Metal Finishes on Jewelry
If you own metal jewelry, look closely at your collection. You’ll typically find that each piece has a unique finish. Finishing is a technique in which the surface of the metal is cleaned, polished, and/or textured. It is the final step in the jewelry-making process and can make a dramatic difference in the final look of the piece.
You may notice that some of your metal jewelry is shiny, while other metals may appear matte. Metal finishes may also have varying degrees of texture, ranging from subtle lines to bold dimples.
Jewelry designers use metal finishes to express their creativity and showcase their skills when creating new pieces. Let’s discuss some of the most popular types of metal finishes used in jewelry and how each of these metal finishing techniques is achieved.
1. Shiny Polished Finish
A shiny polished finish, sometimes referred to as a ‘mirror’ finish, is an ultra-shiny finish achieved through a high polish process. The objective is to continue polishing the metal until it becomes shiny and reflective. Most pieces of metal jewelry with a mirror finish have a smooth surface, like this Silver Station Ring which features shiny platinum plating over silver metal.
With a shiny polished finish, shadows and light bounce across the metal to create a dynamic contrast. This mirror effect can help make jewelry appear more high-end, making it one of the most popular types of metal finishes used among jewelry designers. Mirror finishes are commonly used on a wide range of pieces, from rings and bracelets to necklaces and watches.
2. Matte Finish
A matte finish on metal is a type of non-mirror finish that is recommended to buyers who want to avoid shiny jewelry. This finish is achieved by adding a thin layer over the metal surface. Different levels of matte can be reached depending on the type of metal used. Regardless of material, a matte finish offers better tarnish resistance and durability than other types of finishes.
Buyers looking for a sleek, organic look may be attracted to matte finishes. The texture of this non-reflective surface can be accomplished by engraving, sandblasting, acid dripping, or a variety of other techniques.
3. Satin Finish
Satin metal finishes are known for their sophisticated look that appeals to both men and women. The finish is smooth to the touch and appears similar to a matte finish. However, unlike matte, a satin finish has visible brushed lines. As one of the most popular finishes used in jewelry, you can find satin jewelry in a variety of metal colors, such as gold, copper, bronze, and steel.
To achieve a satin finish, the metal is put through a stringent coating cycle and combined with a gloss base. This process is finalized with a top coat designed to protect the satin finish.
4. Florentine Finish
Florentine metal finishing is a traditional technique often performed manually by experienced craftsmen wielding engraving tools. The Florentine pattern consists of small, delicate lines that run parallel to one another and are engraved in two directions that are perpendicular, creating a cross-hatched effect. This is a very detailed process that requires a steady hand and concentration to achieve the desired outcome.
The tools used in Florentine finishes must engrave the surface of the metal, creating a texture that is deeper and coarser than a brushed finish. The result is a less reflective surface that is a great alternative to brushed or matte metal finishing.
5. Glass Blast Finish
If you love the look of textured metal, then consider a glass blast finish. This fascinating texture features hundreds to thousands of tiny dimples spread across the surface of the metal. Jewelry designers typically achieve this look through mechanical means that involve the acceleration of glass beads, crushed glass, or glass particles.
The final look of a glass blast finish depends on several factors, such as the type of machinery used, the size and speed of the glass, and the direction of the glass particles. There are also several types of glass blasting effects that can be performed, such as blending machine marks, mold cleaning, and pre-plate finishing.
6. Hammered Finish
Hammered metal finishes create a handcrafted look that is visually stunning. The name comes from the texture which gives off the appearance of being hit with a hammer. However, unlike the usual hammering of metal, the technique used in hammered jewelry allows the paint to remain intact and no damage is done to the metal’s surface.
The overall look of hammered metal jewelry can differ depending on the size and types of dents created with the hammer strikes. A hammered metal finish can also be achieved by short bursts on a polishing wheel or flex shaft.
7. Ice Finish
While less common than other finishes, an ice finish can provide buyers with a unique piece of jewelry. This type of texture features crisscross marks that resemble an ice rink that has been skated on, hence the name. Creating these “scratches” requires a tool capable of making tiny engravings. A tool as basic as a square file will do.
Other types of tools can also be used to create an ice finish on metal, such as wheel brushes like a cable twist wire wheel. The key is to create just the right amount of texture without taking it too far.
8. Stone Finish
As the name would suggest, a stone finish creates a unique, stone-like texture. Stone finishing is often performed as a way to bring out the metal’s best aesthetic features. This type of finishing adds some shine while maintaining a more rugged look that appeals to both men and women.
There are several reasons why many buyers request a stone finish beyond appearance alone. This finish helps improve the metal’s resistance to harsh conditions, resulting in a long-lasting piece of jewelry. There are also several ways that the stone texture can be achieved for a variety of looks, such as through mechanical or chemical means.