Why I Create in Stainless?

peace bracelet

Handmade One of a Kind Personalized Jewelry

  • Irresistible Designs
  • Masterfully Crafted in our California Studio
  • Handcrafted in Timeless Stainless Steel 
  • Dazzling Austrian Crystals
  • Real Gemstones, Amethyst, Onyx, Carnelian, and others
  • Freshwater Pearls
  • Will never turn color or tarnish, no plated metals
  • Custom Sizing Available
  • Engineered for comfort and a perfect fit
  • Lifetime Warranty ~ Easy Returns

Stainless has been my metal of choice since
Since 2002

I've been Creating Stainless Jewelry since 2002?
As an artist Stainless is the only metal for my designs.  When it comes to the best quality of stainless to use, 316L has all the others beat for shine and beauty and is the highest quality of stainless steel used in jewelry.  When I fell in love with stainless steel almost 20 years ago I wanted a metal that was beautiful, affordable, durable, and would never tarnish unlike Sterling Silver than can contain nickel and other fillers to work harden the metal. Plated metals were out which means your jewelry contains won't turn that ugly orange color and end up in the bottom of your jewelry drawer.  Stainless is durable and hard on its own, thus it contains no fillers, so you won't have any allergic reaction, on top of that it is a sustainable and recyclable, great for our planet.  Stainless is the main metal in all our jewelry.  Our chains, clasps, jump rings and all components are 316L stainless steel and over 40% of our charms are now in 316L stainless steel.  The remaining charms are handcast in the United States of pewter.  I don't and won't use any charms manufactured overseas because they can be toxic.  You can read my current blog on the Tibetan charms and why you will never find plated metals in my jewelry.  

Does Stainless Rust, Tarnish or Change Color?
Stainless Steel is a hard metal that resists scratches and tarnishing thanks to an invisible layer of chromium that prevents oxidation. It also is not plated, this is a pure silver color, so it will never change color. This makes Stainless the perfect metal for durable, long-lasting jewelry.

How do you Clean Stainless Jewelry?
Here's a quick video on how to clean Stainless Steel Jewelry.

Does Stainless Jewelry Last?
Since our 316L stainless is never plated or painted, with minimal upkeep your jewelry will last for years.  Many of our customers have our jewelry for 20 years or more and still wear it like it is new (you'll find this throughout our reviews).  Plus you will find our pieces being resold as vintage through estate sales and other venues. Just look for the Blackberry Designs Jewelry Logo Tag for an authentic piece. Here's a recent review from Jaimi who has been wearing my handmade designs for over 10 years.
  
Is Stainless Steel Jewelry Safe and Hypoallergenic?
Generally the fillers in jewelry and not the metal itself is what causes the allergenic reactions in jewelry.  Our 316 stainless does not contain allergic fillers like nickel, brass, or copper so is a low allergen metal. 

Will Stainless Steel Turn my Wrist Green?
For the same reason stainless steel is a hypoallergenic metal it will not oxidize and turn your wrist, neck, or finger green.  Generally the green is caused by the acids in your body reacting with copper, brass or nickel.  None of these metals exist in our jewelry.

Stainless Steel is Sustainable!

Stainless was a perfect marriage for my one of a kind designs and line of jewelry as it was a green product.  It is 100% recyclable, is not coated with any toxic material and does not produce toxic run-off.  During production, stainless steel already uses 70% recycled metal as its primary raw material.

Even if stainless steel is not recycled and it does find its way to a landfill or disposal site, it will have no detrimental effect to the soil or groundwater and is the preferred material for green building throughout the world. Its impact on the environment is minimal when compared to other jewelry materials as it continues to be re-used and recycled.

Why are you a Made to Order Company?
My pieces are all currently made to order using sustainable production practices so there is no overproduction, surplus waste or excess inventory.  Which means I can keep costs down, that I pass on to you, and custom size at no additional charge.

 

 Dea Shelton,
Artist & Designer