How to Clean and Care for Platinum Jewelry | Platinum Jewelry (2024)

Caring for platinum can keep your ring looking bright and beautiful for years to come.

Daily doses of soap and water, hand creams and just being out in the elements leave their mark on your jewelry over time, especially if you wear your platinum every day. Luckily, there are plenty of products and techniques designed to protect platinum and make your jewelry gleam without damaging the precious gemstones and setting. Adopting these simple habits will make your jewelry sparkle and leave you secure in knowing your cherished platinum is in tip-top shape.

How to Clean and Care for Platinum Jewelry | Platinum Jewelry (1)

It’s best to clean your jewelry regularly, so pick one day out of the week to do this simple but-oh-so important task. Take the time to visit your jeweler once a year (scheduling a date close to your birthday makes it easy to remember) to bring back that “just purchased” glow. Your jeweler can polish your platinum back to a high shine if you like (platinum’s natural patina, a soft, lustrous finish that develops over time, is preferred by many). Your jeweler should also check your setting, to make sure everything is safe and secure.

Below is a list of the most common jewelry cleaning methods for home use. Make sure to follow the manufacturers’ instructions. Most of these items are available for purchase online or at specialty stores:

Liquid Cleaners: These small jars usually contain a basket and a gentle cleaning solution so you can dip and retrieve your jewelry easily. Some of the most popular brands are ammonia-free; yet contain enough detergent to clean your jewelry thoroughly. Many brands also come with a soft brush, so you can brush with care after dipping. Follow directions on the package and make sure to dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.

Jewelry Cleaning Foam and Pre-Packaged Towelettes: These towelettes are perfect for travelers or those who want to store some in their desk for a quick wipe-down. Jewelry foam can be applied to your precious gems and after waiting a brief period of time, use a soft brush to thoroughly clean. Rinse jewelry with water and dry. Pre-packaged wipes also offer a quick way to clean jewelry from surface grime and grit when you’re not at home. Not recommended for deep cleaning.

Ultra Sonic Cleaners: Once used only by professionals, ultra-sonic jewelry cleaners can now be purchased for home use. Place your jewelry in the compartment with plain water and set the timer as instructed by the manufacturer. Sound-wave technology does the rest. Dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.

Hand-held Ultra Sonic Cleaners: Small, travel-sized and battery-operated, hand-held ultra sonic cleaners can be used to clean jewelry manually—with the help of a small cleaning tip. Follow manufacturer’s directions and dry with a clean, soft and lint-free cloth.

Steam Cleaners: Professionals use steam cleaning as a way to quickly and effectively remove built-up debris from fine platinum jewelry. Although a standard at your jeweler’s bench, small steam cleaners are now being sold for home use. Make sure to follow manufacturer’s directions and dry thoroughly before wearing.

How to Clean and Care for Platinum Jewelry | Platinum Jewelry (2)

Homemade Jewelry Cleaning: Your grandmother may have told you to clean your fine jewelry with toothpaste, but there are less-abrasive ways to clean your platinum. One of the simplest is to mix a few drops of gentle dish liquid (yes, the kind that sits on your counter top) with plain seltzer. According to the Good Housekeeping Institute, the carbonation loosens dirt and debris better than plain water, and is just as gentle. Soak your jewelry in this solution for one minute, swishing it a few times for good measure. Brush away any leftover dirt and debris with a soft toothbrush and gently dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.

A Word About Cleaning Cloths: It’s recommended to use natural, lint-free cloths (not paper towels) to wipe your jewelry. Many different brands are available for sale in stores and online, although any soft, 100 percent cotton fabric remnants will also do the trick. Many store-bought jewelry cloths claim to remove tarnish, but you don’t have to worry, as tarnish is never an issue for a platinum jewelry owner. Your platinum will never tarnish, as its surface is naturally white. And unlike white gold, it will never need to be plated.

A Word About Daily Care: If you’re in a secure environment, you may want to remove your platinum rings before you wash your hands or apply hand lotion, but be sure you make a habit of 1. Keeping your rings away from the drain and 2. Knowing where you put them so you don’t forget them, especially if you’re using a public lavatory.

How to Clean and Care for Platinum Jewelry | Platinum Jewelry (3)

Although you can clean your jewelry at home using so many wonderful products available over the counter, nothing can replace a visit to your jeweler. Only your jeweler has the professional quality cleaning and polishing apparatus that can make your jewelry look practically brand new! With platinum jewelry that contains an important diamond or gemstone, have your jeweler check the gemstone’s prongs. But lucky you: If they’re made from platinum, chances are they’re going to be fine. Nothing—but nothing—securers your beloved gems like platinum prongs! For more about the importance of platinum prongs and what they can do for you, click here.

