Stainless steel jewellery has become super popular in South Africa in the past few years and will definitely be something you see everywhere in 2023 as it is affordable and durable and doesn't rust. Everyone promises it is tarnish-proof, waterproof and durable but there are pros and cons to wearing jewellery made from this metal. Let's take a look.
What Is Stainless Steel Jewellery?
Stainless steel is made from chromium, nickel and carbon and must contain at least 12 per cent chromium to be considered stainless. This chromium makes the steel stainless by creating an invisible top layer that prevents oxygen from corroding the steel surface, this means stainless steel jewellery won't rust or tarnish as long as this layer stays intact.
Pros of Stainless Steel Jewellery
It's Affordable
Stainless steel itself is super affordable as anyone who has purchased household objects like cutlery can attest to, however, the price of stainless steel jewellery varies depending on who makes it. Most places like All That Glitters sell their pieces for under R500 but luxury brands like Tiffany & Co. for example can sell their pieces for up to R10 000.
It's Strong and Durable
Stainless steel jewellery is tough can handle much more wear and tear than silver or gold jewellery and requires much less polishing and cleaning which makes it much easier to wear on a daily basis.
It Doesn't Rust
It won’t rust as long as the protective layer of chromium on it is maintained. It also doesn't oxidize like brass so it won’t change colour over time or turn your skin green.
It's Recyclable and Environmentally Friendly
Stainless steel jewellery 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 jewellery is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to make more sustainable choices.
It's Hypoallergenic
The nickel in stainless is tightly bound which ensures that it won't leak out so it's safe for those with metal allergies. Stainless steel is also biocompatible so it has no biological or chemical effects on the body and doesn't leach into your blood and won't interfere with any medications.
Cons of Stainless Steel Jewellery
Its Value Doesn’t Appreciate
Unlike silver and gold which have high value and are precious metals, stainless steel is cheap and not a scarce or valuable resource making stainless steel inexpensive.
It's Only Available in Silver
Stainless steel is silver and can only be silver, if you see gold stainless steel jewellery, this means it has a gold plating over it and this plating can tarnish and rub off over time, like all plated jewellery. Some brands promise tarnish-proof stainless steel jewellery that is gold but we can safely say that this is misinformation and the plating can absolutely tarnish if not taken care of.
It's Prone to Dents
Stainless steel is durable as stated before but it isn’t completely indestructible. It can still get dented over time if handled roughly like coming into contact with heavy and sharp objects or rough surfaces and harsh chemicals.
How To Clean Your Stainless Steel Jewellery
Stainless steel doesn't get scratched, corrode, or tarnish easily but it can become dull after a while so here are some tips on how to restore its shine without damaging it:
Use Soap and Water
Place your stainless steel jewellery in a large bowl with warm water and add a small amount of mild soap, like dishwashing liquid. Remove from water, rinse, and use a soft cloth to dry. This will remove oils, creams and dirt.
Don’t use toothpaste, this can leave marks and damage the metal and stones in your jewellery.
Tips for Maintaining Your Stainless Steel Jewelry
Check out our guide on The Best Ways to Take Care of Your Jewellery but here are a few tips on how to take care of stainless steel specifically. Even though it's durable, it's not impervious to damage and can lose its lustre over time, especially if it's plated in gold or rose gold.
1. You should clean your stainless steel jewellery every few weeks or when it starts to look dirty, this will help it last longer.
2. Keep them away from chemicals like sanitiser, bleach and detergents as they can cause the metal to discolour and eat away at the coating.
3. Store your pieces in separate bags and not on top of each other as they can scratch each other and leave marks.
Conclusion
Stainless steel jewellery is an affordable option for those who want durable jewellery that they can wear daily and not spend a lot of time maintaining. It is also hypoallergenic for those with sensitive skin. It does require care and cleaning in order for it to last and does not appreciate in value but is a great choice for most people. Shop our range of stainless steel jewellery below.
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