Evaluating the Quality of Platinum Jewelry that was Furbished by Burnishing

Quality Assurance Benchmarks highlight workmanship of semi-finished and finished jewelry. Learn benchmarks for evaluating the quality of platinum jewelry that was furbished after wear using burnishing and light buffing techniques.

Side view of a three-stone platinum ring with a cushion-shaped center stone flanked by two trillion-cut stones

Perspective view of a three-stone platinum ring with a cushion-shaped center stone flanked by two trillion-cut stones. The PT 950 stamp is readable inside the bottom of the shank.

Potential Problems and Engineering Features

This platinum ring was an ideal candidate for burnishing followed by light buffing. Prior to finishing, it had nicks on the shank, and light scratches on all surfaces typical from daily wear over many years.

Perspective view of a platinum solitaire with a decorative shank featuring sides stones and millgrain detail

Although the dimensions of this platinum ring are substantial, burnishing rather than filing or using abrasives is a better method to prevent unnecessary removal of metal.

Perspective view of a substantial platinum ring with six matching partial-bezel set stones

How-to Video

Burnishing platinum jewelry to remove gouges and scratches

play

Platinum Burnishers

Platinum can be burnished either by hand or through the use of rotary tools. The devices shown below are used for hand burnishing.

This one features a highly polished stainless steel tip with a curved, smooth surface. For ease of use, it’s mounted in a wooden handle. This tool is useful for burnishing light scratches in platinum ring shanks.

Platinum can be burnished using rotary burnishers mounted in a flexible shaft or a micro-motor handpiece. These tools work well in a variety of applications.

This small L-shaped burnisher was fashioned from a used rotary tool. It is ideal for moving metal into depressions. It leaves an irregular finish on platinum that will need some abrasive finishing and light polishing.

Featured Quality Assurance Benchmarks

Prefinishing Platinum

Prefinishing Platinum

Prefinishing: Best practices for prefinishing platinum

Evaluate the quality of platinum jewelry that has been worn and then refinished.

Refinish Worn Platinum Jewelry

Techniques for refinishing worn platinum jewelry

Learn how to evaluate the quality of a platinum ring that has been prefinished, polished, and buffed.

Prefinish and Finish Platinum

Evaluate a prefinished, polished, and buffed platinum ring

Evaluate the quality of the setting of a ring with platinum prongs

Set a Round in Platinum Prongs

Setting a round center stone in a ring with platinum prongs