Does Stainless Steel Jewelry Tarnish?

There are an almost unlimited number of materials that artists can make jewelry out of. Ones like sterling silver and gold come to mind most easily, but have you ever considered purchasing handcrafted jewelry made from stainless steel?

You may be wondering if stainless steel tarnishes the same way that sterling silver does and if it is the right choice for you. But, before we get into answering the question of whether or not stainless steel tarnishes, let's get into the basics of which it is and if it is good for jewelry. 

What is Stainless Steel?

Technically speaking, stainless steel is an iron and chromium alloy that is used in a variety of industries, including jewelry. Lesser grades of stainless steel sometimes have additional metals which can cause irritation, but the stainless steel we use in our jewelry is hypoallergenic. This means that our stainless steel jewelry is safe for sensitive skin or for those with metal allergies!

Does Stainless Steel Tarnish or Rust?

Short answer, no, stainless steel does not tarnish or rust, which is one of the many reasons we use hypoallergenic stainless steel in our jewelry! 

Long answer, stainless steel does not tarnish or rust because of the interaction between its alloying elements and the environment. The elements in stainless steel react with oxygen from water and air to form a very thin film that protects it from the elements. 

Is Stainless Steel Good For Jewelry?

Yes, stainless steel makes an excellent option for jewelry and it has been one of our favourite options for many years!

As mentioned above, stainless steel cannot tarnish or rust, but there are a number of other reasons why we love stainless steel for our handcrafted jewelry, too.

Pros of Stainless Steel Jewelry

1. Durable- In addition to its resistance to tarnish and rust, stainless steel is durable enough to withstand bumps that could dent softer metals. If you kind yourself walking into tables or bumping into corners on the regular, you can rest easy with stainless steel jewelry.
2. Versatile- Stainless steel chain comes in a variety of sizes and grades, allowing us creative freedom when designing our pieces. 
3. Low maintenance- Stainless steel jewelry requires little upkeep and does not need to be polished the same way that sterling silver does. It is a good practice to wipe your jewelry down regularly, but you do not need to use a treated polishing cloth.
4. Ideal for every day- If you're looking for jewelry that you can wear frequently without maintenance, stainless steel is a great option. While we always recommend applying hair, face and body products before putting on ANY jewelry, your stainless steel styles will be more forgiving if you happen to forget once or twice.

Read our full blog "Is Stainless Steel Good For Jewelry" for more information by clicking here.

How to Clean Stainless Steel Jewelry

Unlike sterling silver jewelry, stainless steel jewelry requires very little upkeep. But, you still have to do your part to take care of it!

Stainless Steel Jewelry Care 101

1. At a bare minimum, we recommend wiping down your stainless steel jewelry with a dry or lightly damp cloth every once in awhile to keep it sparkling.
2. Be sure to apply all body products including lotions, perfumes and hair products prior to putting your jewelry on.
3. Avoid contact with aerosols, such as sunblock or hair spray.
4. When not wearing your jewelry, store your beauties in a drawer out of direct sunlight.
5. Even though your stainless steel jewelry won't oxidize and tarnish, it is a good habit to store jewelry in a Ziploc bag or airtight container.

For information on caring for jewelry than can tarnish, read our blog "How to Keep Your Jewelry From Tarnishing" by clicking here.

Best Stainless Steel Jewelry

You may be surprised to learn that many of our pieces of handcrafted jewelry are made from stainless steel chain and accents! We believe that everyone deserves to feel the Carolily love, so we choose materials that are long lasting, beautiful and can be worn by everyone.

Top Five Pieces of Stainless Steel Jewelry

1. Eliza Necklace- Mixing vintage and modern vibes, our Eliza Necklace is made from stainless steel chain and European crystal pearls. Pro tip: Wear the heart to the front or back for two totally different looks!
   Shop Eliza here
   
   
2. Danielle Necklace- Big, bold and beautiful, our Danielle Necklace is also handcrafted from stainless steel chain and European crystal pearls. We love pairing the Danielle with black lace and leather, for a strong, yet feminine feel. 
   Shop Danielle here.
   
