All About Stainless Steel Jewelry
All About Stainless Steel Jewelry
Jewelry made out of precious metals are most people’s go-to choices for many obvious reasons, but sometimes they just go over the budget, or may require more maintenance than you’d like to keep its shine. Thankfully, elegant jewelry pieces don't need to be made out of precious metals to make you feel like royalty. Dupes that have potentially better characteristics at a more affordable price exist, and stainless steel is just one of them. Its no precious metal, but with a jeweler’s masterful craftsmanship and creativity, it can definitely amount to the same kind of glamour other luxurious metals have. Its debut in the jewelry industry has been fairly recent, but its popularity has risen throughout the years with good reason. Stainless steel has been dubbed the “Superman of metals”, and we’re here to tell you exactly why. Here is our guide to everything you need to know about stainless steel jewelry.
What is Stainless Steel?
Stainless steel is an alloy that consists primarily of iron, carbon, and chromium. It is heat and corrosion resistant, and while the elemental trio is already a good enough recipe for an almost indestructible piece of metal, other elements can be added to enhance its corrosion resistance in specific environments.
Stainless steel offers a lot of strong mechanical properties--its elasticity, hardness, and ductility are excellent for being used in industries like architecture, interior design, and in transportation. Its resistance to heat, cracks, and scratches are the very reason why households commonly have stainless steel kitchenware, and its corrosion proof characteristic is what makes it very fitting as surgical equipment. Its versatility truly is an excellent quality that makes it usable in a number of other commercial industries, and it's no surprise that jewelers have taken a liking to the metal as well.
Stainless steel made its first debut in jewelry in the form of watches thanks to the Cartier dynasty in 1847. Its longevity is what garnered these watches their reputation and caused it to slowly rise in popularity, that eventually other forms of stainless steel jewelry emerged and penetrated the market. Its anti-corrosion and malleability makes the metal quite the contender for jewelry materials, not to mention its aesthetic versatility makes it all the more appealing to a wide range of audiences. By the 80s, bracelets, necklaces, and rings made out of stainless steel was a trend that wasn’t completely unheard of. Stainless steel has made quite the impact in the jewelry industry that even luxury brands like Rolex and OMEGA proudly make use of the said material up to this day.
Stainless steel is an alloy that consists primarily of iron, carbon, and chromium. It is heat and corrosion resistant, and while the elemental trio is already a good enough recipe for an almost indestructible piece of metal, other elements can be added to enhance its corrosion resistance in specific environments.
Stainless steel offers a lot of strong mechanical properties--its elasticity, hardness, and ductility are excellent for being used in industries like architecture, interior design, and in transportation. Its resistance to heat, cracks, and scratches are the very reason why households commonly have stainless steel kitchenware, and its corrosion proof characteristic is what makes it very fitting as surgical equipment. Its versatility truly is an excellent quality that makes it usable in a number of other commercial industries, and it's no surprise that jewelers have taken a liking to the metal as well.
Stainless steel made its first debut in jewelry in the form of watches thanks to the Cartier dynasty in 1847. Its longevity is what garnered these watches their reputation and caused it to slowly rise in popularity, that eventually other forms of stainless steel jewelry emerged and penetrated the market. Its anti-corrosion and malleability makes the metal quite the contender for jewelry materials, not to mention its aesthetic versatility makes it all the more appealing to a wide range of audiences. By the 80s, bracelets, necklaces, and rings made out of stainless steel was a trend that wasn’t completely unheard of. Stainless steel has made quite the impact in the jewelry industry that even luxury brands like Rolex and OMEGA proudly make use of the said material up to this day.
