Metallic effects and jewellery polishing
SMV Thailand offers you an impeccable finish for your jewellery
Polishing is a crucial stage in the jewellery-making process. It consists of smoothing and polishing the metal surface of the jewel to give it its final appearance.
At SMV Thailand, we have mastered several polishing techniques that allow us to create different finishes, each offering a unique style.
- Hammered effect This process involves gently hammering the surface of the metal to create irregular indentations. This gives the jewellery a textured, hand-crafted, raw look.
- Brushed effect A finish obtained by rubbing the metal with a fine bristle brush, creating light, parallel striations that give it a matt, modern appearance.
- Satin effect This soft, subtle finish gives the jewellery a silky shine, less brilliant than mirror polishing but just as elegant.
- Mirror polished The metal is polished to a perfectly smooth, shiny surface, giving a brilliant, reflective effect.
These different finishes enable each piece of jewellery to be personalised, adding a unique touch of character to match the customer's preferences and the style they are looking for.
The different stages in polishing a piece of jewellery
1. Pre-polishing
Objective Remove the marks left by previous steps (casting, welding or shaping).
Process Using an abrasive wheel or coarse grain disc to smooth the surface of the jewellery and remove visible imperfections such as scratches, burrs or irregularities.
Process Using an abrasive wheel or coarse grain disc to smooth the surface of the jewellery and remove visible imperfections such as scratches, burrs or irregularities.
2. Intermediate polishing
Objective Refine the metal surface after pre-polishing.
Process Use of finer-grain discs to polish the jewellery, making the surface smoother while removing the marks left by pre-polishing.
Process Use of finer-grain discs to polish the jewellery, making the surface smoother while removing the marks left by pre-polishing.
3. Final polish (or mirror polish)
Objective To obtain a perfectly smooth, shiny surface.
Process Application of special polishing pastes on soft cotton or felt discs to give the metal surface a mirror-like shine.
Process Application of special polishing pastes on soft cotton or felt discs to give the metal surface a mirror-like shine.
4. Specific finish (optional)
Objective Giving a unique texture or effect to the surface of the jewel.
Possible effects:
Hammered Using a hammer to create small indentations on the surface.
Brushed Application of a wire brush to obtain fine streaks.
Satin Soft finish with a silky matte sheen.
Possible effects:
Hammered Using a hammer to create small indentations on the surface.
Brushed Application of a wire brush to obtain fine streaks.
Satin Soft finish with a silky matte sheen.
5. Cleaning and final inspection
Objective Removing polishing paste residues and ensuring the quality of the jewellery.
Process Cleaning: Cleaning with ultrasound or a bath in a special solution to remove any dirt or residue. The jewellery is then inspected to ensure that it meets the expected quality standards.
Process Cleaning: Cleaning with ultrasound or a bath in a special solution to remove any dirt or residue. The jewellery is then inspected to ensure that it meets the expected quality standards.
The advantages of having your jewellery polished
Our team specialises in large-scale production of your jewellery.
Radiance
Jewellery polishing provides incomparable brilliance and sparkle, highlighting the beauty and quality of the materials used.
Protection
Polishing creates a protective layer on the surface of the jewel, increasing its durability and resistance to daily wear and tear.
Aesthetics
The different metallic effects obtained through polishing allow each piece of jewellery to be personalised and embellished, to suit individual tastes and preferences.
Your questions about jewellery polishing
We will work with you to define the key stages and deadlines to ensure the success of the development process.
What is jewellery polishing?
Jewellery polishing is an essential manufacturing process, aimed at smoothing and improving the surface of metal parts to give them an attractive final appearance. It involves removing imperfections, scratches and irregularities left by manufacturing stages such as casting or soldering. Polishing can transform a rough piece of jewellery into a shiny, elegant piece, or give particular textural effects according to the designer's or customer's preferences.
Why is polishing important for jewellery?
Polishing is essential for improving the aesthetics, perceived quality and durability of a piece of jewellery. It eliminates imperfections, reveals the shine of the metal and protects against wear and oxidation. What's more, it allows the finish of the jewellery to be adapted to the desired styles, such as a mirror, hammered or satin effect. At SMV Thailand, we take great care to offer quality polishing for every creation.
What kind of metallic effects can polishing achieve?
The types of polishing effects commonly used for jewellery are :
Mirror finish High gloss and smooth surface, meticulously polished to reflect light brilliantly.
Satin finish Soft, smooth appearance, with a slight sheen, obtained by gentle polishing or the use of special brushes.
Hammer effect Rough texture created by hammering the metal, giving it a unique and visually interesting appearance.
Brushed finish Slightly textured surface obtained by brushing with an abrasive brush, giving a more discreet, modern appearance.
Aged Effect Antique or patinated appearance, created by polishing and treatment techniques to give the jewellery a worn or vintage look.
Can jewellery polishing be done at home?
Yes, jewellery polishing can be done at home, but it requires the right tools and techniques to achieve satisfactory results.
What is the difference between mirror polishing and satin finishing?
The difference between mirror polishing and satin polishing lies mainly in the appearance and texture of the jewel's finish.
Mirror polishing Creates a smooth, high-gloss, mirror-like surface. It gives an intense shine.
Satin polish The result is a soft, matt finish with a slight rough texture, offering a discreet, elegant effect.
Can polishing remove scratches from jewellery?
Yes, polishing can remove scratches from jewellery by removing a thin layer of metal, smoothing the surface and restoring the jewel's appearance.
How often should jewellery be polished?
The frequency with which jewellery is polished depends on its use and exposure to the elements.
In general, annual polishing is sufficient for jewellery worn regularly.
However, for jewellery that is worn daily or subjected to heavy wear, more frequent polishing may be necessary.
Find out about our other expertise
At SMV Thailand, we are proud to master both traditional and modern skills in the creation of our exceptional jewellery.
Our expertise covers a wide range of techniques, including :
We polish your jewellery before delivery
Jewellery polishing is an essential technique for obtaining high-quality jewellery with impeccable finishes.
Whether you want a mirror-like shine, a satin texture or a hammered pattern, polishing allows you to personalise each piece to meet your aesthetic expectations.
At SMV Thailand, we are experts in the art of polishing and are committed to offering jewellery that shines with beauty and perfection.
To find out more about our other skills and discover how we can turn your ideas into exceptional jewellery, visit our other skills pages.
