If you are looking for a unique ring to commemorate an important event or celebrate love, one of the important considerations you need to bear in mind is the fact that the ring will look and feel different depending on its finish.
And most importantly, the ring finish that you settle for says a lot about your personality and style preferences.
Knowing what your main options are is also important because it guides your decision regarding the ring to buy because there are multiple potential options for you to choose from.
Today, we look at three main types of ring finishes – antique, natural, and raw ring finishes. What are the differences between these types of ring finishes?
Keep reading to learn more.
What is an antique ring finish?
An antique ring finish is one of the most alluring metal finishes that create unique and highly desirable jewelry.
The antique metal finishes feature a characteristic permanent dark finish with some greys or golds, hence a more contrast design.
The antique finishes feature the application of black detailing, which is why antique gold rings are also known as blackened gold jewelry. For such gold jewelry, the surface is blackened or oxidized.
In other words, if you are looking at jewelry with an antique finish, it means that the piece was oxidized.
Note that oxidation is a natural (chemical) process through which metals like silver darken over time. In the jewelry world, however, especially with the increasing demand for jewelry with antique finishes, jewelers are professionally oxidizing different metal surfaces for that blackened finish. The gunmetal finish is what gives the jewelry, especially the gold pieces with colored stones, a nice pop of color.
To create the black oxidized finish chemically, jewelers apply potassium sulfide to the metal in question, for example, silver, forming silver sulfide, which is what gives the jewelry that dark antique finish.
Pros and cons of antique ring finish
Pros
- These rings have a timeless allure
- Antique rings are elegant
- You don’t have to spend thousands on a good antique finish ring
- The rings showcase a high level of craftsmanship
- Ideal option for everyday rings
- The dark background for the antique rings adds great highlights that allow for better emphasis on the ring’s important and unique features.
Cons
- The metal finish might not be an option for you if you are not into it.
What is a natural ring finish?
You guys can watch the video below! This is what a natural ring finish looks like!
A natural ring finish can be defined as the kind of metal finish with an all-gold appearance and no darkened backgrounds, hues, or overall finishing.
Essentially, the natural ring polish is very highly polished, with no finish applied to it at all. The natural finish will, therefore, enhance the natural luster of the jewelry.
Pros and cons of natural ring finish
Pros
- Simple and elegant ring finishes
- Affordable
- Multiple options available for you to choose from
Cons
- The ring might tarnish after some time
- There isn’t much that is incorporated into the ring in terms of detailing
What is Raw ring finish?
A ring with a raw finish is, in other words, a ring with no finish on it. In other words, if you are looking for a gold ring with a raw finish, it means that after crafting, the ring is not processed any further, and the ring looks like the raw metal it has been crafted from. This ring will have no satin or polished finish, a matte or a brushed finish.
Some of the raw finishes are also called rough finishes. The most notable thing to keep in mind when it comes to the raw ring finish, however, is that the raw finishes mean that the organic features/ nature of the ring are revealed once the ring has been crafted.
In most cases, the raw finishes look great for rings made of platinum or palladium.
The only catch with such ring finishes is that the ring dulls after some time, and you’d have to polish it to retain its original luster and nice natural finish.
Interestingly, raw ring finishes are not limited to platinum or palladium jewelry; they could also be applied to jewelry made of sterling silver, gold, steel, brass, wood, and even gemstones.
Pros and cons of Raw ring finish
Pros
- This finish allows you to enjoy the organic features of the metal that the ring is made of
- The rings are stylish
- This finish makes bold statement pieces
- The ring is durable
- The ring is valuable
- You will be buying a ring made of actual solid metal of choice rather than plated jewelry because there is no added polish or finish incorporated to mask the actual features of the metal.
- Some of these metals only get better with time
Cons
- The original/ raw shine is lost after some time, and the ring has to be polished often.
- Not the go-to option for most people
Which one is better?
Well, the decision to choose between the antique, natural, and raw ring finishes is, at the end of the day, completely up to you. Some people love antique finishes on jewelry, but we all know that this is not everyone’s preference. To make the right choice, consider the appearance of each ring finish and how they match or complement your style and personal preferences.
The antique blackened finish might be a good option for you if you are bold and you don’t want to worry about the maintenance costs for the jewelry, and if you don’t mind the natural grains on metals, then the raw or the natural ring finishes would suffice.
But also, none of these finishes would be ideal for you. If you must choose between these three finishes, opt for the kind of finish that you will appreciate every day.
Conclusion
The antique, natural, and raw ring finishes add a unique flair to rings, and the rings won’t look like what you are used to.
However, they might be the best for you if you are into organic finishes and more rustic rather than sleek modern finishes. Just make sure that the ring finish you opt for represents who you are.
Read more relevant content here or visit our homepage!
Tiger is a fashion&jewelry lover. He is also a fashion jewelry manufacturer that help thousands of small business to grow and also do business with some big fashion jewelry brands. He is a truly metal expert and he will share some information you are looking for.