Taking care of wood jewelry:
Wood jewelry is one of the most demanding materials of organic jewelry. The basic guidelines for the care of these materials are the following:
– Take them out when you shower or swim. Some wood likes to absorb water. This can cause it to discolor or warp, causing them to break if they have inlays. It can also effect any glue or adhesive used
– No alcohol or peroxide. Using these to clean wood, can also damage it. Use an alcohol free cleanser, or just rub virgin olive oil.
– Invest in some oil. Every so often with wood,. The best oils for this purpose are jojoba, olive, peanut, mineral, or Vitamin E oil.
Stainless Steel Jewelry
Why Stainless Steel Jewelry Is Stainless
Iron, the primary metal in all forms of steel, rusts readily. Stainless steel, an alloy of iron, carbon, chromium, and traces of other metals, is highly resistant to rust or corrosion. A phenomenon known as passivation makes the steel less reactive with its environment, preventing the oxidation reaction that occurs in iron. The chromium in the alloy forms a thin, invisible film of chromium oxide on the surface of the metal that protects iron oxide, or rust, from forming. This passive film also prevents staining and discoloration of the metal under normal circumstances. Few chemicals can etch or corrode the metal, and stainless steel jewelry will not encounter most of these. However, an atmosphere that lacks sufficient oxygen can prevent the chromium oxide film from forming and passivation from occurring in certain types of stainless steel. This property is why not all stainless steel is suitable for body jewelry as piercings may preclude the formation of the oxide film that protects the metal from rusting.
Stainless Steel Fashion Jewelry
Although it is almost impervious to accidental staining, stainless steel jewelry can be anodized to produce a rainbow of colors from a rich, glossy black to the palest golds and pinks. The hard metal lends itself well to rings and chains that will retain their shape under the stress of regular wear or an active lifestyle. Popular designs for fashion jewelry in stainless steel include hearts, military-style dog tags, and ID bracelets. Note that stainless steel jewelry is difficult for a jeweler to resize or to adjust the fit by bending. For jewelry that must be a specific size, it is important to choose the appropriate ring size or chain length.
Men’s Stainless Steel Jewelry
Stainless steel jewelry’s relatively low cost and high strength has made it a popular metal for the larger, bulkier styles usually found in men’s jewelry. A heavy figaro bracelet that would be prohibitively expensive in platinum or white gold looks similar in stainless steel for a fraction of the cost. The metal’s industrial uses in military, architectural, and engineering fields gives it cachet as a more masculine metal. Although women’s fashion jewelry comes in stainless steel, relatively few fine jewelry items are available for women. Men’s fine jewelry is becoming widely available in high-quality stainless steel, though; wedding bands and top-quality timepieces in stainless steel are becoming increasingly popular.
Properties of Stainless Steel Jewelry
Stainless steel has many characteristics that make it a good choice for jewelry, but some special properties make it especially useful for some wearers. When choosing jewelry, consider how and where it will be worn. Stainless steel may be the right choice even over precious metals for some wearers.
Low Reactivity
The chromium oxide film that prevents tarnish and rust from forming on stainless steel also keeps it from reacting to many other chemicals. Environments that contain a high chlorine or salt content can accelerate tarnish in silver, but they do not affect stainless steel. For divers, swimmers, and other aquatic athletes, stainless steel jewelry is an excellent choice. Those who must regularly wash their hands will find rings that are impervious to regular immersion in soapy water a benefit. While all stainless steel has a small amount of nickel, the alloy does not generally trigger a reaction from metal-sensitive skin, which is why it is used in surgical instruments and medical implants. Those who find that other costume jewelry stains their skin often find stainless steel jewelry an inexpensive and attractive option.
Resistance to Tarnish
Jewelry that never needs polishing is a boon to those who prefer low-maintenance accessories. Steel jewelry with intricate details may need occasional cleaning in an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner or with a polishing cloth, but it does not need regular buffing or tarnish removal. Wearing sterling silver is one of the best ways to keep it free from tarnish, but stainless steel jewelry will remain new-looking even after spending months in a jewelry box.
Excellent Durability
For anyone who is hard on fine jewelry in more malleable materials, stainless steel jewelry is an excellent choice. It will not readily warp or lose its fine detail to nicks and scrapes. Brushed and satin finishes retain their luster longer when wrought in harder metals. While fashion jewelry may be changed out regularly, pieces that are worn every day such as wedding bands or medical alert ID jewelry must be sturdy enough to withstand years of use.