Steel jewelry: pros and cons
Fans of jewelry and piercing are well aware of men's and women's jewelry made of steel (medical, surgical, jewelry). Recently, steel jewelry has become increasingly popular.
They find special recognition among young people. Why is steel jewelry better than gold and silver jewelry? Does steel cause allergic reactions? Who is most suitable for steel products? Let's try to figure it out: Medical or surgical steel , which is used to create men's and women's jewelry, is distinguished by its noble silver shine, high strength and durability. By appearance, even a non-novice will not be able to immediately distinguish steel products from silver and even platinum ones. Rings and bracelets made of steel are becoming the favorite jewelry of the stronger half of humanity.
What are the advantages of steel jewelry :
— Products made of steel look stylish and fashionable and are not inferior in appearance to precious metals (silver, white gold, platinum, palladium).
— Absolutely everyone can afford steel jewelry cost is much lower than gold or silver.
— Steel earrings, rings, chains, bracelets , as a rule, do not cause irritation or allergic reactions.
— Jewelry made from steel is highly durable and reliable; it does not rust or oxidize.
— to care for steel jewelry , because it does not darken or tarnish. They do not need to be polished or coated with a special layer. Even salty sea water and bright sun rays cannot spoil your favorite jewelry.
— Medical steel, due to its low allergenicity and lightness, is an ideal material for piercing. However, it is still recommended to wear steel products after the wound has completely healed.
The list of advantages of these inexpensive products is very impressive. What then is the disadvantage of steel jewelry ? There is only one: the fact is that jewelry steel , no matter how high its standard, is not one of the precious and noble alloys. However, men's and women's steel jewelry can become not only beautiful and fashionable, but also comfortable and everyday accessories.
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Jewelry steel - online jewelry store
jewelry made from special jewelry steel is presented to the attention of all young people, not so much in body as in soul . The fashion for them has rapidly burst into our lives, leaving us practically no chance to be caught up in this fresh flow.
What is jewelry steel ? This is a material that personifies the spirit of the times and the character of the owner of jewelry made from it, because such steel never darkens, it is not susceptible to corrosion , exposure to salty sea water and the sun. It never, under any circumstances, loses its original presentation. And the bold design solutions of such jewelry speak for themselves and for their owner: their owner is a brave, decisive, young, energetic, modern man not lacking in imagination and romance.
Stainless steel is an alloy of iron and chromium. Its anti-corrosion properties appear due to the presence of a chromium oxide layer on the metal surface. This protective layer is very stable and even after mechanical or chemical damage it quickly regains its previous appearance and the anti-corrosion properties of the metal remain unchanged.
Stainless steel is a very practical material, at the same time noble and aesthetic. Thanks to the variety of brands and surface types, it is able to satisfy different conditions.
In addition to the anti-corrosion properties of stainless steel, the following qualities should be noted:
The reliability of stainless steel elements is much higher than that of other materials. Their appearance does not change for decades. Stainless steel has much higher heat-resistant properties than other steels.
A revolution in the world of fashion always brings us good news, especially if it is a fashion for jewelry.
Steel is by far the most fashionable material for making jewelry. Steel is also the most modern jewelry material. It is the three hundredth series of steel that has the highest properties, having a number of positive qualities: it does not rust, is hypoallergenic, does not lose its appearance and does not turn black over time, unlike silver. The quality of workmanship of steel products is so high that the appearance of jewelry is indistinguishable from products made of white gold, but steel makes jewelry more affordable and unusual. This is why stainless steel products are so popular today in Europe and the USA. “Steel is the new gold!”
Medical (stainless steel) is a complex alloy steel, grade L316, resistant to rust in atmospheric conditions and corrosion in aggressive environments. The main alloying element of stainless steel is Cr (12 - 20%); in addition, steel contains elements associated with iron in its alloys (C, Si, Mn, S, P), as well as elements introduced into steel for corrosion resistance (Ni, Mn, Ti, Nb, Co, Mo). The higher the Cr content in steel, the higher its corrosion resistance. When the Cr content in steel is more than 12%, the alloys are stainless under normal conditions and in mildly aggressive environments. More than 17% are corrosion-resistant in more aggressive oxidizing and other environments, in particular in nitric acid with a strength of up to 50%. The corrosion resistance of stainless steel is explained by the fact that a protective film of oxides and other insoluble compounds forms on the surface of contact of the chromium-containing alloy with the environment.
