It is quite natural to think about gold, diamonds, platinum, silver, and precious stones when someone says “jewelry” and it is not wrong to do so. However, thanks to advancements in technology and jewelry making processes, there is a new breed that nobody would have thought would make its way into this industry. That is right, we are talking about the less conventional but equally amazing stainless steel and its widespread in jewelry in the recent past.
Explore our stainless steel jewelry (available for wholesale and retail buying) here.
Today, let us try to understand what makes stainless steel such a smash hit in the world of jewelry. We will discuss all the different qualities, features, and scientific reasons that we think make stainless steel a great choice for making jewelry. So, let us dive right into it without further ado.
5 amazing characteristics of stainless steel that make it perfect for jewelry
Stainless steel may not be the obvious or first choice when it comes to choosing a metal for your jewelry accessories, there are multiple good reasons to opt for stainless steel jewelry. We will tell you why. The top qualities of stainless steel include:
- Its ability to withstand rust and corrosion
Stainless steel is truly stainless. Its ability to resist corrosion, rust, and tarnishing make it a really good metal for jewelry making, especially when it comes to casual jewelry that is meant to be worn on a daily basis. The fact that it remains unaffected even in humid conditions makes stainless steel a great choice for jewelry makers.
- Its price point
Think fine jewelry and you immediately start doing calculations in your head. How much does it cost? How premium is it? Does the piece of jewelry justify its heavy price tag? Well, if you are willing to experiment a bit and are not hell bent on buying gold or platinum, stainless can offer you a similar kind of look and feel at a much lower price point. The cost effectiveness of stainless steel is one of the primary reasons why jewelers and jewelry buyers the world over have started considering this as a handy and smart choice.
- It is a low maintenance metal
Unlike gold, silver, platinum, or other premium materials, stainless steel is much easier to maintain. While you would have to typically take your fine jewelry to a professional on a regular basis to get it cleaned and polished, stainless steel jewelry is relatively much easier to maintain. You can use many home hacks to keep your stainless steel jewelry in pristine condition.
- It is not harmful to your skin
In a lot of cases, the other metals used in gold alloys (nickel, for example) could cause skin allergies, irritation, redness, inflammation, and itching. Stainless steel is a hypoallergenic metal in nature and this quality makes it a skin friendly option.
- It lasts long – really long!
One of the primary reasons why stainless steel is used across such a wide range of applications is the fact that it is remarkably strong and durable and offers long-term value. Its long-lasting quality and ability to endure natural wear and tear makes it an excellent choice for jewelry items such as bracelets, rings, bangles, earrings, necklaces, neck chains, and pendants. With stainless steel jewelry, you do not have to worry about dents, scratches, or loss of shine despite long-term usage.
What is the scientific composition of stainless steel?
Like you would have guessed, stainless steel is not a naturally occurring metal – it is an alloy. So, what is stainless steel made of? It is essentially a combination of iron, chromium, and other metals. Together, these different elements lend all their positive attributes to form a really robust and versatile alloy.
Let us take a look at these elements in the chemical composition of stainless steel:
- Iron – While this might seem confusing for some, iron is in fact the primary base that contributes to making stainless steel what it is. Iron, which is known for its strength, lends sturdiness to the structure of stainless steel.
- Chromium – This element is what makes stainless steel resistant to corrosion, stains, rust, and tarnishing. Chromium basically creates an oxide layer around the external surface of the alloy when it is exposed to natural elements and this forms a protective shield around your stainless steel jewelry.
- Nickel – Nickel is often used in very small quantities to enhance the corrosion resistance abilities of stainless steel. Nickel also contributes to the sheen and polished look and feel of stainless steel jewelry.
- Molybdenum – Do you know why high-grade stainless steel is so resistant to roughness and corrosion? It is the presence of the chemical element or mineral called molybdenum.
Other important things to know about stainless steel
While there are no obvious “cons” of stainless steel jewelry, there are a few things that you must know about the alloy before you make any buying decisions:
- Stainless steel is quite dense, so relatively larger pieces of jewelry may seem a little heavy to wear.
- The perception around stainless steel is that it is not considered a precious metal, just in case you care about that stuff! In any case, the way people perceive stainless steel jewelry is gradually changing now.
- Stainless steel is not as malleable as gold and silver, making it a slightly tricky metal for crafting really intricate designs.
Shop stainless steel jewelry at P&K Jewelry
At P&K Jewelry, we have a variety of stainless steel jewelry wholesale and retail options. Whether you like minimalist jewelry or bold accessories, whether you like contemporary designs or vintage ones, whether you are on the lookout for daily wear jewelry or something for special occasions, you will find it all right here at P&K Jewelry.
We also offer a range of marcasite jewelry (wholesale and retail) online. Take a look at our entire selection of jewelry and take your pick today!