With increasingly innovative materials, the world of jewelry is constantly reinventing itself to offer new alternatives, and neodymium emerges as one of them, in a sector where until recently magnets had no place. Since its magnetic properties open up a world of infinite possibilities, not only to create new, original and beautiful jewelry, attractive to the eye, but also for the positive effects that these could have on our health.
Although it seems a recent discovery, the truth is that This material was discovered in 1885 by Carl Auer Von Welsbach, an Austrian chemist who managed to separate neodymium and praseodymium from an oxide with very particular characteristics called didymium. In honor of this fact, its name is composed of the Greek words «neos» which means new and «didymos» which means twin, so etymologically its meaning would be new twin.
Belonging to the rare earth family, neodymium is a shiny, silvery metal that, although it oxidizes easily when it comes into contact with air, in combination with iron and boron, they form one of the alloys with the highest magnetic properties that exist, known as neodymium magnets. Since its holding force is nine times higher than that of a conventional magnet, with the additional advantage of being much lighter.
These properties have been used in jewelry to create countless pieces, including: bracelets or rings without the need for connecting threads between the pieces or as a replacement for the classic closures in necklaces and bracelets. Although they are also used to hold beautiful earrings without having to pierce our ears or simulate piercings, a perfect option for lovers of these two jewels and who do not want to get holes.
On the other hand, based on the high magnetic power of these neodymium magnets and the healing properties of magnetotherapy, it is possible to benefit from their application in magnetic jewelry, either preventively against fatigue, stress, as well as like certain pains and circulatory problems; or in slightly more complex conditions such as sports injuries, chronic pain, degenerative arthritis, among others. However, it should be noted that the effectiveness of magnetotherapy has not been demonstrated with conclusive studies, although there are testimonials from people who claim to have experienced improvement after trying this therapy.
Although neodymium magnets are widely used for different purposes, including jewelry, it is a very rare metal in nature, which is why it is currently obtained mainly through an ion exchange process with monazite sand, which is a rare earth rich element.
Definitely, neodymium and its magnetism are making their way more and more into jewelry and into our lives, not only because their jewelry looks good but also because of the well-being it can bring. Therefore, if you want to give or buy a different piece of jewellery, neodymium magnetic jewelery is the indicated option.