While many wedding rings may seem relatively simple – a plain gold or platinum band – there are actually lots of ways to customise a wedding ring. This could include adding gemstones or varying the metal used, or even whether you’ll use Fairtrade or Fairmined certified gold.
One way is through the finish used on the ring. We’ll cover loads of different ‘finishes’ in this article, but firstly, what is a finish? The finish on a ring is the final surface treatment, which gives the ring a distinct look and character. This can change both the appearance and the texture of the ring.
Shiny – Shiny is exactly what it sounds like: a glossy, reflective finish. This finish takes advantage of one of the best qualities of precious metals, which is their capacity to be polished to a mirror-like finish.
Weathered - Created by melting the surface of the metal to create a textured and irregular, pot marked surface.
High Polish – A high polish is similar to a shiny finish, in that it creates a reflective shiny surface. To create this finish, fine abrasives are used to remove all irregularities and scratches from the metal. The metal is then buffed to give it its final polished look. However, over time the polished finish can take on a semi-polished look, picking up scratches over time. Luckily it can be refinished with ease to bring back its lustre.
Satin – A satin finish is smooth like the polished or shiny finish. However, it is not reflective those two finishes are. Instead, it looks almost like a fogged-up mirror. This type of finish is perfect for those looking for a smooth finish without the shiny surface.
Oxidised milled finish - Picking up texture from metal rolling mills and natural oxidization from the soldering and heating process, the oxidised milled finish is as close as gold will ever get to a patina. This finish contrasts beautifully with a highly polished interior.
Brush – A brushed finish is similar to a satin finish in that neither is shiny. The difference, however, is in the fact that the brush finish has texture to it, unlike the satin finish. Looking at the ring closely, you’ll be able to see tiny brush-like marks on the finish. One of the main benefits of this finish is that, if it does get scratched, it will blend in with the finish.
Wire Brushed Finish – This finish is similar to the brush finish, as the name suggests, however it features deeper, more noticeable brush marks. It resembles fine hairs in a way and offers those that like smooth rings an alternative to a polished finish.
Stippled – A stippled finish is a matte finish that resembles the look of a stone. It is created using tiny pins, which repeatedly hit the metal surface to make an all-over, even texture. Due to the deep impression made on the metal, the finish holds up very well and is unlikely to wear.
Sandblast – Sandblasted finishes are very distinctive and have a coarse appearance and texture. They have a slightly grainy feel and will be perfect for anyone who wants a more textured and non-reflective finish.
Hammered – Hammered finishes are becoming quite popular amongst those who prefer a non-shiny finish and want something unique, as no two hammered rings will look the same. The texture of this finish is a dimpled look, as though a hammer was used to create each pock mark on the surface. This finish is usually actually a combination of the ring being hammered, followed by a satin finish being applied to it, so it will not be reflective.
Vertical Hammered – Classic hammered bands appear in dimples, however the vertical hammered band uses a long thin hammer to create a striped pattern that resembles tree bark.
Carved Textures – Amidst all these possibilities is the opportunity for some highly unique and detailed carving. The possibilities are all but endless, as these can be created on the surface using metal files, drill bits, and other tools, or sculpted into wax before a ring is cast, creating a high relief effect.
Ribbed Finish – The ribbed finish may perhaps be more of a pattern than a finish. It is created by having alternating bands of either different finishes or dips in the metal where it has been filed or drilled.
Florentine Finish – A Florentine finish is a crosshatched technique, which is engraved into the surface of the precious metal. It is usually applied by a hand tool. A series of parallel lines is engraved in two directions perpendicular to each other, which are often coarser and more deeply incised than the brushed or matted finish methods.
Glass Blast Finish – A glass blasted ring will look as though it has a grainy texture. It is created when fine glass beads are released at a high pressure to clean or finish a surface.
Ice Finish – Ice finishes features a textured surface with a series of scores made in no particular order. In this way, it resembles a scored slab of ice.
Semi-Polished Finish – A semi-polished ring will be similar to a high-polished ring, with a slightly less reflective surface and a lower shine to it.
A semi polished ring finish
