Stainless steel jewelry has become increasingly popular in the past few years and this is because of its numerous inherent properties, such as lightweight, durability, affordability, etc.
Stainless steel stands out among other jewelry materials for its ability to withstand daily activities without scratching, corroding, or tarnishing. The advantages are immense, and in this article, we will share more facts about stainless steel jewelry material to help you figure out if it’s best for you.
What Does Stainless Steel Jewelry Mean?
Stainless steel jewelry is a composition of different metals, but majorly 50% iron, at least 10.5% chromium and a maximum of 1.2% carbon. Other metals, such as titanium, molybdenum, manganese, silicon, tungsten, and niobium, are added for improved durability and flexibility.
Over the years, stainless steel jewelry hasn’t just been loved for its longevity, it has also been highly revered for its variety of finishes, such as matte, glossy, brushed, and engraved.
Additional reasons why everyone loves jewelry made of stainless steel material are:
- Versatility: You can create your stainless steel jewelry to fit a broad range of styles. They are easy to include in outfits. There is always a piece that suits your preferred look; it could be cufflinks, necklace, rings, etc.
- Environmentally friendly: Stainless steel material is 100% recyclable. It’s not coated with any harmful material during the production process, making it perfect for manufacturing sustainable jewelry.
- Budget-friendly: It’s a popular alternative to expensive jewelry materials like gold, silver, and platinum. Thus, it’s cost-effective, especially for individuals seeking a beautiful piece that can be worn everyday without fading at a cost-friendly price.
Is Stainless Steel Jewelry Considered Cheap?
Stainless steel is affordable, but not necessarily termed “cheap” because it is produced to be of high-quality.
Basically, the raw materials needed for its making are relatively easier to find and inexpensive compared to precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum. Also, stainless steel jewelry is cost-effective because they are often manufactured in mass, thereby minimizing production costs and lowering retail prices.
Is Stainless Steel Jewelry Good for Everyday Wear?
Yes, stainless steel jewelry can be worn everyday. It’s highly durable and capable of withstanding corrosion and tarnishing. This makes it a common choice for individuals who are often exposed to moisture or conditions where their jewelry will be subjected to wear and tear.
Stainless steel jewelry is long-lasting and can maintain its luster and sparkle for years under proper maintenance.
Is Stainless Steel Jewelry Waterproof?
It depends on the type of water. If it’s pure water or your bathing water, YES, stainless steel jewelry is waterproof.
But if it’s a swimming pool, which is often treated with chlorine, stainless steel is not completely waterproof. This is because chlorine contains aggressive substances that can destroy the protective film created on your stainless steel jewelry by the 10.5% chromium included during production. Thus, it’s advisable to not stay too long in pools or better still, remove your jewelry before jumping into the pool. This also applies to saltwater, such as ocean and sea.
Stainless steel is one of the most highly-rated waterproof jewelry. It can withstand harsh and extreme water conditions.
Does Stainless Steel Jewelry Turn Green?
No, stainless steel jewelry doesn’t turn green, and neither does it discolor or rust. This is mainly because it contains chromium, which serves as a protective oxidative layer on the metal surface.
Chromium prevents your jewelry from reacting with moisture and oxygen in the air, which is usually the most prominent cause of tarnished or discolored jewelry.
Is Stainless Steel Hypoallergenic?
Yes, stainless steel is hypoallergenic. It contains only a small percentage of nickel, which is a famous component most people are allergic to. Therefore, it doesn’t cause skin irritations or discomfort of any kind. Stainless steel jewelry is safe for everyone regardless of age or lifestyle differences. We highly recommend 316L stainless steel, which is lower in percentage of nickel than 304L stainless steel.
Furthermore, stainless steel won’t oxidize, meaning it won’t turn your skin (wrist, neck, fingers, etc.) green.
What about Gold-plated Stainless Steel Jewelry?
To enhance the beauty and shine of your stainless steel jewelry, you can have it plated with gold. But what exactly is gold-plated stainless steel jewelry and is it durable enough to withstand water and other extreme conditions?
What is Gold-plated Stainless Steel Jewelry?
Gold-plated stainless steel jewelry involves bonding a thin layer of gold onto the surface of your stainless steel jewelry. The thickness of the applied gold layer varies, but oftentimes, it’s between 0.5-1 microns.
It serves as an affordable alternative to solid gold jewelry. While it has the feel and appearance of solid gold, the thin layer of gold applied tends to wear off over time. If properly maintained, it might take years to wear off, but if the jewelry is exposed to water, sweat, or abrasive chemicals, it will wear off more quickly.
When this eventually happens, the stainless steel underneath is revealed and the surface of the jewelry becomes inconsistent, which makes the piece less attractive.
Is Gold-plating on Stainless Steel Jewelry Durable Enough?
Gold is a strong metal and adding it to stainless steel jewelry makes the piece more durable.
The durability of a gold-plated stainless steel jewelry is determined by the thickness of the applied gold layer. Usually, around 0.5-1 microns of gold is bonded to the stainless steel jewelry. But for higher-grade jewelry like 18K gold-plated stainless steel jewelry, the layer of gold applied is around 2-3 microns thick.
So, the thicker the layer of gold applied on the stainless steel, the more durable your jewelry.
Key Takeaway
Stainless steel jewelry offers a versatile and durable style staple with an inexpensive price tag. It’s composed of many metals with unique properties, which makes it resistant to tarnishing, corrosion, and fading. Stainless steel is waterproof and hypoallergenic, making it ideal for making beautiful jewelry pieces that can be worn everyday by everyone without turning green or causing allergies.
With the right maintenance and guide from a certified stainless steel jewelry manufacturer, you can rock your stainless steel jewelry for a lifetime.