How to restore antique wedding rings

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Evelyn Carpenter

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Jewelry repair is becoming more and more common, so don't be alarmed if your wedding rings don't shine like the first day. Time does not pass in vain, not even in jewelry, and those couples who have inherited rings from their parents or grandparents will already know that. Surely they have had to restore them, but the good news is that it can be done.

So, whether it's silver rings, gold rings or diamond engagement rings, the first thing to do is to detect the problem and from there look for the solution. Take note of these tips to restore your broken pieces.

Possible arrangements

Ximena Muñoz Latuz

Jewelry repair is a different process every time. For example, there are rings that wear out over time and lose their original color, while others require replacing or setting stones that have fallen out. Also, rings may need to be polished, enlarged or made smaller. You can even add a beautiful love phrase if you wish or erase an old inscription.

However, it is possible to clean a part at home, there are certain processes that are best performed in a specialist jewellery workshop The company has laser welding systems or 3D computer design, among other technologies that will offer an optimal result.

For example, rhodium plating, which is an electrolytic bath that is given to jewellery, especially white gold or platinum jewellery to restore its shine, is a procedure that should be carried out by a professional. The same goes for in the case of resizing an old ring.

How to clean silver

Javiera Farfán Photography

With the passage of time, the silver rings start to darken They lose their natural shine and tone that characterizes them, until they can eventually become completely opaque. Hence the importance of managing some tips on how to clean your rings yourself For example, if you are going to raise your wedding glasses again to celebrate an anniversary, the least you can do is to do it with impeccable rings.

If it is unembossed silver, you can wash the jewellery using hot water with a little dishwashing liquid However, if the piece you want to renew is embossed or embossed silver, you will have to use a soft bristle brush or cotton wool to apply the lavaloza on the blackened areas, protecting your hands with gloves so as not to leave traces on the object. Salt, meanwhile, is another effective solution that you can apply.

  • Procedure: place aluminum foil strips in the bottom of a container, which will act as a magnet, attracting with magnetic effect the dirt from the silver Once the paper is ready, insert the jewel and fill the container halfway with hot water. Add a spoonful of salt and stir the mixture until it dissolves. After a few minutes, remove the ring, rinse it with water, and then add it to the container. dry it with a clean cloth and be careful not to scratch it. It will look like new again!

How to clean yellow gold

Pablo Vega

However, gold resists longer than other materials Silver, for example, also deteriorates and loses its shine, especially in the case of cheap wedding rings and, therefore, of lower quality gold.

In this context, ammonia appears as the ideal product to make a deep cleaning of the jewel to be restored.

  • Procedure: mix one teaspoon of ammonia with six teaspoons of water in a cup. Once the mixture is made, all you have to do is soak the wedding ring in water. Remember that ammonia is an aggressive treatment, so should not be left on for more than a minute. Then, remove it with a strainer and rinse it with warm water. Finally, dry it well by rubbing it gently. If the cloth is made of cotton, much better, as it is more delicate and will avoid chafing.

How to clean white gold

Mondo Photographs

White gold rings are covered with a layer of rhodium, a material that gives them their characteristic color and perfect finish. And although it does not deteriorate as much, it still will require cleaning if it is an antique jewel.

What should they do? Believe it or not, resorting to an egg Yes, the process consists of beating it well until it becomes liquid and, with the help of a cloth, spread it all over the surface of the ring. Let it dry for a couple of minutes and, to finish, clean the piece until the egg is completely gone. You will see how it instantly regains its original shine.

Transforming jewellery

Photographs Lucas Villarroel

In the case of having inherited wedding bands that they wish to transform into new ones, they will have to take them straight to a jewelry store experts to perform the procedure. Thus, they will assess what metals are available and what metals can be used and which ones can be r, whether gold, silver or precious stones, depending on the style you wish to obtain in your 2.0 rings.

In fact, in some cases, only the weight of gold recovered will be enough to make the new jewellery and even pay for the work done.

That's right, not always transforming jewellery means changing it completely Sometimes it is enough to remake the arm of a ring, redesign the setting of a diamond or simply narrow the piece to obtain a surprising result.

As if you were repairing a party dress, you can see that your wedding rings can also be restored, so that they will not only look as shiny as the first day, but also, in case they are inherited, you can personalize them with love phrases or with the text of your choice.

We help you find the rings and jewellery for your wedding Ask for information and prices of jewellery to nearby companies Consult prices

Evelyn Carpenter is the author of the best-selling book, All you need for your marriage. A Marriage guide. She has been married for over 25 years and has helped countless couples build successful marriages. Evelyn is a sought after speaker and relationship expert, and has been featured in various media outlets including Fox News, Huffington Post, and more.