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.
Stainless steel has become an extremely popular metal for jewelry lovers in recent years.
Why is this? Well, stainless is an extremely versatile metal with a lot going for it, especially when it’s used to make body jewelry.
Here are some benefits of stainless steel jewelry;
Gold is eye-catching and flashy, and some people love its look and feel. However, others prefer a softer, more understated look. This is exactly what they get with stainless steel.
Stainless steel has a smooth, shiny surface that does not tarnish. This is because the metal has a layer of chromium that prevents oxidization, rust, and discoloration.
Stainless steel can also make jewelry without being plated. This makes it impossible to chip or fade.
If you are like most people, you want to enjoy your jewelry without spending too much money and time on maintaining its look.
Depending on how often and the activities you undertake wearing your stainless steel jewelry, it might get a few scratches here and there. However, these should be easy to resolve with a quick polish.
Taking care of your stainless steel jewelry is easy enough. All you need is a solution of water and a mild detergent. Soak your jewelry in the solution for a few minutes before using a softer brush to scrub off the dirt and debris.
Ensure to dry it completely before putting it back in storage.
Stainless steel can last for decades. So much so that people are known to purchase more intricate, expensive pieces to serve as family heirlooms.
Stainless steel is an alloy of chromium, nickel, and titanium. This makes it sturdy enough to be used in the manufacture of kitchen utensils. You can therefore trust stainless steel jewelry to withstand your day-to-day duties, including some heavy-duty tasks that would bend gold and silver out of shape.
A portion of the world's population gets an allergic reaction from wearing jewelry. A major benefit of stainless steel jewelry is that it's safe to wear without triggering the flare-ups gold and silver do.
This is because good-quality stainless steel jewelry does not contain any impurities.
If you tend to develop green unsightly marks when you wear jewelry, stainless steel might be a good option for you.
Gold is rather expensive and can be out of reach for some people. Not so with stainless steel jewelry. Stainless steel jewelry looks much like platinum, has an appealing finish, easy to maintain, and has hypoallergenic qualities. All these qualities come at a more affordable price compared to other metals.
This makes it less limiting. Not only can you buy exquisite pieces affordably, but you can buy several different styles affordably as well. If you love switching things up, this is something you can do with stainless steel jewelry without breaking the bank.
Stainless steel jewelry has a lot going for it- and at good prices. So if you love wearing jewelry, it might be time to add some exceptional stainless steel jewelry pieces to your wardrobe.