Bring Worn Jewellery Back to Life

Jewellery naturally picks up scratches, dullness and surface wear through everyday use. A professional clean and polish can restore brightness, improve the appearance of the metal and remove built-up dirt from areas that are difficult to reach at home.

The aim is not to make every piece look unnaturally new. Tom will consider the age, finish, construction and sentimental importance of the jewellery before deciding how far it should be refinished.

Some pieces benefit from a bright polish. Others are better with a softer satin, brushed or lightly restored finish that preserves more of their existing character.

Jewellery We Commonly Refinish

Engagement rings

Wedding bands

Gold, silver and platinum jewellery

Stone-set rings

Necklaces, pendants and earrings

Signet rings

Inherited jewellery

Everyday jewellery showing surface wear

Jewellery needing inspection before a special occasion

Most solid gold, silver and platinum jewellery can be professionally cleaned and refinished.

Plated jewellery, delicate antique pieces, porous gemstones and heavily worn settings may require a more cautious approach. Tom will inspect the piece before recommending any work.

The Right Finish for Your Jewellery

Polished finish

Restores a brighter, more reflective surface and reduces the appearance of fine scratches.

Satin or brushed finish

Creates a softer, less reflective surface and can help disguise everyday wear.

Textured finish restoration

Refreshes an existing hammered, stippled or deliberately uneven finish without flattening its character.

Localised refinishing

Targets specific worn or repaired areas rather than polishing the entire piece unnecessarily.

Professional cleaning

Removes dirt and residue from around settings, beneath stones and within detailed areas that are difficult to clean safely at home.

How the Process Works

Step 1: Send photographs

Send clear images of the jewellery, including close-ups of the worn or scratched areas.

Step 2: Receive initial advice

Tom will give an initial view of the likely work, whether polishing is suitable and the expected price range.

Step 3: Arrange an appointment

Bring the jewellery to the Swindon workshop by appointment so it can be inspected properly.

Step 4: Approve the fixed quote

You will receive a clear quote before any work begins.

Step 5: Clean, refinish and inspect

The jewellery is professionally cleaned, refinished and inspected before collection.

Jewellery Cleaning and Polishing Prices

Professional jewellery cleaning and polishing starts from £75.

The final price depends on:

The metal

The size and number of pieces

The current finish

The amount of surface wear

Whether stones or detailed settings are present

Whether polishing, satin finishing or texture restoration is required

The overall condition of the jewellery

The minimum workshop charge is £75.

Where several pieces are brought in together, they can be assessed as one job and quoted accordingly.

Polishing can significantly improve the appearance of surface scratches, dullness and general wear, but it cannot correct every form of damage.

Deep dents, cracks, badly worn edges and heavy distortion may require repair or restoration rather than polishing alone.

Every polishing process removes a very small amount of metal. For that reason, repeatedly polishing thin or heavily worn jewellery is not always advisable.

Tom will recommend the lightest level of refinishing needed to achieve a worthwhile result.

A Useful Opportunity to Check the Condition of Your Jewellery

Cleaning and polishing also provide an opportunity to inspect jewellery for early signs of wear.

This may include:

Loose stones

Worn claws

Cracks or splits

Thin ring shanks

Damaged chain links

Distorted settings

Previous repairs beginning to fail

Finding these problems early can prevent the loss of a stone or more extensive damage later.

Any concerns will be explained before additional work is recommended.

Is Your Jewellery Looking Tired or Worn?

Send a few clear photographs for an initial assessment, or arrange an appointment with Tom at the Swindon workshop.

You will receive straightforward advice and a fixed quote before any work begins.