Professional jewellery polishing
Suitable gold, platinum and selected silver jewellery can be assessed for polishing to reduce light surface marks and refresh the finish.
Jewellery polishing and cleaning in Hatton Garden, London
Surface scratches, dullness and residue can change the appearance of jewellery, but polishing removes a small amount of metal and some stones need gentler cleaning. We inspect the material, settings, surface finish and visible wear before recommending treatment.
Finish with restraint
Patina, softened detail, engraving and hallmarks can be part of the character of older jewellery. On other pieces, fine surface marks and accumulated residue may simply make the finish look tired.
We consider what should be refreshed and what should remain untouched. The aim is not maximum shine, but a treatment that suits the material, design and condition of the piece.
Polishing and cleaning services
The same treatment is not suitable for every ring, necklace, bracelet or gemstone setting. Assessment determines what can be refreshed without taking unnecessary material away.
Suitable gold, platinum and selected silver jewellery can be assessed for polishing to reduce light surface marks and refresh the finish.
Rings often show wear quickly. The shank, shoulders, stones and setting security are checked before work on the surface is considered.
Oils and residue can collect around stones, settings and detailed areas. The cleaning method depends on the complete piece, not only the metal.
Different finishes show wear in different ways. Existing texture, contrast and edge definition are considered before any refinishing is proposed.
Older pieces may have patina, engraving or softened details that should not be removed simply for the sake of brightness. A more restrained approach may be appropriate.
Loose stones, worn claws, thin metal or structural damage may need to be addressed before polishing or cleaning can be carried out safely.
The polishing and cleaning process
Polishing removes a small amount of metal, so restraint matters. Cleaning also needs to suit the stones and construction of the jewellery.
We look at the surface, texture, engraving, edges and the areas where wear is most visible.
Gemstones, claws, joins and any structural concerns are checked before polishing or cleaning is recommended.
We explain what can reasonably be improved, what should be left alone, the quotation and expected timing.
After treatment, the jewellery is reviewed for finish, cleanliness and the condition of the areas that were assessed at the start.
Check the jewellery before restoring the finish
If the jewellery looks dull but also has movement in a stone, worn claws or thinning metal, the structural issue may be more important than the surface. We can check the visible condition before deciding what type of care is appropriate.
Jewellery polishing and cleaning questions
The condition of the metal, stones and settings determines how far surface work should go.
Cleaning removes suitable residue and build up, while polishing works on the metal surface to reduce light marks or restore a finish. A piece may need one, both or neither, depending on its condition.
No. Some stones and organic materials need gentler treatment, and damaged settings can also affect what is safe. The complete piece should be assessed before a cleaning method is chosen.
Light surface marks can often be reduced, but deep scratches, worn edges and historic damage may remain or require more involved work. Polishing also removes a small amount of metal, so complete removal is not always desirable.
There is no fixed schedule. Because polishing removes metal, it should be considered when the condition and finish justify it rather than carried out more often than necessary.
Cost depends on the type of jewellery, metal, gemstones, condition, chosen finish and whether cleaning or repair is also needed. A quotation is provided after assessment.
Sometimes, but not every older piece should be made to look new. Patina, engraving, hallmarks and softened detail can be important parts of its character, so these should be discussed before any surface work.
Jewellery polishing in Hatton Garden
Surface wear can look very different under close inspection. Seeing the metal, stones and settings together allows us to advise more accurately on polishing, cleaning or repair.
Unit 3.4, 3rd Floor, Treasure House
19 to 21 Hatton Garden
London EC1N 8BA
Monday to Friday
10.00 to 18.00
Appointments recommended