The jewelry collection of SB Designs Creations consists of original design jewelry, often featuring handmade components and assembled by hand. Various materials are used for the jewelry, with the materials listed for each piece. Proper care of the jewelry will maximize its lifespan.
Below is a list of all materials that can be used for the jewelry, along with some tips to keep your jewelry beautiful for as long as possible.
Tips to keep your jewelry beautiful for as long as possible:
- The jewelry is coated and water-repellent, but not waterproof. Always remove the jewelry when swimming, showering, or bathing.
- Store the jewelry in a dry place (not in a bathroom) and preferably out of direct sunlight (to prevent discoloration).
- Silver-plated and silver jewelry will eventually oxidize and darken. This is a natural process that cannot be prevented. The rate at which this occurs depends on many factors, including your skin's acidity and exposure to chemicals. Be cautious with perfume and makeup. For example, do not apply perfume directly on the area where you wear the jewelry.
- Be careful with cleaning agents. Do not use an ultrasonic cleaner or any cleaning agents on the jewelry. To polish the jewelry, use only a dry, soft cloth.
Materials used in the Jewelry
Stainless Steel (RVS)
The base metal used for all jewelry is stainless steel, commonly known as rust-resistant or rust-free steel. Stainless steel comes in various grades, which differ in quality. For jewelry, RVS 304 and RVS 316 are typically used. These are high-quality types of stainless steel with minimal nickel content. Nickel is used for strength, but in high-quality stainless steel, the outer layer contains barely any nickel, making it unlikely to cause allergic reactions in most people.
925 Sterling Silver Components
These components contain at least 92.5% silver. Most people can wear this material without issues. Stainless steel earring hooks can almost always be replaced with sterling silver hooks.
Aluminum (Anodized) Components
Anodizing aluminum creates an oxide layer that prevents scratches and wear. For example, dragon scales in the designs are made from this material.
Gemstones
Various types of gemstones are used in the jewelry, often incorporated as beads. Each type of gemstone has unique properties and characteristics.
Glass & Textured Materials
The collection includes glass stones, hand-textured and patterned. One distinctive technique used is marbling, where unique patterns are created by hand through fluid movements. This technique is characteristic of my jewelry and frequently appears in my work.
Clay
Some designs feature clay, specifically professional polymer clay that becomes very sturdy after baking. Jewelry made from this material remains somewhat delicate. These pieces are not suitable for (young) children and should be handled with care. Avoid dropping them or mixing them haphazardly with other jewelry. It is recommended to store them in individual pouches.
Natural Materials & Resin
Some jewelry includes natural materials such as dried flower petals, grass blades, and specific herbs. These are often dried before being used and processed in various ways, including with resin.
Lead & Nickel
The jewelry I make is lead and nickel safe, meaning the outer layer contains no lead and either no nickel or such a minimal amount that it should not cause allergic reactions. In silver-plated components, the outer layer is free of lead and nickel, though the core may contain these metals.
The stainless steel materials I use are high-quality, either RVS 314 or RVS 316, which contain the least amount of nickel. The nickel content is so low that it generally does not cause issues, thus classified as 'lead and nickel safe.' Whether you can tolerate it depends on the severity of your nickel allergy, but most people can wear this quality of stainless steel without problems.
Allergy Advice
It's challenging to determine if someone can tolerate certain materials. Unfortunately, I cannot provide specific advice. Over the years, I've even encountered someone with an allergic reaction to 925 sterling silver components. The best advice is to try different materials and test what you can or cannot tolerate. Disclaimer: I cannot accept returns on jewelry that has been worn.
If you have any specific questions about the jewelry or materials, please feel free to contact us.
Curious about our current offerings? Check out our latest collection.
SB Designs Creations