Ep. 65 - Ask Andy: The Marks of Time and Why Scratches and Dings In Your Rings are Not a Bad Thing

In this episode I'm going to talk about something that resonates with both men and women: When you glance down at your brand new ring, and see those first few scratches and dings.  It can be disheartening, and you may even be surprised you even care.  

Whether it's a minor scratch, a ding, or a chip, it happens to everyone.  It's kind of like those times when you discover a scratch on our car door or a chip in the windshield.  (I'll cover a little something about a Rolling Stones song that applies.  Well, sort of.) 

The good news is that most of the time, it's not a sign that your ring is poorly made. These imperfections are often just cosmetic and can be easily polished out by a skilled jeweler.

You may be surprised to hear that I recommend you DON'T buff those scratches out of your rings or jewelry.

I'll share a true story from my early days in the jewelry business about an experience I had with an older woman who was visiting from Japan.  She said, "You know you Americans always want everything to look new and shiny.  For me? Each one of those scratches in my ring is a part of my life.  I will never have those polished away." 

The lesson: rings and things are physical objects and we live in a physical world, and when the two come in contact with each other, there’s going to be some physical evidence that an event took place…even if it’s a microscopic scratch from our steering wheel.

It's nothing overly important or noteworthy, it's simply LIFE...happening. 

I say let it happen…let it show…and if or when your prized pieces really need some sparking up because you just can’t stand it anymore…go ahead, and take your jewelry to your favorite jeweler and get a tune up.  But if you’re like me, the collective scratches and dings that show up on your rings or other favorite jewelry will feel a little cooler, because they’re there.

As Ferris Bueller says, in the classic movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

Maybe those scratches and dings in your rings shouldn’t be polished off, but contemplated for a few seconds when you notice them.  Not to recall what caused them, but to appreciate all the days that passed before, and those that are yet to come.

If you want to talk with me personally you can email me at  [email protected]. I'm happy to personally help you find the right jewelry for your special occasion, or put you in touch with a jewelry pro that's closer to home.

Music credits: Preacher Man by Miles Neilson and The Rusted Hearts, used with permission. A killer band with original songs that get stuck in your head. They're awesome.

Listen To Preacher Man on Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/track/7ImcaJKIk0ZVtPzuUVV4vc?si=80581c74a9be4987

Note: This episode was originally published on September 21, 2023