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.
- Place your stainless steel jewelry in a large bowl with warm water. Add three drops of mild soap.
- With a soft and non-abrasive cloth, gently scrub your jewelry, following the grain and with gentle strokes.
- To get rid of any excess dirt or grime, use a soft-bristled brush (like an old toothbrush).
- 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:
- Wear stainless steel jewelry with other metals. This will add contrast and make you look more interesting.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Both steel (carbon steel) and stainless steel are the essential metal materials used in the majority of metal industries. To understand the various metalworking processes and parts, differentiating between the two is critical.
Due to the various material combinations, these two metals have different properties that determine durability and usage.
This article uncovers everything you need to know about steel and stainless steel. Read on!
Steel
Also known as carbon steel, steel is an alloy of iron and about 2% carbon. The low percentage of carbon provides huge variations in physical features.
The usual talk of carbon steel is mostly referenced to the high carbon industrial steel used in making various tools and knives. These steels are very sturdy, and hence suitable for shape-retaining and abrasion resistance. Carbon steels do withstand substantial force before distorting or losing shape.
The downside, however, is that majority of hard metals, including carbon, are very brittle. In the event these metals are subjected to extreme tensile stress, they are likely to crack, unlike soft metals that do bend.
When compared with their high carbon counterparts, low carbon steels are more popular due to the following reasons:
- They have greater ductility
- It’s cheaper to produce low carbon steels
- They don’t require complex manufacturing processes
Low carbon steels usual deform or bend when subjected to stress rather than breaking. Due to the low ductility, low carbon steels easy to weld and operate mechanically. These steels are often used in to make bolts, steel plates, fixtures, and automobile body panels.
Stainless Steel
Mainly, stainless steel is used the manufacture of household items including utensils, faucets and taps. These items function exceptionally well in wet surroundings without rusting.
Stainless steel comprises of carbon, iron and more than 10.5% chromium. Chromium is an essential element that reacts creates a protective layer to cushion steel from corrosion. This protective layer reduces the possibility of rusting, which makes stainless steel a vital tool for the manufacture of for tools used in wet environments. Higher chromium levels mean higher corrosion resistance and vice versa.
Chromium is the more significant player in stainless steel. Tools with low chromium levels are cheaper with less durability while those with more than 16% of chromium being more expensive and highly durable.
Grades of Stainless Steel
Often, manufactures produce different grades of stainless steel. These different grades are suited for various functionalities and have differing applications. Each grade of stainless steel is determined by stain resistance levels. Different amounts of chromium and carbon are used for different grades.
Carbon Steel vs Stainless Steel
High-carbon steel is always used for the manufacture of sturdy kitchen knives for high-end application. The reason for this is that it has strong wear resistance. Blades with high levels of wear resistance usually stay sharper longer than average. Automotive parts that are mainly subjected to wear and tear are made of carbon steels.
On the other end, stainless steel is applied mostly in appliances used in water. Stainless steel has high corrosion resistance and might not rust even after the long periods of use.
Metalworkers can use allow elements such as silicon, nickel, molybdenum, and chromium to increase steel’s corrosion resistance as well as achieve a balance between toughness and strength.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to durability, both steel and stainless steels are highly durable. The big difference, however, is in terms of wear and corrosion resistance. With high chromium content, stainless steel does not rust but can wear quickly when used in wear and tear equipment. Carbon steel more robust and more durable and might not wear easily but can corrode and rust when exposed to moisture.
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