When you browse jewellery, you’ll often see descriptions like polished, raw, textured, hammered, matte… but what do they actually mean, and how do they feel on the hand (and in real life)? Let’s get into it.
Polished: the “shiny mirror” finish
A polished finish is what most people imagine when they think “classic jewellery”, sleek, bright, reflective. It’s that mirror shine that makes light bounce off, giving sparkle and glow.
Pros of polished finishes:
Reflective, catches the light beautifully.
Elegant, clean, timeless.
Works well in minimal or statement designs.
Cons to consider:
Shows scratches and wear more readily (you’ll see fingerprints or micro marks).
Requires regular gentle polishing to keep it looking crisp.
Polished finishes are perfect when you want something bold, gleaming, and that classic jewellery “wow” factor.
Raw (or textured): the art in imperfection
Raw / textured finishes celebrate surfaces, organic forms, and the subtle beauty of irregularities. Think matte, hammered, sandcast, rough edges, organic shapes. They whisper rather than shout.
Pros of rough / raw finishes:
They hide tiny scratches and patina over time, wear becomes part of the design.
Adds character, depth, and a sense of craft.
Often feels more “you”, more handmade, more personality.
Cons to consider:
Less reflective, so less sparkle in some lighting.
If too raw, might feel more delicate (edges, softer textures).
Polka Picks: showing both in action
Here are three pieces from Polka Dot Gallery that beautifully demonstrate polished vs raw (and mixes of both!)
Lionel Wiffen 18ct white gold princess cut trilogy Ring - Its polished silver surface and diamond accents really highlight what a clean, sharp finish looks like in a bold ring.
Bonnie Mustoe-Whitehill SIlver Sedge Ring - This one has a more textured, organic look, a little raw edge in its lines, giving it softness and uniqueness.
Emily Nixon Gold Pebble Drawing Necklace - An elegant necklace that balances shine and texture — perfect for showing how raw touches can live even in polished jewellery.
Which finish matches your style?
If you like high shine and a classic jewellery look
→ Go for polished.
These pieces catch the light beautifully and give that “fresh from the jeweller’s box” sparkle. Perfect for minimal or statement designs when you want impact.
If you love natural, artful and lived-in styles
→ Choose raw or textured.
They feel organic and handmade, celebrating imperfection and character. Ideal if you prefer subtle, tactile jewellery with personality.
If you worry about scratches or daily wear
→ Raw finishes are your friend.
They disguise tiny marks and age beautifully over time, becoming even more individual with wear.
Care tip
For polished pieces: use a soft polishing cloth, avoid abrasives, and store separately.
For raw / textured: more forgiving, but gently clean with soft brush and mild soapy water; avoid harsh polishing over texture.