Different Types of Stainless Steel Used in Jewelry
You might think it’s okay to choose any type of stainless steel because they’re all pretty much the same anyway, right? Well, kind of, but not really. Making the mistake of choosing any kind of stainless steel for your jewelry may result in a purchase that goes way beyond your budget, or a piece of jewelry that you can never wear because of people with metal allergies. Its simple: the same way various industries favor certain types of stainless steel over others, same goes jewelry. Style limitations aren’t that much of a problem, but some types may just fit your lifestyle better, and doing a bit of reading before your purchase always definitely helps! Here are the different types of stainless steel used in jewelry:
304 Stainless Steel Jewelry. The most common type of stainless steel in jewelry and in other industries, this type is known for its versatility, affordability, and its strength, possessing many of the usual qualities stainless steel would commonly have. 304 stainless steel is suitable in most environments, with the exception of places that have high chloride levels, as these may put your jewelry at risk for corrosion and cracking. Lifestyles that include dealing with chloride solutions or even frequent trips to the beach will definitely lessen the lifespan of your jewelry, so you may want to consider not wearing your jewelry to these places entirely, or simply consider getting a different type of stainless steel!
316L Stainless Steel Jewelry. Another common type of stainless steel, the 316 is used mostly as surgical equipment and marine parts for its higher corrosion resistance--especially against chlorides. Considering its usage in the medical field, 316L stainless steel jewelry is by far the most body-friendly material. The presence of molybdenum in its chemical compound make it a better, more durable version of the 304, and its higher resistance to corrosion makes it perfect for people who enjoy long walks at the beach!
904L Stainless Steel Jewelry. Possibly the highest quality of stainless steel among the three, the 904L is the type that is used not only in marine operations as a higher grade material than the 316L Stainless Steel Jewelry, but is also used by the luxury watch manufacturers Rolex and OMEGA. Compared to the other two types, the 904L contains the highest amount of chromium, molybdenum, nickel and copper, enhancing its already strong characteristics to an alloy that is even more durable and corrosion resistant to all elements. 904L stainless steel offers highest quality durability along with a shiny finish, fitting for those who enjoy a little extra sparkle in their day to day life.
304 Stainless Steel Jewelry. The most common type of stainless steel in jewelry and in other industries, this type is known for its versatility, affordability, and its strength, possessing many of the usual qualities stainless steel would commonly have. 304 stainless steel is suitable in most environments, with the exception of places that have high chloride levels, as these may put your jewelry at risk for corrosion and cracking. Lifestyles that include dealing with chloride solutions or even frequent trips to the beach will definitely lessen the lifespan of your jewelry, so you may want to consider not wearing your jewelry to these places entirely, or simply consider getting a different type of stainless steel!
316L Stainless Steel Jewelry. Another common type of stainless steel, the 316 is used mostly as surgical equipment and marine parts for its higher corrosion resistance--especially against chlorides. Considering its usage in the medical field, 316L stainless steel jewelry is by far the most body-friendly material. The presence of molybdenum in its chemical compound make it a better, more durable version of the 304, and its higher resistance to corrosion makes it perfect for people who enjoy long walks at the beach!
904L Stainless Steel Jewelry. Possibly the highest quality of stainless steel among the three, the 904L is the type that is used not only in marine operations as a higher grade material than the 316L Stainless Steel Jewelry, but is also used by the luxury watch manufacturers Rolex and OMEGA. Compared to the other two types, the 904L contains the highest amount of chromium, molybdenum, nickel and copper, enhancing its already strong characteristics to an alloy that is even more durable and corrosion resistant to all elements. 904L stainless steel offers highest quality durability along with a shiny finish, fitting for those who enjoy a little extra sparkle in their day to day life.
304 Stainless Steel Jewelry. The most common type of stainless steel in jewelry and in other industries, this type is known for its versatility, affordability, and its strength, possessing many of the usual qualities stainless steel would commonly have. 304 stainless steel is suitable in most environments, with the exception of places that have high chloride levels, as these may put your jewelry at risk for corrosion and cracking. Lifestyles that include dealing with chloride solutions or even frequent trips to the beach will definitely lessen the lifespan of your jewelry, so you may want to consider not wearing your jewelry to these places entirely, or simply consider getting a different type of stainless steel!
