Platinum is a rare and unique silver-white metal that adds shine and value to any jewelry collection. According to French King Louis XI, platinum is “the only metal fit for kings,” It is the rarest metal on earth, 30 times rarer than gold.
Platinum is malleable but very dense, creating strong yet delicate jewelry designs. Its strength allows platinum jewelry to hold precious stones in place securely. Platinum is hypoallergenic, so the metal is a good option for those with sensitive skin or allergies.
Although platinum is resistant to tarnishing and corrosion, like all precious metals, platinum can get fine scratches by harder substances. However, the metal does not usually chip or break off when platinum gets scratched. So it’s easy to repolish any scratched platinum jewelry with little loss of weight and without diminishing the value of your jewelry.
Learn the best way to clean your platinum jewelry collection so it can last a lifetime.
How Often Should I Clean My Platinum Jewelry?
How often you clean and polish your platinum jewelry depends on how regularly you wear the piece.
Over time, platinum pieces, like platinum rings and platinum earrings, develop a natural patina, a slight loss in luster that can give your jewelry piece a satiny or slightly frosted finish. Some people prefer this more vintage look and decide to polish their platinum jewelry less to keep the patina. If the patina bothers you, it can be temporarily removed with cleaning.
To keep your platinum jewelry shining, you will need to regularly polish your pieces because the patina will return.
If you wear platinum jewelry daily, perhaps on a wedding band or engagement ring, the metal will inevitably get exposed to oils and chemicals that can wear away at the platinum. You should clean any regularly-worn platinum jewelry every month.
Platinum jewelry pieces you only wear occasionally can be cleaned less often. However, platinum can be expensive, and regularly cleaning all your pieces can protect the longevity of your prized pieces.
If you have platinum jewelry pieces set with gemstones, you may want to get these pieces professionally cleaned using an ultrasonic cleaner every six months.
Cleaning Your Platinum Jewelry
To clean your platinum jewelry:
Here are the supplies:
- Warm water
- soft toothbrush
- Dish soap (such as Dawn)/ mild soap
- Ammonia (just a few drops)
- Jewelry polishing cloth/ lint free cloth
Here are the steps:
To clean your platinum jewelry, mix the dish soap and a couple drops of ammonia in warm water. Add your platinum jewelry and let it soak for a minute or two, or leave it for up to ten minutes for intricate or especially dirty pieces.
Use the toothbrush to scrub your jewelry gently. A soft-bristled toothbrush can help you reach hard-to-reach places such as inside clasps and gemstone settings for optimal cleanliness. Then, blot your platinum jewelry to remove the excess water and allow it to air dry.
Once your jewelry is dry, use the polishing cloth to remove any watermarks and polish your piece. Make sure to use a jewelry-specific polishing cloth to avoid abrading your jewelry.
Protect Your Platinum Jewelry With Insurance From BriteCo™
Regular cleaning at home can preserve the shine and remove the patina from your platinum jewelry pieces. However, professional cleaning by a professional jeweler is essential at least once a year for your jewelry. An experienced jeweler can also repair any damage to your platinum jewelry.
Jewelry collections of every size and value should be protected. Fine Jewelry Insurance from BriteCo™ provides top-rated, worldwide coverage worth up to 125% of your jewelry’s appraised value.
We offer comprehensive coverage for jewelry loss, theft, damage, and mysterious disappearance, as well as complimentary maintenance and repairs, including stone tightening, prong re-tipping, necklace stringing, and clasp repair.
Our online insurance claims process is fast and straightforward, and our convenient monthly or annual payment plans make protecting your collection affordable. With BriteCo™, you can get a comprehensive insurance policy for your fine jewelry within minutes on your smartphone.
Apply online today and receive confirmation within minutes, or contact us using our live chat. Send us an email for more information on our services, or follow us on social media for more great jewelry care tips.
