What is Enamel Jewelry
Enamel jewelry is a jewelry that has a thick coating of fused glass or resin over a base metal. This metal is usually a cheap one like copper, stainless steel, iron or nickel. This type of jewelry offers a lot of different designs, colors and patterns which might not be possible with bare metal. It is a part of fashion jewelry and can be used in everyday life.
What Type of Jewelries use Enamel?
Enamel jewelry mostly consists of low value jewelry. Fast fashion brands like ZARA and H&M use it the most. However, some people might enamel their sentimental pieces in order to protect them. It all depends on the demand of the person. But usually it is used in creating low value jewelry like fashion jewelry. Expensive pieces are very rare in enamel jewelry.
Materials used in Enamel Jewelry
Enamel jewelry is made for the purpose of looking colorful, pretty and unique. Common materials are enamel itself, resin, fused glass and epoxy. All of these materials are synthetic and can be made in excess quantities and specifications. So, you can get a lot of variety in colors, shades, patterns and designs in enamel jewelry.
Is Enamel Safe for Skin?
Generally, enamel does not react with skin. But some manufacturers might use cheap quality enamel in their jewelry. In this case it can react with the skin. Common problems from enamel can be skin rash, mild allergy but nothing more. If you have sensitive skin, then its better to avoid enamel or any kind of synthetic material jewelry. And look for premium metal jewelry like gold.
Pros of Enamel Jewelry
Here are pros of enamel jewelry.
1. Affordable
It is affordable if you are buying every day fashion jewelry. You can easily get a necklace made in enamel for $15 to $20 with a variety of colors. However, if you want to enamel a sentimental piece or do some customization related to enamel, it can cost more than this. Anklets are an important part.
If you compare it to even cheapest of metal jewelry like stainless steel or copper, it is still cheap than those.
2. Easily Available
You can easily find enamel jewelry on internet. A lot of fashion jewelry stores deal in it. You can easily find it in big offline fast fashion jewelry stores as well.
It also saves a lot of time of people as it is ready made. You don’t have to go through the hassle of first ordering, then waiting and checking whether ordered item meets the order specifications or not.
3. Variety of Colors
Metal jewelry does not offer a lot of colors. All of the colors offered by metals are often natural, not synthetic. That’s why you don’t get a variety of colors.
Enamel comes in a lot of colors and shades. You can easily get whatever you like. This way it becomes easier to get jewelry of your choice. Whether you want rings of your favorite superhero or a beautiful necklace featuring a cartoon, it is all easy to get in enamel jewelry.
4. Customization
Enamel jewelry offers a new level of customization as creating new designs with enamel is not a big problem. Unique designs and patterns can be created easily in enamel jewelry. But if you are buying low value jewelry such as ready-made, then customization options can be almost none. Because it is not worth it to offer customization option for a $20 bracelet.
Cons of Enamel Jewelry
Here are some of the cons of enamel jewelry.
1. Not Durable
Enamel Jewelry is not durable. It can break easily and cannot last for a long time. Actually it is created to break easily. That’s why it is very cheap. It can also get scratches quickly. Any falling on floor can scratch it.
You cannot expect enamel jewelry to withstand any strong damages like stretching, force etc. If you are buying enamel jewelry, don’t take care of it too much, it is not going to last for a long time.
2. Can Break Easily
Normally, jewelry items made in enamel are made together with an elastic band. This band is not long-lasting and can break easily. Once this band is broken, all of the pieces will scatter.
3. Low Value
Enamel jewelry is a low value jewelry created for low budget customers. You cannot expect it to have any value when reselling or gifting. It also does not come in any premium packaging.
4. No Premium Looks
Although enamel can come in different colors, it lacks premium looks and shine of expensive metals like gold. If you wear enamel jewelry regularly, its shine is not going to last more than a day or two. So, once it loses its glamour, its charm will go away.
How to Care for Enamel Jewelry
Here are some tips you should follow to protect your enamel jewelry and make it long lasting.
- Don’t use force. It can break the jewelry.
- Avoid water contact. Or it can become weak.
- Always use a soft clean for cleaning to avoid scratches. Don’t overclean it.
- Don’t use harsh chemicals on it. These chemicals can be bleach, washing detergent, or any household chemical.
- If you want to store it, always use proper storage box with separate compartments. It will save it from scratches.
- Save it from heat. As enamel jewelry is made of plastic, it is really important to protect it from heat.
Should You Buy Enamel Jewelry
Enamel jewelry is great for someone who wants pretty and colorful jewelry items. If you love different colors like pink, purple, green and those which might not be available with metal jewelry, then enamel jewelry is for you. But if you are looking for something that is premium and offers durability, then enamel jewelry is not for you.
Commons FAQ’s about Enamel Jewelry
Here are some common FAQ’s about Enamel Jewelry.
What kind of Jewelry is included in Enamel Jewelry?
Any jewelry item like bracelet, necklace, ring, earring or even anklet can be made in enamel jewelry. Any kind of jewelry item is made in enamel jewelry.
Where can I buy Enamel Jewelry?
Any everyday fashion jewelry store sells enamel jewelry like ZARA, H&M etc.
How Much Enamel Jewelry can Cost?
Enamel Jewelry does not cost much. You can easily get a jewelry item within $25 to $35.
Can Enamel react with Skin?
Generally, it does not. Because it is non-reactive. But in some cases, it can react. So, its better to first check whether you are sensitive to synthetic materials or not.
Conclusion
Enamel jewelry is a good addition to everyday fast fashion jewelry. It comes in vibrant colors and designs. These designs can also be customized as per the choice of a person. It has its own pros and cons and every buyer must be aware of it before buying. It is important to note that enamel jewelry does not last long if you use it regularly. However, if you enamel sentimental pieces with enamel and protect it, it can last for a long time.