316L Stainless Steel Jewellery

I’ve fallen in love with stainless steel jewellery and you will too

In my humble opinion, more folk are wearing stainless steel. Its gaining popularity – in fact they are mixing up their jewellery with a bit of silver, some gold and then a gorgeous stainless piece.

It’s not just for the fella’s, you can find some trendy delicate pieces for the ladies.

So if you’re looking for some cool designs that don’t hurt the hip pocket then take a look at stainless steel.

I prefer to stock

316L – High shine, or with a brushed look it’s easy to wear

add some colour either with IP plating in rose or yellow gold
maybe enamel

I think the most common questions are – how long does the plating or enamel last? And will it wear off? If you look after your jewellery then it will last a long time.

Okay let’s get down to it ….

Why choose stainless steel jewellery

• Its known to last and be durable
• does not tarnish
• wear it in water, go swim, have a shower (mind you I tend to remove most of my jewellery before these activities as I can’t say how chemicals and soaps will effect metals like stainless, but for the most part you should be fine)
• low maintenance, easy wearing
• Its super easy to clean, all you need is warm water, ABSOLUTELY no jewellery cleaner (try not to be tempted to use your silver cleaner)
• Stainless steel resists scratching, but should you get some from day to day wearing then it’s simple and easy to remove by lightly applying steel polish
• Great for wearing at the beach or playing sports

What about allergies, reactions?
• Most people find they have no allergies to stainless steel jewellery
• It does contain some nickel, but still may be considered hypoallergenic
• Many of my customers who react to silver, gold find they can wear stainless steel

Stainless steel contains the following
• At least 10% chromium – a hard brittle element, is the one important element because it combines with oxygen to form a thin concealed layer of chrome-containing oxide. This layer is protective and makes it “stainless”. However stainless steel isn’t actually stainless, it got its name because it is highly resistant to corrosion
• A smaller amount of nickel = a silvery white metal
• Molybdenum – a silver white metallic element
• Niobium – a lustrous light gray metallic element
• Titanium – a hard silver gray metal

Are there any draw backs?

• Yes, there are. It is very difficult if not impossible to re-size a stainless steel ring. Unlike silver or gold do not buy a stainless steel ring if it doesn’t already fit you. Please, regardless of what anyone tells you. And if can be sized, you will pay more for the sizing than the ring.

• Stainless steel can dent, but its such a hard material its really not worth worrying about

My disclaimer for the uneducated – its’ not fake, it is exactly what it proports to be …. stainless steel

I think stainless steel is a gorgeous medium that allows you to have amazing designs at an affordable price.

Until we meet again

Leanne