How to Clean and Care for Platinum Jewelry | Platinum Jewelry (2024)

FAQs

How to Clean and Care for Platinum Jewelry | Platinum Jewelry? ›

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.

How do you clean platinum jewelry at home? ›

The cheapest and easiest way to clean platinum rings is by soaking them in a sudsy solution of warm water and a mild washing up liquid for around 30 minutes. This will lift any built-up grime and debris from your rings, effortlessly restoring their lustre.

What can ruin platinum? ›

Believe it or not, the chemicals present in everyday products like cleaning supplies, perfumes, hairsprays, etc. can be quite harsh. They can weaken the structure of your precious metal over a period of time. Also, the chlorine present in swimming pools can ruin the platinum's shine and cause discoloration.

How do you take care of platinum jewelry? ›

You can either mix up a solution of mild soap and warm water or purchase a specially formulated cleaner for gold and platinum jewelry. Whichever method you go with, use a soft toothbrush to scrub gently. After that, give the platinum a good rinse and dry with a clean cloth.

Can you put Windex on platinum ring? ›

You can clean a ring with Windex if it just has diamonds set in a gold, silver, or platinum setting.

Is it OK to shower with platinum jewelry? ›

Can you wear platinum in the shower? A similar scenario to gold, you should refrain from wearing your platinum jewelry in the shower as it will reduce its shine and luster. Water itself will not harm the platinum, but it well affect the overall look of it down the road.

What are the disadvantages of platinum jewelry? ›

The only disadvantages to platinum are the higher cost and heavier weight. For example, platinum is a great metal for necklaces, bracelets and rings but not earrings, because the heavy weight may pull down more on your ears and cause discomfort.

What are the disadvantages of wearing platinum? ›

The downside of Platinum is that it tends to lose its high polish and sharp edges fairly quickly. This is not because they are being worn away but, more accurately, they are being moulded like clay around the surface of the ring.

Is rubbing alcohol bad for platinum? ›

Other jewelry materials you can safely clean with alcohol include tungsten, silver-plated titanium, and platinum. Because these materials are stable and solid, they should be safe to clean with alcohol.

Can I wear my platinum ring everyday? ›

Platinum is extremely durable and strong making it ideal for jewellery that's worn on a daily basis. It's highly resistant to stress and withstands both extreme heat and extreme cold, which means platinum jewellery will retain its good looks better than any other metal.

What cleaning solution for platinum? ›

Clean your platinum jewellery using a solution of warm soapy water. A soft-bristle toothbrush or soft cloth should be used to gently scrub the jewellery clean. For drying, use a lint-free cloth. When not being worn, store platinum jewellery separately from other jewellery pieces to prevent scratching.

How long does platinum jewelry last? ›

Platinum is a very dense metal, and while this can often mean more of it is needed to craft the ring, it also means platinum rings are durable and will most likely last you a lifetime.

Why does my platinum ring look dull? ›

Over time, platinum will fade in a different way. It won't turn yellow, like yellow gold; but, it will begin to lose its shiny finish and build a natural patina (more on this in a bit). Some people actually prefer this look because it will accentuate the brilliance of a diamond and make it appear more sparkly.

How often do you need to polish a platinum ring? ›

Platinum jewelry that is set with gemstones should be cleaned professionally every six months. Over time Platinum develops a natural patina that many people prefer over the "just polished" look. When this happens, you can take your piece to your qualified jewelry (or us)to have it re-polished to a high gloss look.

Can toothpaste clean platinum? ›

Believe it or not, in less than 10 minutes, your platinum jewellery will have a renewed sparkle! You can also buy a jewellery cleaning solution from your local jeweller. Do not use toothpaste, baking soda or any other such products to clean your jewellery.

Is Dawn dish soap safe for diamonds? ›

Although it may seem simple, the best homemade cleaner for diamond jewelry is a solution of dawn dish detergent and warm water. This solution is perfect for normal use which is expected for newer jewelry.

Can I clean my platinum ring with toothpaste? ›

The short answer is no. Toothpaste is not a good option for cleaning your ring. Toothpaste contains scrubbing particles to polish your teeth, but these particles are often harder than the metals in your ring, especially gold or white gold. Using toothpaste on your jewelry could cause scratches or pitting in the metal.

Can I wear my platinum ring in the pool? ›

If your jewelry is made completely from platinum or palladium, you have nothing to fear from chlorine. But a word of caution! Make sure your jewelry is completely made from platinum or palladium. If it contains any silver or karat gold, you must take it off or risk damage.

