With silver prices soaring, more and more brands are looking to alternative metals for their jewelry designs. One of the most popular options is stainless steel jewelry, known for its durability, versatility, and affordability. In this article, we’re going to cover everything you need to know about stainless steel jewelry and why it’s one of our favorite materials to work with.
Stainless steel is a corrosion-resistant alloy composed mainly of iron, chromium, and other elements. It is characterized by its lustrous appearance and ability to resist tarnish, rust, and corrosion. The addition of chromium to the alloy forms a thin, protective layer on the surface that prevents oxidation and ensures its long-lasting properties.
The concept of stainless steel dates back to the early 20th century. In , English metallurgist Harry Brearley, while working on an erosion-resistant material for gun barrels, stumbled upon the alloy we now know as stainless steel. Brearley’s discovery involved adding chromium to iron, resulting in a corrosion-resistant material. The newly found stainless steel garnered significant interest for its industrial applications, but its potential for stainless steel jewelry designs wasn’t realized for till decades later.
By the mid-20th century, stainless steel jewelry was primarily used for men’s accessories like tie clips, cufflinks, and watch bands. It didn’t take long for jewelry designers to start experimenting with more elaborate, intricate designs for women. In the s, stainless steel jewelry surged in popularity. The punk and biker subcultures increased demand for stainless steel jewelry and brought in a younger audience. The market had an increased demand for stainless steel earrings, necklaces, rings and more fashion jewelry pieces.
Over the years, stainless steel jewelry designs branched out into a wide variety of styles. Today, stainless steel is a popular option for stamped pendants, engraved cuff bracelets, chokers, anklets, and even wedding bands. Its hypoallergenic nature makes it a popular earring option for those with metal allergies. Opting for stainless steel huggies, hoop earrings, dangle earrings, and stud earrings increases the chance of buyers with sensitive ears reaching checkout. Stainless steel jewelry has the ability to mimic the appearance of precious metals but unlike nickel and aluminum, stainless steel jewelry’s high durability makes it resistant to wear and tear.
When deciding which materials to manufacture your jewelry designs in, it’s important to think about three factors: price, appearance, and consumer sentiment. Stainless steel jewelry is one of the most affordable options costing significantly less than sterling silver, yellow gold, rose gold, and platinum. However, despite its affordability, it is incredibly high quality. For example, our stainless steel chains and stackable rings are extremely resistant to scratches and dents which is vital considering these types of items are worn everyday.
Unlike sterling silver and gold, stainless steel doesn’t tarnish due to its invisible outer layer of chromium. Stainless steel jewelry remains a pure silver color and often resembles sterling silver and platinum. The resistance to rust and tarnish is important for two reasons:
While all jewelry has an “infinite shelf life” it’s not uncommon for us to hear from business owners who over-ordered gold or silver pieces that had to sit around in their warehouse before sales picked up. Once the orders came in, they had to polish the pieces before sending out customer orders. This was not only a huge time sink but also expensive as not only did additional labor need to be paid but customers who received an unpolished piece requested refunds. With stainless steel jewelry, tarnish is never a concern.
Another reason why consumers love stainless steel is its hypoallergenic properties. As a non-reactive metal, stainless steel will not turn customer’s skin green or cause allergic reactions. For people who wear their favorite items everyday, such as stud earrings, bracelets, and wedding bands, this is a huge selling point. We highly suggest you communicating to your audience the hypoallergenic nature of stainless steel, particularly when it comes to gift ideas and new arrival promotions. One of the best selling gifts for designers to sell is sterling silver earring sets due to sensitive ears. Moreover, stainless steel’s allergy-friendly benefits means you have access to a wider market of jewelry wearers.
While in the beginning, stainless steel was mainly used in men’s accessories, today stainless steel is a popular option for unisex and women’s designs alike. Like sterling silver, stainless steel can be used to create striking birthstone jewelry, beaded jewelry, minimalist jewelry and more. It can be used for engagement rings that feature everything from diamonds to the more affordable, cubic zirconia. Stainless steel chains come in a variety of styles such as the traditional box chain, to more elaborate styles like figaro and link chains. Stainless steel necklaces and stainless steel bracelets can be designed in a variety of ways from the intricate Cuban link to the more simple rope chain style.
While stainless steel is a great fashion jewelry option that can be manufactured quickly in order to stay on top of trends, such as the increasingly popular signet rings and stackable bangles, it is also a perfect solution for more timeless designs. Pendant necklaces are a staple item that all jewelry lines should carry and stainless steel is perfect for both the chain necklace and pendant. Cross necklaces are always in high demand and stainless steel is a durable material for cross pendants that are worn day in and day out.
