Stainless Steel Enamel Jewelry
The vibrant hues of enamel in jewelry weave tales of beauty, style and history. It’s a fascinating material that adds a touch of class and charm to any accessory.
Enameled items are surprisingly durable. But like any piece of fine jewelry, they can be harmed by harsh chemicals (like household cleaners or chlorine) or extreme temperatures.
Durability
Stainless steel jewelry is durable and resists tarnishing, corrosion, and oxidation. It’s also hypoallergenic. The metal is comprised of a mixture of iron and chromium. It’s often used in furniture and kitchen tools, but it’s most well-known for its use in high-end watches and jewelry. Stainless steel is a versatile and attractive metal that’s easy to work with.
Vitreous enamel is a smooth, hard material that adheres to metal, forming a protective layer over it. Unlike paint, enamel is a glass rather than a polymer, so it doesn’t fade under ultraviolet light. Enamel can be transparent, opaque or opalescent (translucent), and it can be layered to create unique finishes. It’s commonly used for decorative art, and it was also popular in Victorian gothic pieces.
While it provides significant protection from rust, the durability of enamel depends on its underlying base metal. If the metal is not properly treated and maintained, it will rust and tarnish quickly.
Luckily, a few simple steps can help to protect your enamel jewelry and preserve its luster for years to come. Be sure to store it in a dry location and keep your pieces away from perfumes, lotions, or household chemicals. It’s also a good idea to remove your enamel pieces Fashion Jewellery during strenuous activities. These activities can cause the enamel to chip, and rough contact with other jewelry materials may scratch or damage the metal.
Style
Whether it’s a pendant necklace, a set of earrings or a bold brooch, enamel jewelry adds a beautiful pop of color to any outfit. This stunning jewelry is made by fusing powdered glass to a base metal at high temperatures. Jewelers have used this technique for centuries to create one-of-a-kind designs. The art form really took off in the 15th century with the development of adhesives that could hold the enamel until it was fired in a kiln.
Enamelling is used for a variety of metal consumer items and can even be found on some appliances, such as steel sinks and cast iron bathtubs. It is also a popular choice for decorative art, including enamel paintings. It is a relatively durable material that is not easy to damage, making it a great choice for everyday wear.
Enamels can be applied to stainless steel enamel jewelry a variety of metals, although the most common are copper and silver. They can be either opaque or translucent. The transparent enamels, called vitreous, are usually bright and vivid in color. Opaque enamels, on the other hand, can be dull or lustrous.
There are several different techniques for applying enamel to a piece of jewelry, including champleve and cloisonne. The latter involves hammering or stamping the surface of the metal to create depressions or enclosures where enamel is applied. Renaissance artisans popularized this method, which is also known as wet packing. The sifted enamel powder is wetted to fill the depressions or enclosures, then it is fired to fuse and harden it into a smooth surface.
Allergy-Friendly
Enameling has been a favorite art form since ancient times. This decorative jewelry technique involves fusing powdered glass to a metal surface, creating lustrous and vibrant color patterns. Enamel can be applied in many different ways to create unique styles and effects, including cloisonné, grisaille, or dalle de verre. Enamel jewelry is surprisingly durable, but it is prone to chipping if handled roughly or exposed to harsh chemicals like household cleaners, chlorine in pools, and certain cosmetics.
Stainless steel is a popular metal for stamped pendants, engraved cuff bracelets, and earrings. Its hypoallergenic properties make it a popular earring choice for customers with sensitive ears, which can be a major selling point during gifting seasons or with new arrival promotions. Stainless steel earrings also tend to be more affordable than sterling silver and gold-colored accessories, which can cause costly reactions in some patients.
Nickel is a common allergen found in metal jewelry. However, stainless steel contains a minimal amount of nickel and is safe for most wearers. It is recommended that you talk to your customers about their skin sensitivity before making any recommendations. Some patients may also be allergic to other metals like chromium or cobalt. This is due to the cross-reactivity of these alloys with nickel and other jewelry materials. Often, this type of reaction is more severe in hairdressers and workers who handle cash and coins frequently, as well as those who have a medical condition like eczema or psoriasis.
Repairability
When paired with the right jewelry care products, enamel pieces are able to remain beautiful and in-tact for years to come. Regular cleaning and repolishing keep these items shiny, bright, and colorful without chipping or wearing down. Keeping the items separate from other pieces of jewelry and avoiding contact with harsh chemicals is crucial to preserving their color and luster.
Depending on the level of damage, repairing enamel jewelry is relatively easy. First, the jewelry piece needs to be cleaned thoroughly so that it can be prepped for repair work. A smooth pair of tweezers can be used to gently lift dust and other particles from hard-to-reach areas. Alternatively, jewelry cleaner can also be used to remove any dirt and residue that may have built up over time.
After the item is completely clean, a jeweler can apply one of several repair methods to fix broken enamel jewelry. These can include nail polish, acrylic paints (typically mixed with water), and non-toxic super glue. These materials are generally sprayed onto both sides of the enamel and allowed to dry before wearing or handling the item.
The value of enamel jewelry is largely dependent on the quality of its workmanship. A high-quality enamel, paired with a sturdy stainless steel base, creates a durable and long-lasting piece that will last a lifetime. In addition, the vibrant colors of these pieces help to enrich a person’s wardrobe while telling an interesting and enduring story.
