Finishing and Polishing Flashcards

What is the primary purpose of tripoli compound in jewelry finishing?

Answer: To cut and remove surface scratches before final polishing

Tripoli is a cutting compound used to remove file marks and surface scratches in preparation for final polishing with rouge.

Which type of polishing wheel is best suited for applying rouge compound?

Answer: Muslin or cotton buff wheel

Muslin or cotton buff wheels are soft enough to apply rouge without scratching and hold the compound well for a final high-gloss finish.

What does a 'satin finish' look like on jewelry?

Answer: A fine-grained, non-reflective brushed surface

A satin finish is achieved by brushing or abrading the metal to produce a soft, uniform, non-reflective sheen.

What is the correct sequence of abrasive grits when hand-sanding a jewelry piece?

Answer: Coarse to fine

Starting with coarse abrasives removes major scratches and imperfections, then progressively finer grits refine the surface before polishing.

What is the advantage of using a flex shaft machine for finishing jewelry?

Answer: It provides precision control for detail work and hard-to-reach areas

A flex shaft machine allows the bench jeweler to maneuver small burs, brushes, and polishing wheels into tight areas that a bench-mounted polisher cannot reach.

Which polishing compound produces the finest, highest-gloss finish on gold and silver?

Answer: Rouge

Rouge (ferric oxide) is the finest polishing compound and is used as the last step to achieve a bright mirror finish on precious metals.

What is the main purpose of using a burnisher in jewelry finishing?

Answer: To work-harden and create a bright surface by compressing the metal

A burnisher is a highly polished steel tool that is rubbed under pressure across the metal surface, compressing and brightening it without removing material.