Creating a flawless mirror finish on a piece of jewellery is both an art and a science. At Touch of Rustic, we pride ourselves on meticulous craftsmanship, and our polishing process reflects our commitment to quality and attention to detail. Below, we’ll walk you through the six-step process we use to transform our handmade jewellery into gleaming masterpieces.
Step 1: Sanding the Sprue Off
The first step in achieving a perfect mirror finish involves removing the sprue—the small metal nub left from the casting process. Using fine-grit sandpaper or specialised files, our artisans carefully sand down the sprue until the surface is smooth and flush with the rest of the piece. This initial step is crucial to ensuring a seamless foundation for further polishing.
Step 2: Centrifugal Machine Finishing
Next, the jewellery is placed in a centrifugal polishing machine. This advanced piece of equipment uses small polishing media to gently smooth out any remaining imperfections on the surface of the piece. The centrifugal force ensures that even the most intricate details are polished, preparing the jewellery for the next stages of refinement.
Step 3: Radial Polishing Wheels – From Coarse to Fine
With the sprue removed and the surface pre-smoothed, we move on to the radial polishing wheels. Starting with a coarse grit (80 grit) and gradually working up to the finest grit (14,000 grit), we use these wheels to achieve a progressively smoother surface. This step requires precision and patience, as each grit must be applied evenly to avoid uneven finishes. By the end of this stage, the jewellery begins to take on a soft, lustrous sheen.
Step 4: Polishing Wheel with Polishing Compound
The next step involves using a high-speed polishing wheel paired with a polishing compound. The wheel spins rapidly, and the compound acts as an abrasive to remove any microscopic scratches left from the previous steps. This stage gives the jewellery its characteristic mirror-like shine and ensures a uniform finish across the entire surface.
Step 5: Hand Polishing with Polishing Cloth
While machines do much of the heavy lifting, nothing beats the touch of skilled hands. Using a soft polishing cloth and a specialised polishing compound, our artisans refine the finish by hand. This step is essential for reaching any intricate details and ensuring that the jewellery sparkles with unparalleled brilliance.
Step 6: Ultrasonic Cleaning for the Final Touch
The final step in our polishing process is ultrasonic cleaning. The jewellery is placed in an ultrasonic cleaning machine, which uses a mixture of water and 99% alcohol to remove any residue left from the polishing process. Ultrasonic waves create tiny bubbles that clean even the smallest crevices, leaving the piece pristine and ready to shine.
The Result: Jewellery That Reflects Perfection
At Touch of Rustic, polishing is more than just a finishing touch—it’s a crucial part of our commitment to creating stunning, high-quality jewellery. By combining traditional techniques with modern technology, we ensure that every piece we craft not only looks incredible but also stands the test of time. Whether it’s a pendant, ring, or bracelet, you can trust that our jewellery will dazzle with a flawless mirror finish.
Explore our collection at Touch of Rustic and discover the difference that expert craftsmanship makes.
