The popularity of steel jewelry today can be directly related to its extreme properties that allow it to be virtually indestructible. He is the superman of all metals. Stainless steel was discovered between 1900 and 1915, but there were efforts to collect the metal dating back to 1821. While experimenting with metal alloys and their resistance to most acids, they found a new combination that produced steel.
For this to be done, chrome must be used. A Frenchman named Berthier studied the iron matrix and the effects chromium had on it. He found that at least 10.5% chromium must be used to make metals more durable. Later, in 1872, another Frenchman named Brustlein discovered that carbon (at least 0.15%) had to be mixed with chrome and iron to produce stainless steel.
In the early days, steel was used primarily for industrial items such as car grills, appliances, railways, vehicles, and many other commercial items. Later, jewelers began to see the value that steel pieces could bring to those seeking timeless jewelry. In 1847, steel jewelry arrived in the form of watches. They were created by the Cartier dynasty in Paris, France, which was founded by Louis-Francois Cartier. These wristwatches were created for their men’s jewelry line.
People began to see more trends in the realm of stainless steel jewelry as the years went by. In the 1980s, steel bracelets, rings, and steel earrings became available, among other pieces. The popularity of stainless steel wristwatches, which were known to last a long time, may have influenced the growth of steel in jewelry fashion. Jewelry made of steel is not only a fashion statement piece, but is recommended by doctors for patients who have allergic reactions to nickel, which can be found in sterling silver and gold less than 14k.
Stainless steel is often compared to gold because they both last long and exude style. Of course, stainless steel jewelry lasts longer than gold because it is immune to many more elements, including time itself. Jewelry collectors looking for an unconventional style have chosen stainless steel rings and bracelets over sterling silver and gold. Compared to sterling silver, Steel has a darker silver-grey color. More and more people are beginning to lean more towards steel, especially in men’s jewelry. There are various types of steel jewelry finishes, such as hot rolled, cold rolled, brushed, reflective, mirror, shot blasted, heat colored, satin, coarse abrasive and bright annealed. They are classified into different types, which are series numbered between 100 and 600.
There are more jewelers selling steel for women and product lines for men, containing bracelets, rings, necklaces, watches, anklets and earrings. Stainless steel is more popular than conventional metals due to its lifetime warranty. Steel is by far one of the most sought after metals, not only in the jewelry industry, but also in the housing, construction, decoration, and other industries that require durable materials.
