When we look at the jewelry world that is constantly evolving, the metal you choose holds just as much weight as the design itself. This is because the material determines the durability, the look, as well as the price of your jewelry piece.

Is stainless steel jewelry good? Today, we get into the “steel” basics, what stainless steel is, as well as the pros and cons of stainless steel jewelry. Lastly, we also leave you with some tips for maintaining your stainless steel jewelry.

What is Stainless Steel Jewelry?

Let’s first start with the basics of what stainless steel is. Stainless steel is a mixture of metals and includes iron and chromium. Sometimes other elements can be added, like nickel, molybdenum, titanium, and copper, which offer added strength and fabricability.  

Iron is the main metal and forms the backbone in stainless steel, while at least 10.5% of chromium is needed. Chromium is what makes stainless steel “stainless”. It forms a protective layer on the surface and prevents rust and corrosion from occurring. 

There may also be traces of manganese or carbon in stainless steel; it all depends on the quality. This makes it stronger and more resistant. Because of these differences, stainless steel can be used in a wide range of jewelry items from bold statement pieces to everyday jewelry pieces. 

Knowing the pros and cons of stainless steel jewelry will help you create the best jewelry line. 

Pros and Cons of Stainless Steel Jewelry

Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of stainless steel jewelry.

Pros of Stainless Steel Jewelry

Stainless steel jewelry has become a popular choice, and for good reason. It is strong, shiny, and built to stay. Let’s further look into the pros of stainless steel jewelry. 

It Is Extremely Durable

Stainless steel is a hard metal that doesn’t scratch, dent, or get damaged easily like other softer metals do. This makes it perfect for customers to wear every day without them having to be overly careful with it. 

Resistant to Tarnishing and Rusting

Thanks to stainless steel’s chromium protective layer that prevents oxidation from happening. There’s no worrying about your stainless steel pieces rusting or discoloring over time. It’s the perfect choice for customers who have outdoor lifestyles or live in high humidity conditions.

It is Surprisingly Affordable

Stainless steel is not a precious metal like gold or silver, which means it is a lot more affordable. You still get to look expensive and fashionable without the hefty price tag. It is the ideal option for customers who like switching things up and wearing different jewelry pieces every day. 

It Is Hypoallergenic

Stainless steel, especially surgical-grade stainless steel is generally considered to be hypoallergenic. This means it is less likely to cause allergic reactions or skin irritations. And since there’s a lot of people out there who have sensitive skin and are sensitive to certain metals, particularly nickel. Stainless steel jewelry is a safer option for customers because it contains little to no nickel. 

It Is Recyclable and Environmentally Friendly

Stainless steel stands out for being not only kind to your skin but to the planet too. It is 100% recyclable and can be recycled over and over again without losing its quality. It is not coated in any toxic finishes, so there’s no worrying about harmful runoff. The other great thing is that it won’t absorb surrounding chemicals. 

Cons of Stainless Steel Jewelry

It’s Solid But Heavy

Stainless steel is heavier when compared to other metals like sterling silver or aluminum. The solid feel gives the impression of durability as well as quality, which your customers will absolutely love. But there are customers who won’t. 

For the customers who prefer light weight jewelry for everyday wear, stainless steel might be too heavy and uncomfortable for them. Especially when it comes to bulky and statement stainless steel jewelry pieces. 

It is important to consider not only the looks but also the comfortability when it comes to choosing jewelry pieces. 

Hard to Resize or Repair

Because stainless steel is so hard, resizing it can be quite the challenge. This is especially the case when it comes to rings. So when customers are interested in purchasing stainless steel rings, suggest that they first make sure what their ring size is, or that they try it on if possible. As resizing the ring later on might be difficult or sadly not be possible. 

The hardness of stainless will also make it tricky to reset stones or make changes to the design. This means that making custom changes or doing repairs will not be as easy as it is with softer metals.

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Doesn’t Appreciate Over Time

With stainless steel jewelry being so affordable also comes a downfall. Because it’s not a precious metal like silver or gold it doesn’t have a resale value. Stainless steel jewelry is an ideal option for daily wear but it’s not for those customers who are looking for a jewelry piece that will increase in value over time.

Tips for Maintaining Your Stainless Steel Jewelry

Yes, stainless steel jewelry is durable and easy to care for but it still needs a bit of upkeep to ensure that it lasts for years and years. Let’s have a look at some maintenance tips that will help elongate the life of your or your customers’ stainless steel pieces. 

• Monthly cleaning – Try and clean your stainless steel jewelry pieces on a monthly basis.
• Gentle wash – Wipe your stainless steel jewelry with a soft cloth and some warm water to get rid of the dirt. You can also add a tiny amount of mild dish soap. 
• Thoroughly dry – Dry your stainless steel piece with a dry absorbent cloth and then leave it out to air dry.
• Avoid harmful chemicals – Try to keep it away from things like bleach or strong cleaners. These chemicals can cause your piece to lose its shininess and it can also change its color over time.
• Store away and separate – When the pieces are not worn, store them away in a soft pouch or a jewelry box that separates the pieces. This will protect the pieces from scratching, tangling, or any other damage. 

Final Thoughts

Stainless steel is practical and built to stand the test of time, but it is not perfect. When you take the pros and cons of stainless steel jewelry into consideration you can create pieces that will hold up. 

At Feebee Jewelry, we believe that finding the right piece of jewelry should feel effortless. We offer pieces that are thoughtfully crafted and that are designed to elevate your or your customers’ look every day.

Our team is here to help you find the perfect match for your next collection. So reach out, browse our collections, and start your stainless steel journey toward timeless beauty and effortless elegance.