Trends Around Stainless Steel
The global stainless steel market had a $111.44 billion valuation in 2022. This metal is used in nearly everything, from the automotive and construction industries to kitchen accessories and cookware. One of the most used materials in manufacturing, it is resistant to corrosion and acid, making it perfect for jewelry too.
Stainless steel jewelry has been around for over a century and has a rich history. Let’s explore all there is to this material and its incredible uses in the jewelry industry.
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The Evolution of Stainless Steel
Stainless steel was created by an English chemist, Harry Brearly, in 1913. Commonly referred to as the Superman of all metals, there were efforts to collect the metal as early as 1821.
Steel, and later stainless steel, became extremely popular metals in all aspects of life. Surgical scalpels and tools were some of the first products manufactured from stainless steel.
In the 1920s, when the material’s hygienic and corrosion-resistant properties were discovered, it was used in surgical implants and the food and beverage industry.
It was also used to build aircraft in 1931. From kitchen sinks and washing machine drums to turbine blades, flood barriers, and cameras, stainless steel has been a major component across industries. It is no wonder it is a popular material in the fashion and jewelry industry.
Why Is Stainless Steel So Popular?
Stainless steel’s resistance to corrosion and rust is just one factor of its popularity. It is also insusceptible to extreme temperatures and has incredible strength.
It is an aesthetically pleasing material that can be polished to give it a glossy sheen that looks luxurious and appealing. It also has a low life cycle cost.
What Makes Stainless Steel Better Than Traditional Metals?
Stainless steel is a preferred material over traditional metals like gold and silver for non-precious jewelry. There are several reasons for this:
- It is harder and more resilient, thereby lasting longer for daily wear.
- It can be plated with other metals for a more luxurious aesthetic while maintaining its strength.
- It is safe for use for people with sensitive skin.
Longer-lasting, significantly less expensive, and versatile—it’s no wonder stainless steel has become a popular choice for jewelry designers.
A Brief History of Stainless Steel Jewelry
Cartier used steel in their men’s jewelry line, particularly for watches, as early as the mid-1800s. Once stainless steel was discovered, bracelets, rings, and earrings became increasingly popular—stainless steel watches were known for their longevity and durability.
Here is a quick rundown of stainless steel jewelry's history:
- 1920 to 1939: Stainless steel was used in Art Deco-inspired pieces and combined with enamel, chrome, and other materials to create interesting, bold geometric designs.
- 1939 to 1949: During World War II, soldiers wore personalized dog tags made from stainless steel. Military-inspired jewelry soon became popular amongst civilians.
- 1950 to 1969: Manufacturers began experimenting with intricate designs and new techniques for cufflinks, watches, and tie bars.
- 1970 to 1989: Stainless steel was popularly associated with heavy metal and punk subculture. It was used to create chains, spikes, and other oversized, bold jewelry pieces with industrial motifs.
Stainless steel jewelry continues to be incredibly popular today owing to its wonderful designs, durability, longevity, and overall versatility.
Stainless Steel Jewelry Today
Today, 3D metal printing and other technological advancements have given designers more freedom to make creative, intricate, and highly diverse shapes with stainless steel. The innovation has thus made the metal more popular than ever, for all kinds of jewelry and accessories.
Cartier has been a leader in incorporating stainless steel in their jewelry. Other companies, such as Tiffany & Co. and David Yurman, are also known for making exquisite pieces with stainless steel. It is also a popular metal used by small, independent jewelry businesses on platforms like Etsy.
Latest Trends in Stainless Steel Jewelry
Jewelry trends tend to change fairly often, but as versatile as stainless steel is, designers and manufacturers can keep up easily.
Here are the prominent trends that have showcased the effectiveness of stainless steel as a jewelry material:
Layering
Layering offers a lot of scope for self-expression. Stacking rings and wearing layers of necklaces, such as chunky chains and dainty chokers, are a lot of fun.
However, it can be difficult to accomplish the perfect layered set for those with sensitive skin prone to irritation from certain types of jewelry.
Stainless steel is a fantastic solution for layering enthusiasts, as it is hypoallergenic. It won’t cause any adverse reactions, and you can wear as many necklaces or rings as you wish!
Minimalism
Minimalism is a timeless style with simple, classic, elegant pieces perfect for any occasion. Stainless steel is the ideal choice of metal for this as a quick polish gives it a stunning sheen—it looks exquisite, even if it’s just a simple band.
Mixed Metals
Another popular trend is mixing different metals, such as silver and gold, to achieve depth and dimension. However, the materials must be chosen well, as some metals tend to scratch and dull with a bit of friction.
Stainless steel is an excellent material to achieve a mixed metal look, as the invisible Chromium film can repair itself when exposed to oxygen. This minimizes the risk of scratches, so jewelry remains stunning and looks brand new.
The Future of Stainless Steel: How Sustainable Is It?
Stainless steel is a very sustainable and environmentally friendly material, as it is relatively straightforward to manufacture. It generates no chemical waste and requires less fuel as no rigorous processes are involved in its production.
It is also 100% recyclable and can be melted and reused several times over without compromising the quality of the material. Around 85% of stainless steel products undergo end-of-life recycling, and new products typically have approximately 50% to 80% of recycled stainless steel content.
With low energy consumption, minimal carbon emissions, and an endless potential to be recycled, stainless steel is perfect for sustainable, eco-friendly jewelry enthusiasts.
Final Thoughts
Stainless steel has a rich history and is a durable, high-quality material with many different uses. Regardless of your personal jewelry preferences, you will surely find some beautiful Artizan Joyeria pieces to suit your taste. Our stainless steel jewelry is meant to last for years without tarnishing.
Strong, durable, visually appealing, and eco-friendly—what more could you want from your jewelry?
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