When we think about metal jewelry, we often picture pieces made out of silver, gold, or platinum. However, another type of metal is having a moment as more jewelry brands are using stainless steel to make allergy-friendly collections. One of these brands is Blomdahl, a Sweden-based jewelry company that focuses on hypoallergenic pieces, and they currently use stainless steel to make necklaces, bracelets, and anklets. “[We use] the highest grade of stainless steel, covered with a ceramic coating on top that we developed with our dermatologists and tested in hospitals,” says Blomdahl CEO Nina Andersson in an interview with The New York Times.
Indeed, those with sensitive skin may benefit from wearing stainless steel jewelry as it doesn’t cause rashes, swelling, or other allergic reactions that may cramp one’s style. But apart from that, stainless steel pieces are a good alternative to gold or silver jewelry since they’re more cost effective and eco-friendly to boot. Here are all the reasons why you should wear stainless steel accessories, and why they’re a sustainable choice to enhance your style.
Stainless Steel has a Low Carbon Footprint
When compared to other types of metal, stainless steel has a lower carbon footprint since its production process emits less greenhouse gases and requires less energy. Moreover, unlike gold, silver, or platinum, there’s no need to do extensive mining or refining since stainless steel is made of iron and carbon, and iron can be obtained by recycling scrap metal. This means that anything that’s made of metal, such as old appliances, cars, and construction materials can be recycled to make stainless steel jewelry. What’s more, stainless steel fashion accessories can be recycled over and over again, so your necklace or cuff can be turned into laser engraved stainless steel tags or a stainless steel ring.
Doesn’t Tarnish, Fade, or Corrode
There’s nothing quite like the warm glow of gold jewelry or the luster of silver fashion accessories. However, pure gold pieces can accumulate dirt and fade over time, while gold plated jewelry can tarnish once the plating wears off and the metal underneath is exposed. Meanwhile, silver jewelry, no matter how much it’s cared for, can fade in as fast as two months. It can also tarnish if it’s repeatedly exposed to moisture, acids, and chlorine. This is why if you want jewelry that will look good for a long time, choose stainless steel pieces to add to your collection.
Unlike other types of metal, stainless steel is resistant to rust and tarnish, which is why it’s used by companies that make hypoallergenic jewelry. The presence of chromium in the metal protects it from becoming discolored or corroding over time, so you can wear stainless steel jewelry everyday without worrying about it. Moreover, you can maintain its shine by simply cleaning it with mild soap and water– no need for chemical jewelry cleaners, which can be harmful to the environment.
Durable and Scratch-Resistant
Another thing that makes stainless steel jewelry a must have is that it’s durable and can withstand scratches. Unlike other metal jewelry, it doesn’t get damaged easily, nor does it need to be meticulously maintained through regular polishing or buffing. With just a bit of care, your jewelry can look good for years, so you can save money on fashion accessories. And since you don’t need to discard or replace your stainless steel accessories often, this means that you won’t be contributing to the metal wastes accumulating in landfills all over the world.
Stainless Steel Jewelry Must-Haves
There are lots of stainless steel accessories out there that deserve a place in your jewelry box– it’s just a matter of looking for the right pieces that complement your lifestyle and aesthetic. For instance, if you’re a minimalist, a stainless steel watch is a must-have since it goes well with almost everything, and you can wear it on any occasion. Men and women can wear stainless steel studs or hoops to add some edge to their look. Meanwhile, wearing a thin stainless steel bracelet or bangle can make you look elegant and classy, especially if you pair it with timeless or classic pieces such as a button down shirt and blue jeans.
Wearing stainless steel jewelry is an eco-friendly way to amp up your look. Add a few stainless steel pieces to your collection, and enjoy wearing them everyday!
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