316L Stainless Steel Jewelry. Another common type of stainless steel, the 316 is used mostly as surgical equipment and marine parts for its higher corrosion resistance--especially against chlorides. Considering its usage in the medical field, 316L stainless steel jewelry is by far the most body-friendly material. The presence of molybdenum in its chemical compound make it a better, more durable version of the 304, and its higher resistance to corrosion makes it perfect for people who enjoy long walks at the beach!
904L Stainless Steel Jewelry. Possibly the highest quality of stainless steel among the three, the 904L is the type that is used not only in marine operations as a higher grade material than the 316L Stainless Steel Jewelry, but is also used by the luxury watch manufacturers Rolex and OMEGA. Compared to the other two types, the 904L contains the highest amount of chromium, molybdenum, nickel and copper, enhancing its already strong characteristics to an alloy that is even more durable and corrosion resistant to all elements. 904L stainless steel offers highest quality durability along with a shiny finish, fitting for those who enjoy a little extra sparkle in their day to day life.
How to Care for Stainless Steel Jewelry
Despite its plethora of wondrous and positive characteristics, even the Superman-like metal has its kryptonite. Thankfully stainless steel does not require too much maintenance, and taking care of your jewelry takes nothing more than a bit of washing with soap and water! Here are some tips on taking care of your stainless steel jewelry:
- Because of stainless steel’s durability, it definitely is the type of jewelry that is fitting for everyday wear and can handle both normal and heavy duty tasks without taking damage!
- Stainless jewelry can certainly be worn in the swimming pool or in the shower, but not the ocean depending on the material your jewelry is made of! Regardless, it is a general rule to remove your jewelry in places like the beach regardless of what type of material it is, for the simple reason that it may get lost in the ocean.
- You may polish your stainless steel jewelry at home simply by dampening a washcloth with a little bit of olive oil and wiping! Choosing to have your jewelry professionally polished by jewelry makers like Patrick Adair Designs is also always a good option, especially when you find yourselves with a crack.
- Washing with water and a bit of mild dishwashing soap is also safe depending on the kind of stainless steel jewelry you own. You may want to do more research and be a bit more cautious with your cleaning if your jewelry includes precious gems.
- Because of stainless steel’s durability, it definitely is the type of jewelry that is fitting for everyday wear and can handle both normal and heavy duty tasks without taking damage!
- Stainless jewelry can certainly be worn in the swimming pool or in the shower, but not the ocean depending on the material your jewelry is made of! Regardless, it is a general rule to remove your jewelry in places like the beach regardless of what type of material it is, for the simple reason that it may get lost in the ocean.
- You may polish your stainless steel jewelry at home simply by dampening a washcloth with a little bit of olive oil and wiping! Choosing to have your jewelry professionally polished by jewelry makers like Patrick Adair Designs is also always a good option, especially when you find yourselves with a crack.
- Washing with water and a bit of mild dishwashing soap is also safe depending on the kind of stainless steel jewelry you own. You may want to do more research and be a bit more cautious with your cleaning if your jewelry includes precious gems.
Here at Patrick Adair Designs, our very own 904L stainless steel ring offers style and premium quality at its finest. Its shine and luminescence is comparable to that of even the finest of metals, and its high grade durability makes it perfect for everyday wear, giving you an absolute balance of beauty and exceptional craftsmanship. Its versatility knows no bounds with its gray color and simple design, giving the ring the perfect opportunity to stand out in any kind of outfit, with any kind of accessory. There is a nice selection of stainless steel jewelry designs to choose from.
Stainless steel makes it absolutely possible for you to live a life that exudes glamour and luxury without having to purchase any precious metal. The corrosion resistance and sheer strength alongside its classic yet polished look can easily add a touch of quiet grandeur to your everyday life for an affordable price. With its many strengths and very little weaknesses, it truly is no wonder why stainless steel has been dubbed the “Superman of metals”.
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