As a business owner, you have a responsibility to create the best quality products for the best price and when it comes to jewelry design, this can be a tricky balance to strike. Fortunately, stainless steel resembles the look of precious metals but costs a fraction of the price. Moreover, gemstones, enamel, engraving, and intricate designs can be incorporated into stainless steel rings, necklaces, earrings, and jewelry sets, so you never have to compromise on appearance. Stainless steel is an affordable solution allowing you to create pieces that are both appealing and accessible.
The versatility of stainless steel makes it one of the best options for jewelry manufacturing. It’s no mystery that this versatile, affordable metal is for many brands, a best seller. If you’re looking to manufacture custom jewelry, stainless steel is the perfect solution for durable, beautiful pieces that will last for years to come.
Stainless steel jewelry is it good? People often ask this because of the saturation of the market with fake products. To add to that, stainless steel is quite affordable, so they compare it to other expensive metals. But high cost doesn’t always equate to high quality.
Discerning jewelry brands recognize stainless steel for its benefits, such as durability, hypoallergenic properties, and affordability. Smart brands leverage stainless steel to deliver exceptional value without compromising style or quality.
Stainless steel jewelry is crafted from an iron-based alloy containing a minimum of 10.5% chromium, along with other elements that create a corrosion-resistant, non-tarnishing metal.
The tailored craftsmanship to make stainless steel jewelry involves sophisticated manufacturing techniques like die casting, laser cutting, and stamping. These techniques enable the creation of custom jewelry with exceptional dimensional accuracy, mirror-like finishes, consistent quality, and jewelry that doesn’t tarnish.
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There are 2 major types of stainless steel for jewelry: 304 stainless steel and 316L stainless steel. What is the best stainless steel for jewelry? 316L stainless steel is the best option.
While there are notable stainless steel jewelry pros and cons, overall, stainless steel is great for jewelry and embraced by most fashion enthusiasts.
Stainless steel is a very tough metal, making it exceptionally resistant to scratches, tarnishing, and corrosion. This results in lower return rates and reduced customer service issues. Also, the durability creates confident customers who become brand promoters, thereby reducing marketing costs because of their word-of-mouth advertisement.
Stainless steel is cheaper compared to other metals like silver, platinum, or gold. This enhances sustainable production methods and allows brands to achieve higher profit margins while offering competitive retail prices. The affordability enables brands to penetrate broader market groups, including younger demographics and price-conscious customers who want quality jewelry.
Stainless steel is good for sensitive skin because of its hypoallergenic properties, making it more appealing to customers who often get allergic reactions when they wear other jewelry. This expands its application, particularly for body piercings, everyday wear jewelry, and children’s jewelry.
Stainless steel is one of the preferred recycled & recyclable materials for crafting sustainable jewelry. Unlike fast fashion jewelry that quickly fade and tarnish, stainless steel is 100% recyclable and can be repurposed to make another jewelry if it begins to tarnish.
If your brand positions stainless steel as its main metal, these are some jewelry styles that align perfectly with stainless steel’s unique strength. Choosing one or all of them will help upscale your brand.
The permanent jewelry trend (clasp-less and welded-on bracelets & anklets) requires a metal that is body-safe for long-term wear and strong enough to withstand everyday life like bathing, swimming, and exercising. Stainless steel’s hypoallergenic nature and immense durability make it the perfect option for offering this service.
Ocean-inspired jewelry requires materials that can withstand saltwater exposure, making stainless steel the superior choice, as it’s made of strong elements like chromium that make it resistant to corrosion and tarnishing. The metal’s natural silver tone naturally captures the waves of the moonlight on sea without deteriorating.
Athletic and gym jewelry requires materials that can withstand sweat, friction, and impact while maintaining comfort during movement. Stainless steel’s lightweight strength and waterproof make it the perfect choice for fitness trackers, sports bands, and jewelry during workouts. It won’t react with sweat or cause skin irritation during intense training.
Is stainless steel good quality jewelry for body piercings? Body piercing jewelry demands the highest material cleanliness and standards for safety. 316L surgical-grade stainless steel is a trusted choice for piercings due to its hypoallergenic properties. Unlike other metals that can cause infections or allergic reactions, it supports healthy healing and comfortable long-term wear.
Jewelry pieces that come in contact with water, especially swimming pool, face constant exposure to chlorine and UV radiation that destroys most metals. But stainless steel’s chemical resistance ensures that swimsuit accessories maintain their beauty and function.
Finally, stainless steel jewelry is it good? Yes, it is good and if you’re wondering what metal doesn’t tarnish? Stainless steel tops the list. It’s very strong, affordable, hypoallergenic, and sustainable.
Stainless steel is recommended for brands focusing on permanent jewelry, ocean-inspired jewelry, sports & active lifestyle jewelry, body jewelry, and swimsuit accessories jewelry. Partner with a professional custom jewelry manufacturer to get the best stainless steel jewelry for your brand.
For more information, please visit Custom Stainless Steel Jewelry.