Material – Urberg Design

Material

 Aluminium

It's a nice material to work in and it's a metal with very little weight compared to other metals. The metal's low weight thus enables the wearing of larger pieces of jewelery than other metals allow. 

During processing, the properties of the metal thicken and become increasingly harder and more durable.

Aluminum is one of the most common metals in the earth's crust.

During extraction and production, enormous energy is required and is therefore an indefensible material from an environmental perspective.

For exactly that reason, I conduct what I liken to detective work, to get hold of skin-friendly and inspiring residual materials from local industries.

For me, it is extremely important to access the material in the "window" between spills in the industry - before it is sent on for recycling and e.g. by melting down, and even more energy is required.

Although this reconnaissance work is often both difficult and time-consuming, the effort weighs heavily in my focus on sustainability. It is also very inspiring on several levels in the company, i.a. in the design process. 

As aluminum is a soft metal, you should think about the handling of the jewelry as under certain circumstances it increases the risk of scratches occurring and the jewelry can bend when handled roughly.

Aluminum can be easily cleaned with, for example, a small amount of washing-up liquid on a damp cloth and wipe dry after cleaning.

 

 Iron

An element that is commonly found around us as well as within us. 

The metal is important i.a. from a historical perspective, since throughout the ages iron has been the most important metal for our technological development.

According to research, man must have been able to master the art of producing iron for approximately 2,500 years, and around 500 years after the start of our era, the know-how came from Asia and the Middle East to Scandinavia.

Jewelry made of iron that is worn directly against the skin takes on an increasingly deeper luster over time, this comes from the skin's own composition and ability to thereby build up and saturate the metal.

On the other hand, if iron is exposed to a humid environment or washed without drying, corrosion occurs on the surface, sometimes to the advantage of the jewelry, sometimes not, depending on the function and the look of the viewer.

If a piece of iron jewelry needs to be cleaned, it is recommended first and foremost to put a minimal drop of non-stick oil on a toothbrush, rub and then always wipe away any residue.

It is also possible to clean in other ways, but always make sure to always remove any remaining moisture, if corrosion is not something you want, that is.

 

Stainless steel, surgical steel - the metal with many names

Stainless steel is available in many different compositions, adapted based on what the metal is to be used for. Therefore, there are also many names, stainless/ acid-resistant/ surgical steel/ stainless steel/ 314L etc.    

For very good reasons, one of the metal's all variants is widely used in healthcare. The so-called "surgical steel".

The material is very durable, durable, resists corrosion and does not "release" any allergens. 

For exactly the same reasons, we have chosen pins and hooks in all our earrings as well as other "skin-close" jewelery components to always be made of surgical steel.

The metal is durable and can be cleaned without problems, but keep in mind that other parts of the jewelry and joins are often made of other metals and/or materials.