Women cannot imagine their life without jewelry, and recently they were joined by men who want to fully emphasize their individuality. This, of course, does not mean at all that representatives of the stronger sex have never used jewelry before. Throughout the history of human civilization, jewelry has been widely used to adorn men, symbolizing the owner's status, power and might. The twentieth century made its own adjustments to the fashion for wearing accessories, giving preference to their use mainly to women. But in the last few decades, the situation has begun to change; jewelry for men has become the same integral elements of the image as for most women.
Wearing accessories has one goal - to attract the attention of others to its owner, because to achieve success you need to be able to stand out from others. Jewelry made from steel is most often developed in combination with rubber , adding inserts of white and black diamonds (steel always enhances the shine of precious stones), gold, but, of course, the designer’s imagination is limitless, so you can find jewelry made from steel in a wide variety of variations (for example, in combination with wood, leather, etc.).
In addition, jewelry made from steel jewelry is most often of interest to men. This trend began in the eighteenth century, but continues to remain relevant in our twenty-first. But at that time, earrings, rings, brooches and other jewelry made of steel were in a completely different price category; only a select few could wear them.
Nowadays, steel jewelry is available to everyone and is distinguished by its exquisite design, in the variety of which anyone can find something that will highlight their individuality.
Steel will always reflect your originality, determination, fortitude and will become a real and desired gift for you and those who value not only quality, but also the elegant embodiment of true courage!
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Medical steel jewelry - is it worth buying and wearing?
Surgical medical steel jewelry, also known as stainless steel, has been growing in popularity for several years.
Women willingly buy jewelry that is much cheaper than gold or silver and at the same time more durable. These aren't the only benefits of surgical steel bracelets, necklaces, and other jewelry.
Fans of such jewelry praise the metal for not losing its natural shine, so there is no need to clean it.
Among the buyers of such jewelry are people who have problems due to allergies. Jewelry made from the aforementioned steel is anti-allergic, making it a virtually safe choice for it.
What is medical steel
Stainless medical steel is a modern, fashionable material that is used to make jewelry. Externally similar to silver, but more affordable. Harder than silver, therefore more scratch resistant. When used, it does not change color, does not corrode or oxidize.
Surgical steel is a type of steel used to make surgical instruments. Tattoo needles and other items used not only for medical purposes are also made from this steel.
A family of iron-based alloys containing about 11% chromium, which prevents corrosion, provides heat-resistant properties and hardness.
There are several grades of medical steel. To make jewelry, I often use steel, which contains:
An easy-to-process material from which many original and aesthetic shapes can be obtained. The only disadvantage of such alloys is their low ductility compared to gold or silver.
Surgical steel is safe for the skin and does not cause an unwanted allergic reaction.
Electroplating, such as a thin layer of gold, can be applied.
Iron and steel
As a pure substance, iron is not as hard as other participants in the rating. But due to its minimal extraction costs, it is often combined with other elements to produce steel.
Steel is a very strong alloy made of iron and other elements such as carbon. It is the most commonly used material in construction, mechanical engineering and other industries. And even if you have nothing to do with them, you still use steel every time you cut food with a knife (unless it’s ceramic, of course).
Stainless steel jewelry
The properties of surgical steel have led to its use in jewelry production around the world. Used for production:
and other similar decorations.
Surgical steel necklaces
Necklaces made from surgical steel are distinguished by high quality, durability and a long-lasting impeccable appearance.
They are not subject to corrosion and do not require special care, as is the case with silver ones.
In the production of necklaces, an alloy with chromium and nickel is most often used. They look beautiful on a woman’s neck, highlight the décolleté and serve as an excellent addition to many different styles for any occasion and season.
