Steampunk jewels tend to follow an art nouveau design stemming from the Victorian era. Modern utilitarian objects are created by artisans inspired by 19th-century steam-powered machinery many times incorporating science fiction.

Steampunk finishes that are popular are brass and worn metals for an aged look. Clocks, gears, chains and machinery are often used in retro-futuristic designs giving the feeling of stepping back in time through a time machine.