Can you clean platinum jewelry with rubbing alcohol? ›

If you'd like to disinfect your jewelry, you can use regular household isopropyl alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as long as the jewelry is solid gold or platinum and is only set with diamond, ruby, or sapphire. Take care with any other kind of stones and use a gentler form of cleaning.

Can I wear my platinum ring in the ocean? ›

A: Durable materials like platinum and fine gold should be fine as long as you take them off before going in the water. It's the same with diamonds or precious stones because they're harder materials. No damage can come to a diamond ring at the beach.

Is platinum jewelry out of style? ›

Demand is certainly growing. In the U.S., platinum jewelry consumption is in its eighth year of consecutive growth, according to Platinum Guild International (PGI). “Platinum jewelry demand has undergone unprecedented growth in 2021,” says Jenny Luker, president of PGI.

Why is platinum not used as money? ›

As a form of currency, these coins proved to be impractical: platinum resembles many less expensive metals, and, unlike the more malleable and ductile silver and gold, it is very difficult to work.

Why is platinum jewelry not popular? ›

Platinum is sometimes used in jewellery and as bullion, however it is not as popular or as 'desirable' as gold. The main problem with platinum is its much higher melting point. This makes it far more difficult to work with than gold. So jewellers generally prefer to work in silver rather than platinum.

Which is better to wear gold or platinum? ›

More Durable Than Other Metals: Platinum is an incredibly durable metal, ranking 20% denser than white gold and 60% denser than yellow gold. While not immune to the damages of everyday wear and tear, platinum's durability is a big appeal for engagement ring shoppers with active lifestyles.

Does platinum jewelry hold value? ›

Approximately 88 tons of platinum are used to make jewelry every year compared to 2,700 tons of gold. Because of its rarity, platinum is valuable and will hold its value as the years pass.

What does 950 mean on platinum? ›

Platinum is a rare precious metal, typically comprised of 95% platinum and 5% other metals, also known as alloys. Labeled as 950 platinum, it is a dense, malleable silver-white metal that makes it ideal for crafting jewelry.

Does hand sanitizer ruin platinum? ›

Platinum is another fairly safe metal. It doesn't react at all with the chemicals in hand sanitizer, although it's still best to avoid it and keep up with regular cleaning to avoid any residue that will dull the shine. White gold, on the other hand, is more likely to be damaged by hand sanitizer.

Is soap bad for platinum? ›

Caring for platinum can keep your ring looking bright and beautiful for years to come. Daily doses of soap and water, hand creams and just being out in the elements leave their mark on your jewelry over time, especially if you wear your platinum every day.

Can you clean platinum with hydrogen peroxide? ›

Hydrogen peroxide is suitable to clean gold (yellow gold, white gold, rose gold), platinum as well as silver jewelry. Hydrogen peroxide will act as a boosting agent to get rid of the muck and grime embedded into your jewelry.

How long should a platinum ring last? ›

It is the most durable metal used to make jewellery. Platinum should last a lifetime and you should not have to reset your platinum engagement ring. Platinum is a naturally white metal that is highly resistant to tarnish.

What are the health benefits of wearing platinum? ›

Platinum is considered a biologically compatible metal because it is non-toxic and stable, so it does not react with, or negatively affect body tissues. Recent research has also shown platinum to inhibit the growth of certain cancerous cells.

Is platinum ring high maintenance? ›

In general, repairing a platinum ring is more expensive than repairing the same ring in white gold. However, because platinum is so durable, you'll need to repair it less often.

Does vinegar clean platinum? ›

Pour half a cup of white vinegar to into the pan. The vinegar will activate the base solution and cause the it to begin bubbling. Leave the platinum in the bubbling solution for five to ten minutes. Rinse and dry your platinum.

What is the best way to clean a diamond and platinum ring? ›

"The best way to clean diamond rings is to make a solution with warm water (almost hot) and dishwashing soap. Soak your ring for about 20 to 40 minutes, gently brush the stone with a very soft toothbrush, and then rinse under warm running water," advises Mann. "If needed, repeat."

Can you clean a platinum diamond ring with hydrogen peroxide? ›

Absolutely! Fill a small bowl with hydrogen peroxide—just enough to fully cover the piece you wish to clean. The solution will kill all the bacteria that may be on the surface. Leave the jewelry in the peroxide for about 15–20 minutes.

How can you tell if platinum jewelry is real? ›

Platinum is a very rare and expensive metal. Therefore, all platinum jewelry will be marked to show authenticity. Look for the words “Platinum," “PLAT," or “PT” followed or preceded by the numbers “950” or “999." These numbers refer to the purity of the platinum, with “999” as the most pure.

