What Is Stainless Steel and Why Is It Good for Jewelry
You've probably seen it on a piece of jewelry or product: "stainless steel". But what does that actually mean? And why is it so popular for jewelry? In this article we explain exactly what stainless steel is, how it's made and why it's such an excellent material for jewelry.
What Is Stainless Steel?
Stainless steel is an alloy of steel with at least 10.5% chromium. That chromium is the secret behind the properties of stainless steel. When exposed to oxygen, chromium forms an invisible protective layer on the surface of the metal. That layer protects the steel against rust, oxidation and corrosion.
That's exactly why stainless steel is called "stainless". It protects itself, so to speak.
How Is Stainless Steel Made?
Stainless steel is made by melting iron and mixing it with chromium and other metals such as nickel, molybdenum and manganese. The exact composition determines the properties of the end product. There are more than 150 types of stainless steel, each with slightly different properties depending on the application.
For jewelry, 316L stainless steel is mainly used. This type contains a low percentage of carbon and a higher percentage of chromium and nickel. It is particularly corrosion-resistant, skin-friendly and hypoallergenic, making it ideal for jewelry that comes into daily contact with the skin.
Why Is Stainless Steel So Good for Jewelry?
Stainless steel has a number of properties that make it ideally suited for jewelry. Here are the most important reasons.
Won't Discolor
One of the biggest annoyances with cheap jewelry is discoloration. A necklace that turns green after a few weeks or a bracelet that leaves a green mark on your skin. That doesn't happen with stainless steel. The chromium protective layer ensures that the metal retains its color and shine, even with daily contact with water, sweat and perfume.
Skin-Friendly and Hypoallergenic
Many people have an allergic reaction to jewelry. This is almost always caused by nickel, a metal used in many cheap jewelry pieces. High quality 316L stainless steel is nickel-free and hypoallergenic. It is safe for people with a nickel allergy or sensitive skin.
Durable and Scratch-Resistant
Stainless steel is one of the hardest and most scratch-resistant materials for jewelry. It lasts much longer than silver, gold-plated or copper. With normal wear, stainless steel looks good for years.
Water-Resistant
Stainless steel is fully water-resistant. You can wear your jewelry in the shower, while swimming or during sports. The material is not affected by water and dries quickly without leaving marks.
Low Maintenance
Unlike silver, you don't need to regularly polish stainless steel. A simple wipe with a soft cloth is enough to make your jewelry look like new. No special cleaning products or polishing cloths needed.
Affordable
Stainless steel offers excellent value for money. You get the durability and appearance of a high quality piece of jewelry for a fraction of the price of gold or silver.
Stainless Steel vs Other Metals for Jewelry
To understand why stainless steel is so special, it helps to compare it with other popular materials for jewelry.
Stainless Steel vs Silver
Silver is a precious metal with a beautiful shine, but it has a major disadvantage: it tarnishes. Silver oxidizes when exposed to air and turns dark. Regular polishing is necessary to keep it looking good. Stainless steel doesn't tarnish and requires virtually no maintenance.
Stainless Steel vs Gold-Plated
Gold-plated jewelry has a thin layer of gold over a cheaper base metal. That layer wears with daily use and reveals the base metal, which can discolor and cause allergic reactions. Stainless steel has no layer that wears and retains its appearance much longer.
Stainless Steel vs Copper and Brass
Copper and brass are cheap alternatives but quickly leave green marks on the skin due to oxidation. Stainless steel doesn't oxidize and leaves no marks.
Why We Use Stainless Steel in Our Kits
At CraftYourJewelry we deliberately choose stainless steel materials in all our kits. We want you to make a piece of jewelry that you can wear for years without worrying about discoloration, allergic reactions or rapid wear.
All chains, clasps, jump rings, crimp beads, spacer beads and charms in our kits are made of high quality stainless steel. Skin-friendly, durable and won't discolor. That's the foundation of every piece of jewelry you make with a CraftYourJewelry kit.
Browse our kits →Frequently Asked Questions About Stainless Steel Jewelry
Is stainless steel the same as silver?
No, stainless steel and silver are different materials. Stainless steel is stainless steel, silver is a precious metal. They look similar but have different properties. Stainless steel is more durable and requires less maintenance.
Does stainless steel discolor?
No, high quality stainless steel does not discolor with normal use. The chromium layer protects the metal against oxidation and corrosion.
Is stainless steel safe for people with a nickel allergy?
High quality 316L stainless steel is nickel-free and hypoallergenic. Always check that the stainless steel is certified nickel-free, as cheap varieties can sometimes contain nickel.
Can I wear stainless steel jewelry in the shower?
Yes, stainless steel is fully water-resistant. However, we recommend taking your jewelry off in the shower because soap can leave small residues that can affect the shine over time.
How long does a stainless steel piece of jewelry last?
With proper care, a stainless steel piece of jewelry lasts for years. It is one of the most durable materials for jewelry and is resistant to daily use.
Is stainless steel magnetic?
Most types of stainless steel used for jewelry are not or barely magnetic. 316L stainless steel, the type we use, is not magnetic.
Conclusion
Stainless steel is one of the best materials for jewelry. It won't discolor, is skin-friendly, durable, water-resistant and requires little maintenance. For people who want a piece of jewelry that can be worn daily without worry, stainless steel is the ideal choice.
At CraftYourJewelry we exclusively use high quality stainless steel materials in all our kits. Make your own timeless piece of jewelry and wear it with pride.
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