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

All gemstones are tight, secure, and undamaged

There is no foreign material on any part of the jewelry

Original shank dimensions have been maintained

Prong shape, dimensions, and structural integrity have been maintained

Scratches and other wear marks were evenly burnished and made smooth, and are no longer visible

The light buffing required after burnishing produced an even, lustrous finish on all highly polished surfaces

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.

All gemstones are tight, secure, and undamaged

There is no foreign material on any part of the jewelry

Prior shank dimensions have been maintained

Prong shape, dimensions, and structural integrity have been maintained

Scratches and other wear marks were evenly burnished and made smooth, and are no longer visible

The light buffing required after burnishing produced an even, lustrous finish on all highly polished surfaces

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

Alternatives to burnishing a platinum ring prior to finishing include filing, heavy polishing, and using abrasive wheels. Since these reduce structural integrity, burnishing is the preferred method.

Filing instead of burnishing to remove scratches in the platinum shank would have caused it to become very thin

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

Burnishing the scratches maintains the integrity of the metal weight and shape

How-to Video

Burnishing platinum jewelry to remove gouges and scratches

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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.

This one is made of highly polished tungsten carbide. It has a pointed round surface and is great for getting into smaller areas.

This one features a small diameter and a polished point. It is useful for getting between split shanks and accessing hard-to-reach areas.

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.

These three highly polished tungsten carbide burnishers are concentric. After burnishing, they leave a high-gloss surface on platinum.

These two burnishers work well inside platinum shanks

This one has smaller internal roller wheels and works well inside or outside platinum shanks to close pits and remove scratches

This rotary burnisher is used on platinum shanks, mostly after casting