Which is more costly diamond or platinum? ›

Diamonds are expensive. Diamonds cost more than gold or platinum. A lot more. So why are diamonds so expensive?

Why is my platinum ring turning gold? ›

Rhodium is a precious metal belonging to the platinum family and used for the rhodium-plating. The rhodium-plating is the protecting coat giving the wedding ring the look we are used to. The wedding ring turns yellow because of the use consuming the rhodium coat, letting the natural colour of gold emerge.

What is a homemade jewelry cleaner for platinum and diamonds? ›

Dish Detergent & Warm Water

The best homemade jewelry cleaning solution is a mixture of a few drops of Dawn dish detergent in warm, not hot, water. Let the piece sit in the solution for a few minutes, longer if it's very dirty, then gently scrub with a new, baby-size, soft toothbrush.

Does platinum scratch easily? ›

Platinum is very durable. When scratched, the scratch actually displaces the metal, leaving ridges on the edges of the scratch. This is where durability comes in. Whereas other precious metals, if scratched, lose metal, and thus wear down, Platinum does so at a much slower rate.

Does platinum shine as much as white gold? ›

Yes. Platinum and white gold are both shiny, but platinum is shinier because it reflects more visible light than gold. Most white gold alloys used for jewelry contain at least 58.3% gold content, which makes them less shiny than platinum. However, keep in mind that polished metals shine more than unpolished metals.

What can damage platinum? ›

Believe it or not, the chemicals present in everyday products like cleaning supplies, perfumes, hairsprays, etc. can be quite harsh. They can weaken the structure of your precious metal over a period of time. Also, the chlorine present in swimming pools can ruin the platinum's shine and cause discoloration.

Does water ruin platinum? ›

Chlorine can damage and discolor metals (like gold and platinum) and can slowly erode the finish and polish of gemstones.

What is better than platinum? ›

1. RHODIUM: TOP MOST VALUABLE METAL. Rhodium is the most valuable metal and exists within the platinum group of metals.

How do you make platinum shiny again? ›

The cheapest and easiest way to clean platinum rings is by soaking them in a sudsy solution of warm water and a mild washing up liquid for around 30 minutes. This will lift any built-up grime and debris from your rings, effortlessly restoring their lustre.

Does anything tarnish platinum? ›

Platinum is the strongest and purest jewelry metal available, making it especially resistant to chipping and tarnishing. It is more rare than gold, making it a perfect choice for engagement rings.

Why does platinum turn black? ›

Platinum is alloyed with other precious metals or with copper or cobalt. Because some alloys (such as copper) tarnish, this means that some platinum can also tarnish.

Can you clean platinum with rubbing alcohol? ›

If you'd like to disinfect your jewelry, you can use regular household isopropyl alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as long as the jewelry is solid gold or platinum and is only set with diamond, ruby, or sapphire. Take care with any other kind of stones and use a gentler form of cleaning.

Why is my platinum ring turning yellow? ›

Rhodium is a precious metal belonging to the platinum family and used for the rhodium-plating. The rhodium-plating is the protecting coat giving the wedding ring the look we are used to. The wedding ring turns yellow because of the use consuming the rhodium coat, letting the natural colour of gold emerge.

What does salt water do to platinum? ›

Salt causes erosion of soldered gold, silver or platinum elements. As a result, the precious metal may weaken meaning your jewellery could potentially break.

Can co*ke clean platinum? ›

Would co*ke be ok on that? Thanks for all the responses. Yep co*kes fine on platinum I use it on mine!

Does hand sanitizer effect platinum? ›

Platinum is another fairly safe metal. It doesn't react at all with the chemicals in hand sanitizer, although it's still best to avoid it and keep up with regular cleaning to avoid any residue that will dull the shine. White gold, on the other hand, is more likely to be damaged by hand sanitizer.

Can I use Windex on my diamond ring? ›

Toothpaste, baking soda, bleach, and other household cleaners are abrasive. While they won't damage your diamond, they can damage your gold. Windex won't hurt your ring, but it isn't a great cleaner either. So stick to mild soap and water, and six-month cleanings and check-ups at your jeweler.

Can you clean platinum and diamond ring with baking soda? ›

Baking soda is great for cleaning all types of jewelry, including diamond jewelry. Mix a cup of hot water with 1-2 teaspoons of baking soda. Place the jewelry in the mix for a few minutes. Rinse, and pat dry with a clean cloth.

Can you use Windex on jewelry? ›

Another great way to clean your sterling silver jewelry is with Windex. Yes… Windex. You can either spray the Windex directly on the item to be cleaned or on a soft-bristled toothbrush or soft cloth.

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