Stainless steel has become a part of our everyday lives, thanks to its multifarious uses and applications across different walks of life. It is not only one of the most popular alloys, but also among the strongest ones out there. As the name suggests, this alloy is stainless, which means it does not rust, tarnish, or corrode like other metals.

Made up of iron and chromium (and some other elements like carbon, manganese, silicon, and nickel), stainless steel has been the go-to alloy for:

• Surgical instruments and medical tools
• Cookware, kitchen utensils, pots, and pans
• Construction material
• Aerospace applications
• Jewelry!

While the concept of stainless-steel jewelry has been around for quite some time, it has only started to catch the imagination of the general populace in the recent past (and for good reason). Not only is stainless-steel jewelry highly durable and lustrous, it is also easy on the pocket.

It is no wonder then that modern-day couples are opting for this handy option when it comes to choosing engagement bands and wedding rings for their special occasion.

Stainless-steel wedding rings are trending in the market and this trend seems to be one that won’t fade out soon. Let’s take a quick look at some of the top pros and cons of choosing stainless-steel wedding rings.

The Pros of Choosing Stainless-Steel Wedding Bands

• Price

Stainless steel is way more affordable compared to gold, silver, or platinum. It falls in the same category as titanium. Given the premium prices at which gold, silver, or platinum wedding rings are available in the market, they might not be the most pocket-friendly options for soon-to-be-wed couples. Stainless steel jewelry offers the same razzmatazz that any other white metal does, and at a much lower cost, so it is naturally a better choice for those who are looking for something cheaper.

• Durability

The long-lasting nature of stainless steel makes it an excellent choice for everyday wear. The alloy is considered better than most others in terms of hardness and strength, thus making it resistant to dents and damage.

• Minimal mainteanance

All you need is a soft cloth, some warm water, and a mild dishwashing liquid to clean and maintain your stainless-steel wedding band! This strong alloy is also corrosion free, rust free, and scratch free. The chromium element present in the alloy prevents it from rusting and corroding by creating an invisible top layer of protection.

• Radiance

Keep your preconceived notions about stainless steel aside for a minute, because jewelry made from this alloy is fully capable of mesmerizing you with its shine and shimmer. In fact, don’t be surprised if people come up to you and ask whether that is silver or white gold – it literally looks the same to the naked eye!

Apart from these obvious pros of stainless steel, you should also know that the alloy is 100% recyclable. Given its dynamic nature, you can find a variety of stainless-steel wedding ring designs online in several finish options, including mirror polish and brush finish.

The Cons of Stainless-Steel Wedding Rings

• Not so precious

Unlike gold, silver, or platinum, stainless steel is not considered by the world as a “precious” metal. In fact, it falls under the “alternative and industrial metals” category. While most modern-day couples wouldn’t give two hoots about the perception of stainless steel, we believe it is important for you to know the facts before you make a buying decision.

• Allergic reactions

Unless it is surgical-grade stainless steel, some other forms of the alloy can have allergic reactions on some people. This happens due to the presence of nickel in stainless steel. Such allergies may lead to irritation or inflammation of the skin. It is best to consult an expert about the quality and grade of the metal before you pick a stainless-steel wedding ring for yourself and your partner.

• Difficult to resize

The hardness and inflexibility of stainless steel, which is actually an advantage, can also be a disadvantage in case you need to get your ring resized. Resizing is very difficult with stainless-steel rings, so it is best to double-check your wedding finger and ring size before you place your order.

• Sensitive to chlorine

Stainless steel is known to be extremely sensitive to chlorine. To avoid discoloration or an undesirable chemical reaction, it is recommended that you take your ring off before taking a leisurely dip in the pool (or even while bathing and washing the dishes). Keeping it away from chlorinated water will ensure that the luster and shine of your ring stays the same.

Another major factor to consider is that stainless-steel wedding rings aren’t widely available at physical retail stores, so your best bet is buying them online from a reputed jewelry website like P&K Jewelry.

All said and done, stainless steel rings are fast becoming a popular choice as engagement or wedding bands among young couples. From traditional rounded bands and gemstone-studded designs, to laser-engraved rings and two-tone bands, stainless steel serves as a wonderful alloy or metal option for wedding rings and engagement bands.

Are you looking for that perfect “happily ever after” wedding ring? At P&K Jewelry, we offer a stunning selection of high-quality stainless-steel wedding rings for both men and women. Explore our stainless-steel jewelry options (available for wholesale).