Can be made in different styles, for example:
Table of tensile strength of metals
Metal | Designation | Tensile strength, MPa |
Lead | Pb | 18 |
Tin | Sn | 20 |
Cadmium | Cd | 62 |
Aluminum | Al | 80 |
Beryllium | Be | 140 |
Magnesium | Mg | 170 |
Copper | Cu | 220 |
Cobalt | Co | 240 |
Iron | Fe | 250 |
Niobium | Nb | 340 |
Nickel | Ni | 400 |
Titanium | Ti | 600 |
Molybdenum | Mo | 700 |
Zirconium | Zr | 950 |
Tungsten | W | 1200 |
Advantages of medical steel jewelry
Surgical steel is the best alloy for making jewelry. Jewelry made from medical steel is an alternative to jewelry made from silver and gold. It is a material that is similar to precious metals (silver and gold) and is available at much lower prices.
Of course, the natural color of surgical steel is more reminiscent of silver, but you can freely apply gilding, which will make it look like real gold.
- Solid, do not break;
- Scratch and abrasion resistant surface;
- With proprietary UV protection to prevent color change when exposed to light;
- Resistant to oxidation and corrosion;
- A variety of processed surfaces can have a shiny, polished or matte surface.
Such jewelry, unlike silver or gold, does not require maintenance or cleaning.
Surgical steel is generally hypoallergenic and suitable for people with silver allergies.
Gold plated versions do not contain nickel. Sputtering often consists of gold and titanium powder.
Not every woman can afford luxurious and expensive jewelry. While silver jewelry is available at low prices, gold is more often reserved for the wealthy.
Due to the low price of surgical steel jewelry, you can buy many different designs and models.
Safe for skin and does not cause adverse allergic reactions, such as:
Does not contain nickel, an ingredient that can cause allergies. Suitable for people with sensitive skin, allergies to gold or silver, and those looking for a durable and aesthetic alternative to gold and silver.
When worn, they do not react with sweat, water or sunlight, which could negatively affect your skin or health. Recommended to wear in summer, for example to the beach.
Surgical steel is easily combined with various materials. Everyone, even the most demanding person, will find something attractive for themselves or a loved one.
Thin silver and gold chains get tangled and break easily. In the case of surgical steel, such problems do not arise, so they can be worn for many years.
Jewelry is an important element of any style, the finishing touch that adds character and aesthetics. Even a simple outfit can be enriched and given a unique style with the help of a fashionable bracelet, earrings, necklace or rings.
The choice of stainless steel jewelry can be divided according to the occasion or complexion.
How to choose steel jewelry.
Prices.
There are a huge number of foreign online stores that sell jewelry. Prices vary so much that it can be extremely difficult to choose any piece of jewelry for yourself. Don't expect to be able to buy cheap, good jewelry for less than $5. And costume jewelry with Swarovski crystals or any decor is unlikely to cost less than $8-12.
Choose a ring.
When choosing a ring, you need to consider several important points:
If you have long, aristocratic fingers, do not choose a lot of massive rings. Massive rings on thin fingers look ugly and funny. But if your fingers are plump and short, then barely noticeable rings will not suit you.
To complete the look, just one massive ring is enough. A large number of such rings can ruin the overall impression of your look.
If you want to visually make your hand thinner and more elegant, choose rings with oval-shaped stones inserted.
The color of a bright and noticeable stone in the ring should be repeated in other jewelry and clothing. Therefore, when choosing a ring, immediately decide what you will wear it with.
The ring must fit perfectly. It should not rub or cling to clothes.
The ring size can be determined as follows:
- You need to take a strip of paper and wrap it around your finger (the width of the strip is 1-1.5 cm).
- Next, you need to mark the intersection of the strip. Keep in mind that the ring must go through the joint, so pass the folded strip through the entire finger.
- Now you need to measure the resulting length of the strip with a ruler - this will be the circumference of your finger. Then compare your result with the table below and find out your size.
Choosing a necklace.
The color of the beads should not only be in harmony with the outfit, but also match your skin tone. Beads can visually shorten or lengthen the neck, so it is important to choose them correctly.
Bracelets.
The size of the bracelet matters a lot. A bracelet that is too narrow will squeeze and rub your hand. A bracelet that is too wide can slip off your hand and get lost.
