Acronym Stainless Steel
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Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Cuff Bracelets
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Cuff Bracelets
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A Close Look at contemporary Jewelry
Contemporary jewelry is inextricably linked with the moment in which it is created, frequently reflecting current social, cultural and political issues such as environmental consciousness, identity and sustainability. It’s informed by fashion trends, from the chokers of the 1990s to the large chain necklaces of the early 2000s.
Jewelry is one of the oldest forms of adornment. Lockets made of silver or gold have been treasured gifts for hundreds of years, for example, and charm bracelets, which have existed since prehistoric times, didn’t become especially popular until the 19th-century reign of Queen Victoria. For many centuries, fine jewelry was used primarily to express wealth or status through lavish materials. Then, in the 1960s, a concept known as the “critique of preciousness” emerged, with jewelers creating pieces that did not get their value from gemstones or precious metals. Instead, it was the jeweler’s artistic vision that was prized and elevated.
This shift still informs Contemporary jewelry being made by artists today. Whether they are using cheap, found materials and working with provocative geometric shapes or seeking out the rarest stones, they are imbuing their work with meaning through their skills, techniques and ideas. Innovative designers such as Elsa Peretti, who popularized sculptural sterling-silver jewelry for Tiffany & Co., and David Yurman, who twisted metal into the simple yet striking Cable bracelet, have also influenced the direction of Contemporary jewelry’s forms and aesthetics.
Meanwhile, technological advancements like metal alloys and laser engraving have led to new possibilities in jewelry design. Now, edgy makers and brands as well as minimalist designers are pushing Contemporary jewelry forward into the 21st century.
Find a collection of Contemporary rings, earrings, necklaces and other jewelry on 1stDibs.
Finding the Right bracelets for You
Today, antique and vintage bracelets are versatile and universally loved accessories that can add polish and pizzazz to any ensemble.
Bracelets were among the jewels discovered to have been buried with Pharaoh Tutankhamun when his tomb was unearthed in 1922, and wrist and arm bracelets were allegedly worn by Queen Puabi in Sumer, southern Mesopotamia. But preceding the adornments of Ancient Egypt and elsewhere, the people of prehistoric times likely wore the decorative accessory, fashioning it from shells and fish bones. When the Bronze Age allowed for more durable materials and semiprecious stones to be incorporated into jewelry, bracelets became a treasured symbol of wealth.
In the thousands of years following the debut of the world’s first bracelets, the artistry behind this common accessory has only broadened, with designers at popular jewelry houses growing more venturesome over time. David Webb looked to nature for his Animal Kingdom bracelets, and for her best-selling bracelets and more at Tiffany & Co., Elsa Peretti would frequently do the same. From bangles to tennis bracelets, the modern age offers plenty of options.
Internationally acclaimed bracelet designs have on occasion become powerful symbols of status, style and, in the case of Cartier's iconic design, love. The Cartier Love bracelet can be found on the wish list of most jewelry lovers and on the wrist of some of the world’s biggest stars. Its arrangement of mock screwheads and distinctive functionality — it was initially locked and unlocked with an accompanying vermeil screwdriver — is an enduring expression of loyalty, unity and romance. (Do you know how to spot a fake Cartier Love bracelet?)
While the Love bracelet has played a role in the skyrocketing popularity of cuff-style bracelets, they are far from the only glamorous option for collectors. Make a statement with an Art Deco design, a style that sees all kinds of iterations fitted with studded cuffs, one-of-a-kind shapes and dazzling insets. A chunky vintage gold bracelet in the Retro style will prove eye-catching and elevate any outfit.
One of the best things about bracelets, however, is that you never have to choose just one. Style icon Jacqueline Kennedy stacked her Croisillon bracelets — designed by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. — with such frequency that the ornate bangles were eventually dubbed “Jackie bracelets” by reporters. Contemporary silver pieces can easily complement each other, rendering a layering of luxury almost a necessity.
Find a diverse collection of bracelets that you can sort by style, stone cut and more on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 14, 2023Whether stainless steel or surgical steel is better is a matter of personal preference. Generally, you'll find more jewelry available in stainless steel than surgical steel. However, surgical steel is often stronger and more resistant to corrosion than stainless steel because it contains more chromium. On 1stDibs, find a variety of steel jewelry.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 8, 2023Yes, stainless steel can be good for earrings. Although stainless steel isn't a precious metal, it has a cool color that many people like, and it can take on a different character depending on whether it has a brushed matte or shiny polished appearance. Stainless steel is also unlikely to tarnish or corrode and offers scratch resistance, making it a durable choice of materials. Explore a large selection of earrings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021A mirror finish on stainless steel is when the surface of the metal is so polished and buffed that it becomes highly reflective and mirror-like.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Yes, stainless steel can be good for wedding rings. Though it's not technically considered a precious metal, stainless steel has an appealing sleek appearance and is unlikely to rust, corrode or fade over time. Stainless steel is also highly durable, making it resistant to scratching. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of wedding rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 26, 2024To clean Georg Jensen stainless steel, hand wash the item with warm water and mild dish soap. The brand recommends that you use a sponge when cleaning. Your Georg Jensen tableware should be cleaned after each use, and if you need to loosen stubborn dirt, use a soft-bristled brush. Experts strongly recommend against the use of a dishwasher when it comes to cleaning Georg Jensen tableware and decor.
On 1stDibs, find antique Georg Jensen serveware, decorative objects and tableware for sale. - 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021The best stainless steel flatware to buy is really a matter of preference. There are all kinds of stainless steel flatware available and the right set for you will make all the difference with every meal regardless of it being a solo weeknight dinner or a special occasion with friends. The good news is that there are no wrong answers for tableware, barware and the other items you can treat yourself to when you’re planning an event at home. On 1stDibs.com, find new, vintage and antique stainless steel flatware in a variety of styles and prices.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The world-renowned watchmaker started using 904L steel in 1985. 904L stainless steel is known for its anti-corrosion properties and gorgeous sheen. Previously, Rolex used 316L stainless steel. You can find an assortment of Rolex watches from the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, Patek Philippe makes stainless steel watches. The Nautilus, Calatrava, Complications and Aquanaut collections all feature stainless steel models, as does the women's Twenty~4 Automatic collection. Depending on the line, you may have your choice of a stainless steel watch with a leather band or metal bracelet. Find a collection of Patek Philippine stainless steel watches on 1stDibs.