Stainless steel is a popular material for jewelry because it’s affordable and durable. Unlike other softer materials, it can withstand most daily activities without sustaining corrosion and scratches. Plus, stainless steel jewelry doesn’t tarnish so it looks good even with minimal maintenance.
It's also excellent for those who are allergic to certain metals or prefer to avoid silver and gold. Stainless steel jewelry has many advantages, but before you go ahead and buy stainless steel jewelry, here are some things you need to know.
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An alloy of carbon and iron, stainless steel is made up of at least 10.5% chromium and at most 1.2% carbon. This is combined with other alloys like nickel and titanium for durability and other advantageous properties.
Apart from its durability and low maintenance, stainless steel is a great material for jewelry because it can have a variety of finishes, including brushed, engraved, matte, and glossy. It’s also oftentimes used in interior design, street fixtures, and kitchen tools.
Let’s explore the various advantages of using stainless steel jewelry in greater detail.
Stainless steel jewelry won’t rust as long as the protective layer of chromium on it is maintained. It also doesn't oxidize like bronze or brass so it won’t change color over time.
Stainless steel jewelry doesn’t get scratched or damaged easily like other metals. It also doesn't need to be polished or buffed as often as silver, gold, and platinum.
Being hypoallergenic means that it is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. It doesn't affect the body or cause any adverse effects on the skin.
Stainless steel jewelry is infinitely recyclable with an almost 100% recovery rate. If it comes in contact with other elements, it remains environmentally inert and neutral without absorbing compounds that could alter its composition.
Because of this, stainless steel jewelry is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to make more sustainable choices.
Stainless steel is also biocompatible, so stainless steel has no biological or chemical effects on the body. It doesn't leach into your blood, cause any adverse effects, and won't interfere with any medications or medical procedures.
Stainless steel jewelry goes with most outfits, from casual wear to formal attire. You can dress it up or down depending on the occasion.
With so many benefits, you may wonder if there are any drawbacks to stainless steel jewelry. However, there are a few disadvantages to take note of:
Since stainless steel jewelry is usually affordable, you can’t expect it to go up in value, unlike more expensive accessories.
This type of jewelry is particularly durable but it isn’t completely invulnerable. It can still get dented over time, especially if it comes in contact with heavy and sharp objects or abrasive surfaces.
Stainless steel isn’t likely to get scratched, corrode, or tarnish but it may become dull after some time. If you want your jewelry to maintain its new look, you should care for it properly. Here's how you can do it:
Soap and water are excellent for removing debris and excess oils. Avoid oversaturating the jewelry in water because this will ruin it.
Soap and water can leave behind marks on stainless steel jewelry if you don't rinse it properly. To clean your jewelry quickly, a microfiber cloth and some elbow grease go a long way.
Although stainless steel is difficult to scratch, you should rub the microfiber cloth in the direction of its grain to avoid agitating small particles that could cause micro-abrasions to your jewelry.
Even though stainless steel is a durable material for jewelry, you should still take care of it properly if you want to keep it looking shiny and new for years to come. Here are some tips on how to care for your stainless steel jewelry:
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Stainless steel jewelry comes in countless designs and styles. You can get stainless steel necklaces, rings, bracelets, and earrings. If you’re into piercings, there are also many stainless steel options for you.
Because it’s such a durable and affordable material, you’ll find it in every style, from classic jewelry to more modern and sleek aesthetics.
For more style inspiration, allow us to share a few ideas on how to wear it:
You're probably asking yourself many questions about stainless steel jewelry right now, but that's alright! We’ve come prepared. Here are some common questions people ask about stainless steel jewelry.
It's best to clean your stainless steel jewelry about once a month. This will help prevent any build-up of dirt and oil and prevent discoloration and dents over time.
Unlike other metals, stainless steel does not fade so you can enjoy its sheen for a long time. It’s also durable and won’t get scratched easily. Just make sure to give it the care it needs to keep it looking new and shiny.
Yes! Stainless steel jewelry will not only resist tap water; it can also withstand rain and many types of liquids. So, if you accidentally get it wet, wipe it off. The only thing you should avoid is wearing your stainless steel jewelry while swimming in sulfur baths.
Yes! Stainless steel jewelry is hypoallergenic, so it won’t cause skin irritations or allergic reactions. Stainless steel jewelry is safe for people of all ages and lifestyles.
Yes! Stainless steel jewelry is durable enough to withstand almost any activity. You can wear your stainless steel rings while working out without worrying about them breaking or damaging them.
Despite its name, stainless steel can rust. However, its chromium content gives it a lot of protection and rust resistance. If it keeps getting exposed to harmful elements, it’s more prone to rust, damage, and tarnishing.
Stainless steel jewelry is an affordable and versatile style staple. It can complement and enhance most outfits and doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. It's also a good choice if you have sensitive skin or are allergic to other metals.
