
Since gold ring scratches and platinum wear are inevitable, we typically recommend choosing your preferred metal based on your color preference! To learn more about alloy metals and how to choose a metal for your ring, you can read this blog post we wrote on the topic.
Finish is a Factor…
The finish you choose for your engagement or wedding ring can also play a factor in the appearance of the initial scratches. With a mirror finish, your ring will eventually develop a bit of a patina and become less shiny. With a matte finish, the ring will gradually develop a bit of a shine.
To restore the original finish on your ring, you can always take it to a professional jeweler for re-polishing. If you bought your ring from us, simply send us an email at help@hiholden.com to get the re-polishing process started! Our re-polishing services start at $70/item. If you purchased your ring from us with an Extend Protection Plan and are within the coverage term, you can reach out to their virtual claims assistant here or call 877.248.7707 to file a re-polishing claim.
Generally speaking, we don’t recommend getting your ring re-polished too often since your ring can lose metal with each professional re-polishing service. In between polishings, you might be wondering how do you clean gold jewelry?–we recommend a microfiber jewelry polishing cloth for quick shine. If that doesn’t quite cut it, here’s a link to a blog post we wrote on how to clean your ring with warm water, dish soap, and a soft toothbrush.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, there’s nothing you can really do to completely avoid platinum or gold ring scratches unless you want to avoid these metals entirely, which can be a good option for many! We’ve heard that some even consider purchasing replicas of their precious metal rings for traveling or work purposes—particularly when work might expose their ring to high temperatures or chemicals, which can be permanently damaging.
Whether you chose yellow gold, rose gold, or a white metal like 14k white gold, 18k white gold, or platinum for your engagement ring, trust that the initial scratches are going to look way more obvious than those that will develop as you continue wearing your ring. Don’t think of it as damage, but as marking the milestones of your relationship!
By the time you’re ready to purchase your platinum or gold wedding bands, you’ll barely even remember the alarm you felt when you discovered the first scratch on your engagement ring. Since you now understand how beautifully gold and platinum wear over time, you’ll never need to search for “white gold ring scratches” again!
Questions? Give us a shout at help@hiholden.com or a ring (pun intended) at 646.722.6817.
FAQs
1. Do platinum rings scratch easily?
Platinum rings do scratch—just like gold rings. While platinum is a durable metal, it’s still relatively soft and will develop a patina of fine scratches over time. This is normal and often appreciated for the character it adds.
2. Why are there scratches on my gold ring?
Scratches on gold rings occur because gold is a soft metal that can easily be marked by harder surfaces. Daily wear, contact with metal, and even household tasks can cause minor abrasions, especially in higher karat golds like 18k.
3. How do you clean gold jewelry at home?
Wondering how do you clean gold jewelry safely? Use a solution of warm water and mild dish soap, then gently scrub with a soft toothbrush. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasives, as they can damage your gold ring’s surface and any gemstones.
4. Are gold ring scratches permanent?
Most gold ring scratches are superficial and can be polished out by a jeweler. However, over-polishing can wear down the metal over time, so it's best to limit professional polishing to occasional touch-ups.
5. Is white gold more resistant to scratching?
White gold is slightly more scratch-resistant than yellow or rose gold due to its rhodium plating, which ranks higher on the Mohs scale. However, this plating can wear off with time, exposing the gold beneath, which can still scratch.
6. Can I prevent scratches on my gold or platinum ring?
While you can’t fully prevent gold ring scratches or platinum wear, you can reduce them by removing your ring during strenuous activities, avoiding exposure to harsh chemicals, and storing it properly when not in use.
7. Should I be worried about the first scratches on my ring?
Not at all! The first scratches on your gold ring or platinum band may be the most noticeable, but over time, they blend into a soft sheen called patina—embraced by many as part of the ring's natural beauty.
About Holden
Holden was created to give couples a new way to mark commitment. Our engagement rings and wedding rings are inclusive, ethical, and designed with intention. From the color-forward Gem Collection to sleek Center Stone Solitaires and timeless Classic bands, we craft jewelry made to fit your life.