What are the Benefits of Stainless Steel Jewelry?
As we all know,Stainless steel jewelry is safe to wear, plus it looks beautiful. There are so many reasons to wear it! It has found its way into our lives and has even become a popular alternative to gold and silver.
If you know a snazzy pattern, chances are you’ll find it in stainless steel. But is stainless steel jewelry all it’s cracked up to be?
Stainless jewelry is valued not only by young but also by older people. This robust, resistant material is anti-allergic, so everyone can wear it. Consumers love the modern look of this elegant and fashionable jewelry. Stainless steel is not a neutral element. It is composed of at least 10.5% carbon, iron, and chromium. This combination makes stainless steel very good for many applications, including jewelry items.
If you are still not sure about using stainless steel jewelry, here are the top benefits of stainless steel jewelry that will clarify your doubts.
1. Wide range of jewelry items
Due to its appearance and aesthetic feel, stainless steel is used in a huge range of jewelry items, from earrings, neckpieces to anklets and rings. It usually has a silver sheen, but unlike silver, it does not corrode and is not susceptible to scratching, dents or cracks. Stainless steel jewelry, although not widely known to many, is making its place in the jewelry market. You can pick a designer and trendy items from stainless steel jewelry wholesale stores. Regardless of everyday clothing or formal occasion, stainless steel jewelry can exude its greatest charm.
2. Never lose its natural shine
One aspect that makes stainless steel last is the invisible layer of chrome and oxide formed to protect the upper layer of steel. This makes it corrosion resistant and therefore durable and resistant to discoloration and oxidation. Since stainless steel is uncoated, it cannot become discolored or peeled in time. Hence, no question raised about its longevity and shine. Stainless steel looks more or less silver because of its silvery touch which makes it look like a piece of precious metal jewelry.
3. Comes In a Variety of Designs
Stainless steel jewelry comes in an array of shapes and designs.
For example, there are stainless steel necklaces to fit every occasion whether it’s for work, a big blowout, or around the house. When jewelers are handling silver and gold, they stick to conservative designs to play it safe.
But thanks to stainless steel’s affordability, you’ll find handcrafted jewelry with bold designs and with artistic engravings or gemstones.
Stainless Steel vs Sterling Silver — What’s the Difference?
Although both stainless steel and sterling silver are alloy metals, meaning that they’re a combination of several other metals, not just one, they still have differences that can affect your decision when deciding which one is better for your needs.
With that said, in terms of durability and longer lifespan, stainless steel has more to offer as its combination of several different metals enables it to withstand the constant wear and tear of everyday use.
Moreover, the adding of different metals also enables it to be corrosion and scratch-resistant, allowing you to use it for different uses and wear it on a daily basis with no worries about its appearance.
To summarize, stainless steel offers enhanced durability and a longer lifespan than sterling silver due to its inherent corrosion and scratch-resistance. This makes it better for everyday use, especially for jewelry.
Grades of Stainless Steel Available in Jewelry Findings
- 304 Grade stainless steel is the most common grade of stainless steel and is comprised of iron, a minimum of 18% chromium and 8% nickel and a maximum of 0.08% carbon. This alloy is non-magnetic, relatively easy to manipulate and has excellent resistance to corrosion. 304 grade stainless steel is strong and lightweight, with a springiness that makes it an ideal choice for jewelry pieces or mechanisms that need to retain their shape, such as ear wires, or pin stems.
- 316 Grade stainless steel is the second most common grade of stainless steel. Often referred to as marine-grade stainless or surgical steel, this non-magnetic grade of steel is also comprised of iron, a maximum of 0.08% carbon, 16–18% chromium and 10–14% nickel. The main difference between 304 grade and 316 grade is that 316 grade has the addition of 2–3% molybdenum for increased resistance to corrosion and pitting, even in acidic environments, as well as increased strength at higher temperatures. The addition of molybdenum typically makes 316 slightly more expensive than 304 grade stainless steel. The molybdenum increases resistance to even the harshest of corrosives, making this alloy ideal for surgical implants. 316L Grade stainless steel is very similar to 316 but has a lower carbon content, making it slightly softer and more malleable than straight 316 grade.
- 430 Grade stainless steel is comprised of iron, 16–18% chromium, a maximum of 0.12% carbon and 1% molybdenum, and less than 0.75% nickel, making it less expensive than stainless steel alloys with higher nickel content. 430 grade stainless is a magnetic alloy that is relatively easy to form. Containing less nickel and molybdenum, 430 grade has lower corrosion resistance than the 300 series alloys, but still offers corrosion resistance in mildly corrosive environments.
That’s Why Stainless Steel Jewelry is the Best
There are many advantages to choosing stainless steel jewelry. Not only is it affordable, but it’s guaranteed to last a lifetime thanks to its scratch-resistant nature.
Also, if you’re prone to doing lots of action sports, you won’t have to worry about your stainless steel ring getting bent out of shape due to its durability.
Left your stainless steel bracelet on the side of the sink? No worries, there’s no chance of it rusting or becoming discolored.
Your favorite stainless steel necklace may lose its shine eventually but all you need is a quick wash to return to its former glory. It’s also great for those with sensitive skin as stainless steel doesn’t trigger any allergic reactions. What’s not to love?!
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