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When it comes to choosing the perfect piece of jewelry, the finish can significantly influence both the aesthetic and personality of a design. At CMD, we offer two classic finishes for our sterling silver and solid 14k gold pieces: matte and shiny. Each option brings a unique look, and there’s no wrong choice. It’s more a matter of preference.
I studied Industrial Design in Virginia Tech’s Architecture program where I began my explorations as a product designer. I’ve always been drawn to the transformation of materials by simply changing the finishing details. One of my favorite projects was creating a light sconce from bent aluminum. As I carefully completed the details on the design, I went for a matte-like texture by carefully sanding in circular motions with high grit sandpaper. The soft glow and non-reflective look offered the modern aesthetic that I was envisioning. It’s fascinating how the same material can have such different personalities, simply depending on the sheen or glossiness of the material.
The matte finish is my personal favorite. It exudes a subtle modernity that feels understated yet unique. With sterling silver pieces, this is the default CMD aesthetic and historically how pieces have been made to look prior to offering that option within our product listings online. To achieve that soft matte finish, we throw the pieces in the rotary tumbler with a slightly abrasive ceramic medium and water, which gives it that perfect non-reflective quality. I’ve also noticed a growing number of requests for shiny finishes (get your bling on, y’all), which reflect a more statement-y, mirror-like aesthetic. There’s something undeniably striking about a shiny piece — it can catch the light, creating a super fun and slightly “loud” effect.
All of our 'Everyday' 14k gold-fill components come with a shiny finish, as the process of mattifying would strip away some of the gold layer, revealing the brass core beneath. I personally prefer certain pieces with a shiny finish, like the Framework Ring, Diabolique Ring, and the new limited edition Doctor Funk Ring from this month's Happy Hour Sale. Of my favorites are the shiny as heck Norwood Earrings… I love to throw them on when I’m hitting the dance floor. They feel loud with their jingle jangle and shiny movement. I think some of these statement pieces truly shine in their polished glory, highlighting the architecture of each design.
Both matte and shiny finishes evolve over time. The matte may gradually become shinier, while shiny pieces can lose their luster, transitioning to a more matte appearance. This transformation is influenced by a variety of factors, including the chemical makeup of your skin and how you wear your jewelry. Some people find their pieces require frequent refinishing, while others (such as myself!) enjoy the organic evolution of their jewelry. Lean into whatever feels right for you, but as I like to say, “let them do their thing!”
To help maintain your chosen finish, we offer both matte and shiny finishing cloths on our Accessories page. Pro-tip: I always start with Dawn soap to remove the lotions and potions that often make our jewelry look dull, which often does the trick. While I personally prefer to let my jewelry evolve naturally without frequent refinishing, I understand that many like to keep their pieces looking fresh off the shelf.
Choosing between a matte or shiny finish ultimately comes down to personal preference. Whether you lean toward the soft, understated elegance of matte or the bold, reflective beauty of shiny, both finishes provide a stunning way to express your individuality. Explore our designs, and find the finish that resonates with you.
xo,
Colleen
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