How to Put a Brushed Finish on a Tungsten Ring

If you own a tungsten ring, you may want to change the mirror-polished surface to a brushed-looking surface. Tungsten is one of the hardest metals on the planet and is almost as hard as diamond. Traditional jewelry tools will not be able to etch tungsten, so you will need to use something stronger. Tools that are used to polish glass will also provide a brushed finish on your tungsten ring.

1.Secure the tungsten ring in a jeweler's vise. This will prevent it from moving and will protect your fingers from the grinding wheel.

2.Insert the diamond grinding wheel into the rotary tool.

3.Grind a test area. On the underside of the ring, grind a small test area to ensure that you are satisfied with the brushed finish that the grinding wheel creates.

4.Grind the entire surface of the ring. Since the tungsten is so hard, you do not have to worry about taking too much off the surface of the ring. In small, circular movements, grind the surface of the ring. When you complete one area, slightly turn the ring by adjusting it in the vise until the entire outer surface has been brushed.

5.Inspect the ring. If the grooves are deeper than you want, you can dull the surface slightly using polishing compound and a felt polishing wheel. Fit the rotary tool with the polishing wheel. While the rotary tool is running at a low speed, carefully dip the polishing wheel into the compound. Do not completely cover the wheel in compound. Using small, circular motions, cover small areas of the ring at a time, wiping off any excess compound with a rag. Polish the entire ring until the surface has the desired finish.