Pendant and Ring

Whenever we go to a jewelry show or arts festival we hear numerous questions about stainless steel jewelry. These are the top three questions we hear; asked and answered.

• • • • Is stainless steel jewelry any good?

    Yes, stainless steel is a good material for jewelry but keep in mind that design and production quality varies from piece to piece. Check the item you want for sharp sides or burrs that might make wearing it uncomfortable. Stainless steel is a strong material that will not lose its shape, will not scratch, will not tarnish, nor will it rust. It has increased in popularity over the past twenty years or so, first finding an audience in the fringes of jewelry culture and eventually gaining acceptance in the mainstream men’s jewelry market in 2005. Today there are many stainless steel designs for every jewelry style. It is an excellent choice for people with metal sensitivities as it will not turn your finger green unless you are allergic to stainless steel. It’s also a good idea for active people because of its durability, and price as it is less expensive than sterling silver of equal weight.

    • • Which is better, sterling silver or stainless steel?

    It is a personal preference. If you prefer a softer more delicate item sterling silver might be what you are looking for. If you prefer a tougher and easier to care for item, stainless steel is for you. If you are looking for a ring and experience weight fluctuations go with sterling silver or be prepared to wear your ring on a necklace until you return to your previous weight. One major drawback to stainless steel is that it is difficult to work with. A small foundry is enough to melt and pour silver so it is easy to size a sterling silver ring to stretch and shrink with you. Stainless steel melts at a much higher temperature so if you opt for stainless steel, it is more affordable (and easier) to buy additional stainless steel rings when your size fluctuates.

    • • How long will Stainless Steel Jewelry last?

    Like platinum, gold, and silver, stainless steel can last forever. To make any quality jewelry item last all you need to do is care for it. Luckily, caring for stainless steel is easy because it is such a durable material. Just make sure to protect your silver and gold from your stainless items. The durability that makes stainless steel jewelry so attractive also means it can damage your other pieces if they are all jostled together in a jewelry box.

We hope this Q&A quenches your curiosity about stainless steel jewelry. If you have additional questions, please ask in the comments below! We look forward to hearing from you!

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