With the right care and regular cleaning, however, you can enjoy your stainless steel jewelry for years.
You probably own a piece of stainless steel jewelry. It is affordable, durable, and resistant to tarnish and rust. These features make stainless steel jewelry a popular choice among consumers.
When wearing a stainless steel jewelry piece, you can go through most of your daily activities without worrying about causing damage to your jewelry. It looks great with most outfits and requires minimal maintenance.
Stainless steel jewelry has many advantages; however, not all stainless steel jewelry is created equal. The quality of the jewelry can vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific materials used.
This article will discuss how good of a choice stainless steel jewelry is, as well as tips for ensuring that you are purchasing high-quality pieces.
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Stainless steel jewelry is made from carbon, iron, and other alloys. Like other alloys, stainless steel is crafted to harness the advantages of all the constituents while downplaying the negatives.
The constituents of quality stainless typically consist of at most 1.2% carbon and at least 10.2% chromium. When combined with other metals like titanium and nickel, the durability and shine are further enhanced.
Another reason stainless steel jewelry is popular is the variety of finishes you can achieve. Brushed, matte, and glossy are a few of the options available.
While we will be the first to admit that stainless steel jewelry has its advantages, we also believe that nothing is perfect. This is why we looked at the metal to see if there are any chinks.
Stainless steel jewelry is usually made from two common grades of stainless steel; Grade 304 and Grade 316.
Grade 304 is also known as 18-8 stainless steel and comprises 18-20% Chromium and 8-10.5% Nickel. It is a non-magnetic alloy that offers one of the highest resistance to corrosion possible, hence its popular use in jewelry making. It comes in different variants, the most popular being 304H, 304L, and 304N.
Stainless steel Grade 316 is almost identical to Grade 304 except for one constituent. Grade 316 stainless steel contains Molybdenum. Grade 316 offers more corrosion resistance than Grade 304. It is also better than Grade 304 at heat resistance and other beneficial properties.
Consequently, Grade 316 is the better grade of stainless steel and is best for making jewelry. But it is more expensive than Grade 304.
Stainless steel is great for jewelry because of its durability and longevity. If properly taken care of, jewelry made with stainless steel can last several years without losing its shine or getting any scratches.
Different metals and alloys have been known to cause allergic reactions when worn on the skin. Stainless steel is hypoallergenic, so it is very unlikely that jewelry pieces made from it will induce allergic reactions.
Despite the name, which implies that it is a kind of steel that doesn’t rust, stainless steel can still rust. However, most stainless steel comes with a protective coating of Chromium which makes it resistant to rust and tarnish.
Stainless steel jewelry is relatively more affordable than gold and silver pieces.
You can wear stainless steel jewelry with most outfits and for most events. From a night out with friends to that company dinner, stainless steel pieces will work for any occasion.
Stainless steel has no chemical or biological effects on your body. It is not a contraindication for any medication or treatment.
It is also environmentally inert and does not react with other elements making it one of the most sustainable choices for friends of the environment.
Gold and silver jewelry pieces might appreciate in value, but stainless steel pieces won’t; over time, their values might reduce.
If you do not take care of your stainless steel jewelry pieces and they are struck by heavy objects or against abrasive surfaces, they will get dents.
Stainless steel might be hypoallergenic, but some people might still be allergic to some of its constituents. Nickel is the common culprit.
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We have mentioned that there are different grades of stainless steel to choose from; however, the grade isn’t the only factor to consider. Here are a few things to look out for as you search for the best quality stainless steel metal:
We have talked about Grades before. Jewelers mostly use Grades 316 and 304. Grade 316 is of better quality than 304; it is also more expensive.
However, it is difficult to tell the two metals apart, so you might need a test to tell you which grade was used in making the jewelry you want to get.
The devil is in the details. Check the finish and ask questions about the polishing.
You might be tempted to get electroplated stainless steel, which isn’t bad if you are looking for more affordable options. But if you have a big enough budget, you might want to go for PVD-prepared jewelry because of the excellent luster effect it offers.
This is usually the measure of the quality of a jewelry piece. Unfortunately, stainless steel, like most metals, will rust. However, the chromium protective layer offers it enough protection from rust. However, over time stainless steel jewelry will succumb to the effect of the environment.
Stainless steel jewelry can be a high-quality and durable option for those who want jewelry that will last for years.
However, not all stainless steel jewelry is of the same quality. The quality of the jewelry can depend on the manufacturer and the specific materials used. To ensure that you are purchasing high-quality pieces, it is important to research and purchase from reputable brands. Look for brands with a good reputation and a history of producing high-quality jewelry.
Be sure to check the materials used to make the jewelry. High-quality stainless steel should be made from 316L stainless steel, a high-grade alloy that is more resistant to corrosion and discoloration than other types of stainless steel.