Stainless steel jewelry industry uplifted by famous designer

For some, owning fine pieces of jewelry can be compared to owning expensive cars. It is an expensive hobby, which is why buyers are always looking out for pieces that give the most value out of their money.

Pieces of jewelry have become more of a statement than just fashion accessories. (Source)

The jewelry-making industry is one of the main buyers of precious and semi-precious metals, including nickel that is used to make stainless steel. Stainless steel jewelry has a silver sheen, but unlike silver, it has a high resistance against corrosion, dings, dents, and scratches. Stainless steel is widely used in the jewelry-making industry since it can be used in many ways: from rings and bracelets to earrings, cufflinks, and watches.

Aside from nickel, stainless steel contains chromium and carbon, and in order to become “stainless,” the metal must contain at least 12 percent chromium. Chromium is responsible for making it stainless by creating an invisible top layer that prevents oxygen from damaging the metal.

Stainless steel is used in making jewelry. (Photo by Jatinsanghvi via Wikimedia Commons. CC BY-SA 3.0)

To identify jewelry that is made from stainless steel, one must look for a pair of numbers that refer to the amounts of chromium and nickel in it. An example would be a ring or a bracelet marked with “20/10,” which means that it contains 20 percent chromium and 10 percent nickel. It is necessary to know that the higher the numbers indicated, the more resistant it is to corrosion and rust.

The rising demand for stainless steel means an intensifying need for high quality nickel in the pipeline, and mining companies focusing on the metal should be able to support the demand. Russia’s Amur Minerals Corporation (OTC:AMMCF) is on its way to produce millions of tons of high-grade nickel from its Kun-Manie deposit, one of the top 20 nickel-sulphide deposits in the world. Just imagine the amount of jewelry to be created with this kind of supply.

For a jewelry buyer, it is normal to seek for pieces that are made or etched in gold and other kinds of precious metals. But it is an uncommon knowledge that stainless steel jewelry handles much more wear and tear and than it is easier to maintain. Stainless steel jewelry is functional, reliable and suitable for frequent everyday use. The nickel in stainless steel jewelry is tightly bound, meaning that it is safe for those with metal allergies since it won’t leak out. Another advantage of stainless steel is its prolonged sheen. Since it is extremely resistant to corrosion, it will not turn black like silver and it will always remain at room temperature to maintain its own town.

The aforementioned qualities of stainless steel make it a top choice for regular jewelry designers to use. However, stainless steel is not the most luxurious material when it comes to high-end items. But with the right creativity and flair, the metal can be turned into posh pieces of clothing ornaments and accessories. Indian lifestyle brand, Arttd’inox, has announced its collaboration with fashion designer Suneet Varma for a luxury collection of stainless steel jewelry.

“We have already been working on the material (stainless steel) and have been designing it since we entered the market, a decade ago. But I haven’t tapped the luxury market. My basic foray initially was into the premium market, though I always felt that stainless steel can become luxurious,” said Deepka Jindal, executive creative director at Arttd’inox to India’s Metrolife magazine. Jindal added that Varma understands the luxury market well, and that his experience in the industry suits the vision of the brand.

Varma is a well-known Indian designer who has collaborated with big names such as BMW, Judith Leiber, Armani Junior, and Swarovski. The Indian fashion culture is known for its extravagant display of gems and pieces, and Varma’s catalog of work brings a whole new level to what stainless steel can be when it comes to jewelry design.

“The frist thing you require when you go into collaborations is your ability to collaborate. I like to learn and I am too curious, so when I took up this offer, I said I would like to know the possibilities of steel and see how much I can explore my craziness and creativity,” said Varma, in a report by Deccan Herald.

Some mannequins at a Holt Renfrew store. (Photo by Colin Rose via Wikimedia Commons. CC BY 2.0)

“You will see steel in 24-carat gold, steel in cut glass, steel in gemstones, and steel in engravings, and possibly a steel sculpture as well. They need me to create a dream and that is what I would be doing,” added the designer when asked about his designs that are set to hit the market by January 2016.

(Source: 1)

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