The Ultimate Guide to Ring Polishing

In this comprehensive guide to ring polishing for jewellers and hobbyists a-like, we’ll explore everything you need to know about ring polishing, including the tools, techniques, and best practices for achieving a flawless mirror finish.

Polishing is one of the most important finishing processes in jewellery making. A well-polished ring not only looks stunning but also speaks volumes about craftsmanship and quality. Whether you are a professional jeweller or a passionate hobbyist, mastering the art of ring polishing can significantly elevate your work.

A well-polished ring enhances its brilliance and longevity. Over time, rings develop scratches, tarnish, and dullness. Proper ring polishing:

  • Removes imperfections

  • Restores shine

  • Prepares for plating or stone setting

1. Artifex Polishing Cones

When it comes to pre-polishing and removing rough marks inside ring bands, Artifex Cones are a jeweller’s best friend. These cones are ideal for reaching the curved inner surfaces of rings, ensuring a smooth finish before the final polish.

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Price range: £22.93 through £29.06 incl VAT

2. Rubber & Silicon Carbide Abrasives

Rubber & Silicon Carbide Abrasives are excellent for smoothing and refining surfaces, especially on ring edges and flat areas, before moving to finer polishing steps. Available in a range of grits.

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Abrasive Mops & Wheels

Rubber Polishing Wheels

£0.43 incl VAT
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£40.08 incl VAT
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Quick View
£1.46 incl VAT
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Quick View

Abrasive Mops & Wheels

Silicone Carbide Knife Edge Wheels

£0.43 incl VAT
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Quick View
£0.41 incl VAT
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Quick View

Abrasive Mops & Wheels

Silicone Carbide Polishing Wheels

£0.43 incl VAT
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Quick View
Price range: £4.99 through £21.78 incl VAT

3. Radial Bristle Discs

Radial bristle discs are ideal for cleaning and light polishing in hard-to-reach areas, like around settings or intricate designs. They come in various grits for progressive polishing.

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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Quick View
Price range: £1.19 through £1.58 incl VAT
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Quick View
Price range: £2.46 through £175.12 incl VAT
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Quick View
Price range: £1.92 through £160.36 incl VAT
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Quick View

Abrasive Mops & Wheels

Dedeco TC Radial Discs 5/8″ Dia

Price range: £1.92 through £160.36 incl VAT

4. Mounted Ring Felts

For a perfect high-gloss shine, Mounted Ring Felts are essential. They are specially shaped to fit inside ring bands and provide a mirror-like finish when used with polishing compounds.

RODA
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Price range: £4.81 through £8.45 incl VAT

5. Polishing Compounds

No polishing job is complete without the right Polishing Compounds. From cutting compounds for scratch removal to high-shine rouges for final finishing, these products are key to a professional-grade polish.

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£2.51 incl VAT
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Quick View
Price range: £4.15 through £8.36 incl VAT
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Quick View

Metal Finishing Compounds

Dialux Polishing Compounds

Price range: £4.45 through £6.32 incl VAT

Step 1: Cleaning and Inspection

Before polishing, thoroughly clean the ring to remove dirt and grease. Inspect for deep scratches or dents that may need filing or sanding.


Step 2: Pre-Polishing with Artifex Cones

Attach an Artifex Cone to your rotary tool or pendant motor. Use it gently inside the ring band to smoothen surfaces and remove any tool marks from previous processes.

Rubber Wheels or Radial Bristle Discs are a perfect alternative for working on the outside of the ring and on intricate detail.

Tip: Keep the tool moving to avoid creating flat spots or over-polishing one area.


Step 3: Polishing with Mounted Ring Felts

Switch to a mounted felt and load it with a suitable polishing compound. Work inside and outside the ring for an even shine.

Pro Tip: Use separate felts for different compounds to avoid contamination.


Step 4: Final Buffing

For that showroom-ready mirror finish, lightly buff the ring to clean and remove any polishing haze. Check under good lighting to ensure consistency.

  • Applying too much pressure – this can deform the ring

  • Using the wrong compound – can cause scratches instead of removing them

  • Neglecting inner surfaces – polish should be uniform throughout

Conclusion

Polishing is an art that combines skill, patience, and the right tools. By using Artifex Cones, Mounted Ring Felts, Radial Bristle Discs and premium Polishing Compounds, you can transform your rings into pieces of brilliance.

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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Quick View
Price range: £22.93 through £29.06 incl VAT
RODA
+
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Quick View
Price range: £4.81 through £8.45 incl VAT
+
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Quick View
Price range: £4.15 through £8.36 incl VAT
+
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Quick View
£2.51 incl VAT
+
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Quick View

Metal Finishing Compounds

Dialux Polishing Compounds

Price range: £4.45 through £6.32 incl VAT
+
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Quick View
Price range: £1.19 through £1.58 incl VAT
+
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Quick View
Price range: £2.46 through £175.12 incl VAT
+
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Quick View
Price range: £1.92 through £160.36 incl VAT
+
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Quick View

Abrasive Mops & Wheels

Dedeco TC Radial Discs 5/8″ Dia

Price range: £1.92 through £160.36 incl VAT
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Quick View

Abrasive Mops & Wheels

Rubber Polishing Wheels

£0.43 incl VAT
+
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Quick View
£1.46 incl VAT
+
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Quick View
£40.08 incl VAT
+
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Quick View

Abrasive Mops & Wheels

Silicone Carbide Knife Edge Wheels

£0.43 incl VAT
+
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Quick View
£0.41 incl VAT
+
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Quick View

Abrasive Mops & Wheels

Silicone Carbide Polishing Wheels

£0.43 incl VAT

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