For those white metal lovers who worship sterling silver, break out a new altar. Stainless steel has hit the express lane to popularity.
Forget about your local hospital being the last stop for 316L, better known as surgical stainless steel. If you peruse fashion mags on a regular basis, the models have been sporting sleek sweatshirt (lưới an toàn ban công) complemented by contemporary, high-tech looking earrings, rings, bracelets and pendants on black rubber cords or matching stainless steel chains reflecting a new, chic look.
Now, I’m not suggesting that you run out and buy a stainless steel piece of jewelry merely to copy some stick-thin model pushing the latest trend. I am suggesting however, that you invest in this piece of jewelry for more practical purposes, and yeah– while your’re at it– maintain a sense of style.
Don’t struggle with trying to decide whether this look is for you because your jewelry box just happens to be filled with nice pieces; let the facts influence your choice. Yes, sterling silver does have a proven track record of style and durability, but not all of it is created equal, as this metal is notorious for failure to fend off tarnish, plus, it’s too “bendable.”
Stainless steel is recyclable and hypo-allergenic, meaning it will not cause allergic reactions in most people; it’s sturdy, and indeed stainless, as it will not rust for a long time, if ever. Have you ever looked at the back of your watch? The base metal is almost always stainless steel, which is why you’re able to wear your time piece for years, decades, even without rust occurring, whereas certain types of sterling silver-think cheap-“turn” and then cause irritation after just one exposure to the skin. Moreover, if you try to stave off breakdown of your jewelry, it requires investment in anti-tarnish products, polishing cloths and mysterious cleaning chemicals to maintain lustre, all factors that veer into the labor intensive zone, an area you want to avoid with your accessories. Think about practicality and your pocketbook: all you need is a nice jewelry box and an occasional wipe down for your stainless steel.
You’re almost convinced to make your first purchase but you’re thinking this metal is too fashion forward for you. Well, put your hesitation to rest; there’s something for everyone in the world of stainless steel. The style transcends race, sex and economic background. Stainless steel is a work horse. Designers crank out styles ranging from conservative “grandma” pieces to the funky, freaky adornments worn by the younger set, including those who like to wear piercings.
You can rock a stainless steel piece with anything from polo shirts, t-shirts, jeans, dresses and expensive suits due to versatility of the jewelry’s features such as black carbon fiber or rubber, enameling and gold tone plate. Some pendants even come in a wide range of themes, have movable parts and accents of white cubic zirconia.
A popular style that occurs frequently in the fashion mags is a rugged-looking stainless steel bracelet accented with black carbon fiber. Male models wearing this style exude money and coolness.
Mademoiselles need to keep their options open as well. They too can take advantage of stainless steel’s price/style versatility. A well-dressed woman can fool even the best observers into thinking that high polished hoop earrings are the sterling silver variety bought at a high-end department store when the actual cost is much less (hint, guys who are shopping on a budget). Remember, stainless steel prices will not stay low forever. Big name companies have already started offering nice jewelry but their prices are inching up to cover a brand name and profit. Plus, the economics of supply and demand will affect the price tag.
An educated consumer knows how to navigate the minefield of jewelry shopping. The risk averse types who are not quite sold on buying a so-called non-precious metal might want to use a simple formula for concluding the value of their potential purchase. Can you live without timelessness, affordability and durability? Platinum, gold and silver possess these attributes. Add stainless steel to the list.
write by Lysandra