Behind the Shine: A Step-by-Step Look at the Jewelry Buffing Process
Ever wondered how the buffing process works and what really goes into achieving that perfect shine on jewelry? We recently got an inside look—and now we’re taking you behind the scenes.
Gerald from Thunderbird Jewelry welcomed Laci and Rona into the studio for an in-depth, hands-on demonstration of the full buffing process. From start to finish, they walked through each step, sharing practical tips and techniques that make all the difference. In the video, Laci breaks everything down in a clear, easy-to-follow way so you can understand exactly how it’s done.
👉 Watch the video on YouTube here.
Clearing Up a Common Question
Before we dive in, let’s address something we get asked all the time:
Are Thunderbird Jewelry and Thunderbird Supply the same?
The answer is no—but they are closely connected. Think of them as sister stores with different owners, located right across from the Gallup Thunderbird Supply location.
What You’ll Learn in the Video
This isn’t just a quick overview—it’s a full walkthrough of the buffing process, including:
- The type of brush used and why it matters
- The different bobbing compounds and their roles
- The buffing wheels used at each stage
- A step-by-step breakdown of the entire buffing process
- How BriteRite is incorporated for finishing
Whether you’re new to jewelry making or looking to refine your finishing techniques, this video offers practical insight you can apply right away.
Materials Used
All materials featured in the demonstration are available from Thunderbird Supply:
- 705004 – Thunderbird Brush Wood Center Brush (4 Row x 3.5")
- 706014 – Yellow Treated Buffing Wheel (6")
- 706004 – White Muslin Buffing Wheel
- 720010 – Yellow Bobbing Silica-Free Bar (1 lb)
- 720020 – White Diamond Bar (0.75 lb)
- 701061 – Steel Wool Size 0F Fine
- 701230 – 3M BriteRite Deburring Wheel (232 Unitized 3" x 1/4" x 1/4")
A Special Thanks
A huge thank you to Gerald from Thunderbird Jewelry for sharing his time and expertise with us. It’s always a pleasure to learn directly from skilled artisans who are passionate about their craft.
Be sure to check out Thunderbird Jewelry online to see more of their incredible work:
- Instagram: @tbirdjewelry
- Facebook: Thunderbird Jewelry Co.
- Website: thunderbirdjewelry.com
