coil silver ring - polishing metalscoil silver ring - polishing metals

Polishing Metals: An Introduction


Getting a brilliant polish is one of the most important steps to finishing fine jewelry. Learn the tools and techniques you'll need for polishing metals.

10 Minute Read

What to Look for in Polished Jewelry Pieces

If you’re creating a piece of jewelry for competition, take the time to finish every detail. The same holds true if your jewel holds very expensive gems. A custom-made jewelry piece costing several thousand dollars deserves attention to every detail.

For less expensive pieces, finishing every little detail can be too time consuming to justify the labor. For example, polishing between every wire may not be worthwhile for a pair of amethysts in basket earring settings. The insides of these wires hardly show, so it makes no difference to the jewelry’s appearance.

rough surface and mold marks - polishing metalsUnfortunately, some jewelers get plain lazy when finishing their jewelry. For example, cast settings have a rough surface that needs smoothing. Without buffing, they will never take a high polish. Yet, you’ll commonly find this, even in jewelry costing over $100. Worse yet, I’ve seen earrings that still have rough metal on the back, where the mold went together. This will irritate the customer’s ear. Taking such a shortcut has no excuse.

If you’re shopping for jewelry, examine the polish on the store’s goods. Look at the surface carefully to see how smooth it is. A well-finished piece of precious…


Donald Clark, CSM IMG

The late Donald Clark, CSM founded the International Gem Society in 1998. Donald started in the gem and jewelry industry in 1976. He received his formal gemology training from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Society of Gemcutters (ASG). The letters “CSM” after his name stood for Certified Supreme Master Gemcutter, a designation of Wykoff’s ASG which has often been referred to as the doctorate of gem cutting. The American Society of Gemcutters only had 54 people reach this level. Along with dozens of articles for leading trade magazines, Donald authored the book “Modern Faceting, the Easy Way.”

Related Articles

More Articles
Should I Use Oxide Polish or Diamond for Polishing Gems?

Should I Use Oxide Polish or Diamond for Polishing Gems?

What's the best abrasive for polishing natural gems? An oxide polish is usually the best option. Learn the different uses...
Read More
Opal SymbolismHashnu Stones &amp; Gems</a>. Used with permission." src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" decoding="async" data-nimg="responsive" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%;object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%"/>

Opal Symbolism

Once the stone of royalty, the fragile opal has a convoluted personality and lore. Opal symbolism is as varied as...
Read More
Ephemeral: Faceting Design Diagram

Ephemeral: Faceting Design Diagram

Detailed information and guide on Faceting Designs. A Faceting Design Diagram by Jeff R. Graham that presents various cuts, this...
Read More
Kiss: Faceting Design Diagram

Kiss: Faceting Design Diagram

Successful tips, details, and guide on Faceting Designs. A Faceting Design Diagram by Jeff R. Graham that presents various cuts,...
Read More

Latest Articles

More Articles
Classic Engagement Ring StonesPastel purple sapphire</a>, 1.08 cts, 5.8 mm, round cut, Sri Lanka. © <a href=https://www.gemsociety.org/article/polishing-metals/"https://www.thegemtrader.com/">The Gem Trader</a>. Used with permission." src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" decoding="async" data-nimg="responsive" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%;object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%"/>

Classic Engagement Ring Stones

Emerald, ruby, sapphire, and diamond are the most popular choices for classic engagement ring stones. Learn more about these traditional...
Read More
Broken Bangle — The Blunder-Besmirched History of Jade Nomenclature: Book Review

Broken Bangle — The Blunder-Besmirched History of Jade Nomenclature: Book Review

Is fei cui a better term for "pyroxene jade" than jadeite? Jeffery Bergman reviews Broken Bangle, a new book on...
Read More
Cuprite Value, Price, and Jewelry InformationJoel E. Arem</a>, PhD, FGA. Used with permission." src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" decoding="async" data-nimg="responsive" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%;object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%"/>

Cuprite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

One of the rarest of all facetable gems, cut cuprites can show magnificent deep red color. However, these beautiful stones...
Read More
Gemstone Radiation TreatmentPhoto courtesy of <a href=https://www.gemsociety.org/article/polishing-metals/"https://www.liveauctioneers.com/">liveauctioneers.com and <a href=https://www.gemsociety.org/article/polishing-metals/"https://www.liveauctioneers.com/auctioneer/1081/eros-auctions-inc/">Eros Auctions, Inc</a>." src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" decoding="async" data-nimg="responsive" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%;object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%"/>

Gemstone Radiation Treatment

Gemstone radiation is a common but little understood technique for altering colors. Learn how it works and what gems usually...
Read More

Never Stop Learning

When you join the IGS community, you get trusted diamond & gemstone information when you need it.

Become a Member

Get Gemology Insights

Get started with the International Gem Society’s free guide to gemstone identification. Join our weekly newsletter & get a free copy of the Gem ID Checklist!