Jewellery polishing and cleaning in Hatton Garden, London

Restore the finish without treating every mark the same way.

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.

Gold and platinum polishingProfessional jewellery cleaningSurface and setting checks
Surface examined first Scratches, wear, edges, engraving and the existing finish are considered before polishing is suggested.
Cleaning matched to the piece Gemstones, settings and other materials influence which cleaning method is suitable.
Repair takes priority when needed Loose stones, worn claws or weakened metal may need attention before surface work is sensible.

Finish with restraint

Not every piece should be polished back to new.

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.

See jewellery repair
A necklace worn close in soft natural light

Polishing and cleaning services

Surface care depends on material, finish and condition.

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.

01

Professional jewellery polishing

Suitable gold, platinum and selected silver jewellery can be assessed for polishing to reduce light surface marks and refresh the finish.

02

Ring polishing

Rings often show wear quickly. The shank, shoulders, stones and setting security are checked before work on the surface is considered.

03

Professional jewellery cleaning

Oils and residue can collect around stones, settings and detailed areas. The cleaning method depends on the complete piece, not only the metal.

04

Polished, satin and textured surfaces

Different finishes show wear in different ways. Existing texture, contrast and edge definition are considered before any refinishing is proposed.

05

Antique and detailed jewellery

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.

06

Repair before refinishing

Loose stones, worn claws, thin metal or structural damage may need to be addressed before polishing or cleaning can be carried out safely.

See jewellery repair

The polishing and cleaning process

Understand the surface before changing it.

Polishing removes a small amount of metal, so restraint matters. Cleaning also needs to suit the stones and construction of the jewellery.

STEP 01

Identify the existing finish

We look at the surface, texture, engraving, edges and the areas where wear is most visible.

STEP 02

Inspect stones and settings

Gemstones, claws, joins and any structural concerns are checked before polishing or cleaning is recommended.

STEP 03

Agree the treatment

We explain what can reasonably be improved, what should be left alone, the quotation and expected timing.

STEP 04

Check the finished piece

After treatment, the jewellery is reviewed for finish, cleanliness and the condition of the areas that were assessed at the start.

Gold jewellery arranged on a soft light surface

Check the jewellery before restoring the finish

A health check can identify work that should come first.

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.

  • Fine scratches, dullness or an uneven surface finish
  • Residue around stones, settings or detailed areas
  • Loose stones, worn claws or damage that may need repair first

Jewellery polishing and cleaning questions

A brighter finish is not always the same as better care.

The condition of the metal, stones and settings determines how far surface work should go.

What is the difference between jewellery cleaning and polishing?

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.

Can every gemstone be cleaned in the same way?

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.

Can scratches be completely removed?

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.

How often should jewellery be polished?

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.

How much does jewellery polishing in London cost?

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.

Can antique or sentimental jewellery be polished?

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

Bring the piece so we can see the finish in person.

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.

Studio address

Unit 3.4, 3rd Floor, Treasure House
19 to 21 Hatton Garden
London EC1N 8BA

Visiting

Monday to Friday
10.00 to 18.00
Appointments recommended