Why I Create in Stainless?

• 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

Beautiful Jewelry Should Be Made to Last

When I began Blackberry Designs Jewelry in 2002, I wanted to create jewelry that could become part of your life—not something beautiful for a season and forgotten in the bottom of a jewelry box.

I wanted a silver-colored metal that was beautiful, strong, comfortable to wear and, most importantly, would keep its color without plating.

That search led me to 316L stainless steel, and more than two decades later, it is still my metal of choice.

Jewelry for the Memories that Made Us should be made to keep those memories for years to come.

Why 316L Stainless Steel?

316L is a premium grade of stainless steel valued for its exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion.

Unlike inexpensive plated jewelry, the beautiful silver color you see is the metal itself. There is no thin silver-colored coating that eventually wears away to reveal a different-colored metal underneath.

That is one of the biggest reasons I chose stainless steel for Blackberry Designs Jewelry.

Your bracelet should still be beautiful years from now.

No Plating. No Peeling. No Ugly Orange Metal Underneath.

Many fashion jewelry pieces begin with a base metal and receive a very thin decorative coating. With wear, that coating can eventually fade, chip or rub away.

My 316L stainless components are solid stainless steel rather than silver-plated base metal.

That means the silver color isn't simply sitting on the surface.

It is the metal.

Does Stainless Steel Tarnish?

One of the things my customers love most about stainless steel is how incredibly easy it is to own.

316L stainless is highly resistant to tarnish, rust and corrosion. It naturally forms an extremely thin protective surface layer that helps protect the metal from oxidation.

For you, that means far less polishing and maintenance and much more time simply enjoying your jewelry.

I have customers who have worn Blackberry Designs jewelry for many years and continue to enjoy pieces that still look beautiful.

Will Stainless Steel Turn My Skin Green?

The green discoloration commonly associated with inexpensive jewelry is generally caused when metals such as copper react with moisture, perspiration and skin chemistry.

Quality stainless steel is extremely resistant to that type of corrosion and does not contain copper.

It is one of the reasons I chose stainless for jewelry designed to be worn and enjoyed again and again.

What Does 316L Mean?

There are many different grades of stainless steel.

I use 316L stainless steel for my stainless jewelry components because of its excellent combination of strength, beauty and corrosion resistance.

The "L" refers to its low carbon content, while chromium and molybdenum help give 316L its excellent resistance to corrosion.

You don't need to know the chemistry to enjoy it.

What matters when you wear it is simple:

It is beautiful.
It is durable.
It requires very little maintenance.
And it is made to last.

Why Not Make Everything in Sterling Silver?

Sterling silver is a beautiful traditional jewelry metal, and I do use sterling silver for a limited number of specialty components when a design requires it.

But it wasn't the right primary metal for the jewelry I wanted to create.

My charm bracelets contain many charms, substantial chains, clasps, engraved pieces and decorative components. Creating these large, detailed designs primarily in sterling silver would dramatically increase their price while also requiring considerably more polishing and care.

I wanted to create substantial, heirloom-quality jewelry that women could actually wear and enjoy without constantly worrying about tarnish.

316L stainless gave me exactly what I was looking for.

Jewelry Made for Real Life

My jewelry isn't meant to sit untouched in a jewelry box.  It's meant to remind you of your grandmother.  Your favorite childhood book.  That unforgettable vacation.  The garden you love.  The dog who followed you everywhere.  The Christmas traditions your family still talks about.  Or simply something that makes you smile every time you put it on.

That's why durability matters so much to me.  A piece filled with your memories deserves a metal made for the years ahead.

Stainless Steel and Sustainability

Another reason I appreciate stainless steel is its long life and recyclability.

Stainless steel is 100% recyclable and can be recycled repeatedly without losing the qualities that make it useful. Its exceptional durability also means products made from stainless can remain in use for decades rather than constantly being replaced.

For my own studio, I also create my jewelry made to order. This allows me to produce what my customers actually purchase instead of manufacturing large quantities of jewelry that may never find a home.

For a small handmade business, that simply makes sense.

How Do I Care for My Stainless Steel Jewelry?

One of the joys of stainless steel is that it requires very little care.

For the stainless portions of your jewelry, a soft cloth is generally all that is needed to restore the shine and remove fingerprints or everyday residue.

Because Blackberry Designs jewelry may also contain crystals, gemstones, pearls, artwork, engraved elements and specialty settings, always follow the care instructions included with your jewelry and avoid harsh chemical cleaners.

Why I've Chosen Stainless Since 2002

After more than two decades of creating jewelry, I could work in almost any metal I choose.

I continue to choose 316L stainless because it allows me to create the kind of jewelry I believe in:

Substantial without being precious or fussy.
Beautiful without constant polishing.
Colorful, joyful and made to be worn.
And durable enough to carry your stories for years.

That's exactly what I wanted when I created Blackberry Designs Jewelry.

And it still is today.

Dea Shelton
Artist & Designer
Blackberry Designs Jewelry

Jewelry for the Memories that Made Us.