Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is an alloy of steel with at least 11 percent chromium. It does not stain, as the name implies, nor does it corrode or rust as easily as regular steel when exposed to water or humidity. Stainless steel has a wide range of applications, including in jewelry and watches. The grade of stainless steel used is 316L because it can always be re-finished and does not oxidize.

1. Stainless Steel in Jewelry

Stainless steel has become a popular metal in the jewelry market mainly due to the fact that it is an attractive metal that is durable and quite affordable. It is excellent for use in jewelry because it does not bend or break, it doesn’t cause allergic reactions and it doesn’t change color with time.

Stainless steel imitates white gold and silver quite well and is an excellent option for people allergic to nickel. This metal is usually used in more robust pieces because its hardness makes it difficult to work with and form it into more intricate designs.

2. Caring for Stainless Steel Jewelry

Cleaning stainless steel jewelry only requires a soak in warm, soapy water and it can then be dried with a soft cloth. Window cleaner can also be used to remove stubborn grime or grease, but you shouldn’t use heavy abrasives or you will dull the finish and scratch the piece.