A compound resulting from the combination of tungsten and carbon produces this incredibly hard alloy that can withstand almost anything. This alternative metal jewelry is so tough that the only thing capable of scratching it is diamond.
In the past years, people would not look twice to jewelry if they are not made of precious metals like gold, silver or platinum. For so long, jewelry served as an investment diverging from its sole role as an image and style enhancer. But this time around, many fashion and jewelry designers are creating and adding alternative metal jewelry to their high to mid range collections.
Here's a comparison of the three most popular trends in alternative metal jewelry: Stainless steel jewelry, titanium jewelry and tungsten carbide jewelry.
Stainless Steel Jewelry
Stainless steel jewelry has been popular for a few decades now. Touting impressive qualities such as dependable durability, resistance to corrosion and a sheen that can rival silver, stainless steel jewelry took the attention of men searching for alternative metal jewelry. In the recent years, stainless steel jewelry has also captured the style of many women as more and more designs gets available.
Compared to other alternative metal jewelry, stainless steel jewelry is more popular due to the fact that it is far easier to produce and manipulate. Though it is tough and durable, stainless steel jewelry is still versatile enough to be crafted into different types of accessories, can be ion plated to resemble other types of metals and can work perfectly with various materials like rubber, gemstones and organic accents. Stainless steel jewelry, like other alternative metal jewelry, require minimal to no maintenance and can be crafted without nickel making it perfect for active and stylish people wanting comfortable accessories. Stainless steel jewelry is also more affordable compared to alternative metal jewelry like titanium or tungsten carbide and costs only a fraction of gold or silver.
Titanium Jewelry
Titanium jewelry is another alternative metal jewelry that has gotten fashion attention. It is considered as the hardest naturally occurring metal in the world. As an alternative metal jewelry, titanium became popular due to its strength and lightweight. It is 45% lighter than stainless steel and has strength that can last a lifetime as titanium cannot be melted unless in a vacuum.
Compared to precious metals, titanium is far superior when it comes to strength. Like stainless steel jewelry, titanium is also an alternative metal jewelry that can come in different colors using plating techniques, with colors that will never fade. But the downside of titanium is that it cannot be soldered which makes it rather limited when it comes to designs available. Rings made of this alternative metal jewelry cannot be resized and the prong setting styles common in engagement rings cannot be made using titanium.
Titanium is an alternative metal jewelry popular more to men than women. It is 100% hypo-allergenic making titanium perfect for anyone to wear, even as body piercing jewelry. Like other alternative metal jewelry, titanium requires minimal to no maintenance.
Tungsten Carbide Jewelry
A compound resulting from the combination of tungsten and carbon produces this incredibly hard alloy that can withstand almost anything. This alternative metal jewelry is so tough that the only thing capable of scratching it is diamond. It also has a very good characteristic called permanent polish: once polished, tungsten carbide jewelry will no longer have to be polished again, ever. Tungsten carbide is four times harder than any other metal currently used in jewelry. But this strength also proves to be this alternative metal jewelry's weakness.
Tungsten carbide is only available in grey-white color similar to white gold or titanium which results to limited alternative metal jewelry designs available. It is also rather expensive to manufacture that is why most tungsten carbide jewelry available are only wedding rings. Tungsten carbide rings cannot be resized. Among the alternative metal jewelry, tungsten carbide is the heaviest and most expensive.
Retailers and consumers alike can explore the qualities and styles offered by alternative metal jewelry. Between stainless steel jewelry, titanium jewelry and tungsten carbide jewelry, there are a lot of different styles to choose from that will suit your needs. If you need great style, high polish and dependable durability in your inventory or personal style, then try out alternative metal jewelry.
Titanium Jewelry: Profitable And Satisfying
Nevertheless, the non-precious status of titanium can also serve retailers and customers well because unlike gold and silver whose prices are volatile, the price of titanium is not dependent on economic forces.
Profitability Of Titanium Jewelry
A great part of the consumer market for jewelry made of titanium are men who either buy it as casual accessories or as special occasions jewelry like engagement or wedding rings. Women are also great patrons of titanium accessories as more and more designers adapt the metal to their lines and collections.
Physical Effects Of Wearing Body Jewelry
The style and design are not just the things to consider as the material of the jewelry should be taken into account too. Low quality body jewelry that contain lead or nickel can produce allergic reactions for many people which can be uncomfortable and even dangerous.