3. Cameron Necklace- Your soon to be favourite, our Cameron Necklace makes everyday styling effortless. She is chic, timeless, and easy to pair with other pieces in your Carolily collection.
   Shop the Cameron here.
   
4. Helena Necklace- For the days you need a little extra confidence, reach for your Helena Necklace. This stunning, low maintenance necklace is like your suit of armor, readying you for the day ahead.
   Shop the Helena here.
   
5. Liz Necklace- While physically smaller than the other four necklaces, our Liz Necklace makes quite the visual impact with her lustrous European crystal and stainless steel chain. Layer on a longer necklace or two to make a serious impact.
   Shop Liz here.
   
   
   

Stainless Steel Jewelry Handcrafted in Canada

Like all of our pieces, our stainless steel jewelry is handcrafted in Canada! Our design studio is based in West Kelowna, British Columbia where our talented team of women create every single piece of jewelry.

For more of our stainless steel jewelry, take a look at our statement necklaces, bracelets and earrings. 

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.

Pros

Let’s explore the various advantages of using stainless steel jewelry in greater detail.

It Doesn't Rust

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.

It Doesn't Get Scratched Easily

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.

It Is Hypoallergenic

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.

It Is Recyclable and Environmentally Friendly

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 Completely Safe

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.

It Matches Most Outfits

Stainless steel jewelry goes with most outfits, from casual wear to formal attire. You can dress it up or down depending on the occasion.

Cons

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:

Value Doesn’t Appreciate

Since stainless steel jewelry is usually affordable, you can’t expect it to go up in value, unlike more expensive accessories.

Prone to Dents

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:

Method 1: Soap and Water

Soap and water are excellent for removing debris and excess oils. Avoid oversaturating the jewelry in water because this will ruin it.

1. Place your stainless steel jewelry in a large bowl with warm water. Add three drops of mild soap.
2. With a soft and non-abrasive cloth, gently scrub your jewelry, following the grain and with gentle strokes.
3. To get rid of any excess dirt or grime, use a soft-bristled brush (like an old toothbrush).
4. Rinse off dirt and soap with clean water and dry your jewelry with a soft cloth.

Pro Tip: Don’t use toothpaste, paper towels, and polishing cloths. These can leave marks and damage the other metals or stones in your jewelry.

Method 2: Microfiber Cloth

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.

• With a soft microfiber cloth, gently rub your jewelry along the grain to get rid of debris and dust.
• For more stubborn dirt, use a damp cloth for more cleaning power.

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.

Tips for Maintaining Your Stainless Steel 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:

• Try to clean your stainless steel jewelry about once a month or often if it gets dirty. Cleaning it and maintaining it often will help it last a long time.
• Keep your pieces away from chemicals like bleach and detergents. Regular exposure to them can cause discoloration
• Store your pieces in separate compartments so they don’t rub against each other during storage. This will protect them from scratches and other damage caused by abrasion and impact.

 

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How To Style Stainless Steel Jewelry

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:

1. Wear stainless steel jewelry with other metals. This will add contrast and make you look more interesting.
2. Put on some bold earrings! Whether you go for large hoops, dangling, or threader styles, you’re sure to find many statement earrings in this trusty material.
3. Add some sparkle to your look by incorporating accessories with some bling in them. Consider pairing your stainless steel jewelry with zirconia or diamond earrings and shiny metals like gold and silver.
4. Wear it with other neutral colors. Stainless steel is a great accent color because it will go with pretty much anything. You can pair it with black, white, or pastel tones. Pick something that compliments your skin tone and eye color! For example, if you have dark hair and eyes, consider wearing a bold piece of jewelry with a dark accent color.

FAQs

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.

How often should I clean my 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.

Does stainless steel jewelry fade?

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.

Is stainless steel jewelry hypoallergenic?

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.

Can I wear stainless steel jewelry while working out?

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.

Does stainless steel rust?

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.

 

The Takeaway

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.