When assessing the surface quality of steel jewelry, why are highly polished finishes generally preferred over rough or porous ones?
Answer
They are smoother and less likely to harbor bacteria or irritants
The physical surface finish significantly impacts how the skin interacts with the jewelry material. A highly polished surface provides a smoother contour, which minimizes microscopic peaks and valleys where bacteria, dead skin cells, or environmental residue can accumulate. Rough or porous finishes create surfaces where such irritants can lodge, potentially leading to irritation even if the underlying metal composition is biocompatible. Surgical steel's durability allows it to maintain this preferred high polish over extended wear periods.
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