What is a sandblasted finish on jewellery?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
A sandblasted finish is a deliberately matte, slightly rough surface texture applied to a jewellery piece by blasting it with a stream of fine abrasive particles under pressure. The abrasive particles, which can be fine sand, glass beads or similar material, peen the surface of the metal without removing much material, leaving it with a soft, frosted appearance quite different from a mirror polish. It is used to contrast with polished areas for decorative effect, to reduce fingerprint visibility and to give a piece a raw, contemporary or industrial quality.
Frequently asked questions
- How is a sandblasted finish applied to jewellery?
- The piece is placed inside a sandblasting cabinet and a fine stream of abrasive is directed at it under compressed air. The jeweller controls the texture by adjusting the pressure and the size of the abrasive particles. Specific areas can be masked off to preserve a polished surface alongside the sandblasted sections.
- Does a sandblasted finish wear off?
- Over time with regular wear, friction from daily contact gradually polishes the peaks of the textured surface and it can become smoother, especially on rings. A jeweller can re-blast the piece to restore the finish, which is a quick and inexpensive process.
- What is the difference between sandblasted and satin finish?
- A satin finish is created by brushing the metal with a wire brush or abrasive tool in one direction, leaving fine parallel lines that give a consistent sheen. A sandblasted finish is more random and uniform in all directions, giving a softer, more even matte appearance without the directional quality of satin.
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