What is Stainless Steel?
Stainless steel is an alloy composed primarily of iron, with varying proportions of chromium, nickel, and other elements. What sets stainless steel apart from other types of steel is its high chromium content, which forms a thin, invisible layer of chromium oxide on the surface when exposed to oxygen. This layer gives stainless steel its exceptional resistance to corrosion, rust, and staining. Additionally, the addition of nickel in certain grades of stainless steel enhances its strength and durability while also contributing to its hypoallergenic properties. With its unique combination of strength, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic appeal, stainless steel has become a popular choice for a wide range of applications, including jewellery.
What are the benefits of using Stainless Steel for earrings?
We discovered stainless steel is a great raw material (even better than silver sometimes) for earrings for the following reasons:
♡ It looks great, and can be made to the same colour and lustre of precious metals such as silver and gold.
♡ It’s highly durable and resistant to rust, corrosion and discolouration.
♡ It’s hypoallergenic, meaning it’s unlikely to cause any adverse reactions or irritation when worn.
♡ It’s low maintenance, doesn’t require any special care, perfect for everyday wear.
♡ It’s sustainable. The production process for stainless steel typically involves lower energy consumption and fewer harmful emissions compared to other metals.
Do Stainless Steel earrings only come in silver colour?
Certainly not. Same as silver jewellery, stainless steel can be electroplated with gold and rose gold colour. In fact, we also electroplate stainless steel with silver or white gold colour to brighten the darker sheen in stainless steel.
Does Stainless Steel tarnish?
No. Unlike silver, stainless steel does not tarnish over time and makes it incredibly easy to care for. Simply wiping it clean with a soft cloth and mild soap is usually all it takes to keep stainless steel earrings looking their best.
Is Sterling Silver or Stainless Steel better for sensitive skins?
Stainless steel for sure. Although sterling silver (925 silver) is also a great choice for sensitive skins compared with other metal alloys such as bronze or brass, it usually contains a small amount of metals other than silver which could cause irritations for sensitive skins. On the other hand, stainless steel is hypoallergenic and is generally safe for even the most sensitive skin types.