Choosing earrings.
You can make your face look thinner if you choose the right earrings. Large earrings make the face more sophisticated, while small and barely noticeable ones, on the contrary, make the facial features larger.
You can also change your face shape with earrings. Elongated earrings make a round face appear longer and vice versa.
Fashionable women's jewelry made of surgical steel
Earrings of a non-standard shape do not go out of fashion and attract the attention of others. Other jewelry is in demand.
Chains
Chains are a hit on the catwalks, both as decorative elements on handbags and as jewelry. Nowadays, chains made of silver or surgical steel of classic round or irregular shape are increasingly used. It’s no wonder that famous bloggers, actresses, singers and other show business stars wear them.
Sold in different lengths, in the form of a necklace. Suitable for both casual styles and elegant business outfits.
Brooches
A brooch is a decorative item of clothing. Recently, brooches made of surgical steel have come back into fashion. Available in different shapes and designs, both simple and sophisticated and original.
Bracelets sets, boho style bracelets
Boho style is a hippie style of wide shirts, dresses with floral patterns, and lots of ornaments. It has been present in jewelry for some time, and in recent years it has even reigned supreme. There is reason to believe that it will not go out of fashion anytime soon. Combines hippie and gypsy style, symbolizes holiday freedom and joy.
Boho jewelry adds character and style to a summer casual look. We especially recommend sets of bracelets and individual bracelets decorated with:
- Feathers;
- Seashells;
- Beads;
- Pebbles;
- Elements made of precious stones;
- Trees;
- Skin
and different shades of metal.
Popular decorative elements in boho style jewelry include:
and other symbols related to nature.
Boho style bracelets and sets are often worn in large quantities. Ideal complement to:
- Loose summer tops;
- Airy dresses and shirts;
- Long dresses;
- Maxi skirts;
- Jeans;
- Shorts.
Boho style is feminine, adds confidence and attracts attention. In boho style, they look beautiful in sets of several bracelets per hand.
Earrings
Earrings made of surgical steel are undoubtedly necessary for every woman who loves fashionable and stylish solutions.
Ear pads are complex earrings that usually:
- Unconventional shape;
- Attract attention;
- Add style and character to your everyday look.
- Worn in pairs or solo. Decorate with fashionable elements, such as stones.
1. Tungsten
The strongest metal found in nature. This rare chemical element is also the most refractory of the metals (3422 °C).
It was first discovered in the form of acid (tungsten trioxide) in 1781 by Swedish chemist Carl Scheele. Further research led two Spanish scientists, Juan José and Fausto d'Elhujar, to the discovery of acid from the mineral wolframite, from which they subsequently isolated tungsten using charcoal.
In addition to its widespread use in incandescent lamps, tungsten's ability to perform in extreme heat makes it one of the most attractive elements for the weapons industry. During World War II, this metal played an important role in initiating economic and political relations between European countries.
Tungsten is also used to make carbide and, in the aerospace industry, to make rocket nozzles.
Cleaning and caring for surgical steel jewelry
Although stainless medical steel jewelry is resistant to damage, it requires proper care to maintain its original appearance.
Jewelry should be stored in a jewelry box and not exposed to chemicals or chlorinated water. Use special products for cleaning.
Surgical steel is also moisture resistant. Therefore, it can be washed with warm soapy water. You should only pay attention to protruding decorative elements, such as eyelets or stones. Then dry the decoration thoroughly.
If stains or darkening occur, clean with a soft brush or sponge. You can use distilled water.
In addition, folk remedies are used to clean products, such as:
- Chalk: rub with chalk and then remove with a damp cloth;
- Wine spirit or natural beer: moisten a soft cloth and wipe;
- Dentifrice;
- Vinegar: apply to the jewelry for 4-5 minutes and then wash off;
- Shampoo.
To brush with tooth powder, take:
- 15 grams of powder
- 30 ml ammonia
- 50 ml water
Wipe the product with a soft cloth soaked in the solution, then rinse with warm water and dry.
In jewelry workshops they use:
- Ultrasonic cleaning;
- Special products for cleaning metal.