Stainless Steel Jewelry: All You Want To Know
Stainless steel jewelry has become increasingly popular in recent years. Not everyone can afford to spend a lot of money on jewelry. These affordable, durable and chic necklaces and rings have become a great choice for people.
What is stainless steel jewelry?
Stainless steel jewelry is an alloy of iron and chromium, unlike silver or gold jewelry made from those metals. Made from metals resistant to corrosion, stainless steel jewelry is a popular choice for health-conscious consumer who wants a durable and non-toxic metal for their pieces.
Stainless steel makes up much of modern jewelry; for example, it forms part of standard rings and earrings. The metal is magnetic and a good conductor of heat, but it attracts very little dirt overall. It can be used in many different types of jewelry, including watches, chains, and rings. It is also hypoallergenic, so people with sensitive skin often choose stainless steel over other types of jewelry.
How is stainless steel jewelry made?
Below are ways in which stainless steel jewelry is made:
1. Casting:
This method is used to make thicker pieces of jewelry, such as rings and earrings. The metal is poured into a mold, and the pieces are cut from it. Large companies with expensive machinery and molds primarily use this method. It takes several hours to cast this sort of jewelry.
2. Extrusion:
This process allows for thinner metal to be made into a piece of jewelry that can be worn on the body and other types of jewelry like chains and bracelets. Materials such as copper are heated, forced through a die, and cooled rapidly before hardening in an outer skin with another material such as stainless steel or titanium. This process allows for various shapes to be made into jewelry.
3. Lost wax investment casting:
This method involves the creation of a mold out of wax or other materials that can be melted away, such as clay or plastic. The metal is then poured into the mold and allowed to cool, after which it can be removed and polished. Specialty jewelers and smaller companies primarily use this method due to its complexity and the expense associated with equipment.
4. Sand casting:
This method is used to cast small items such as earrings and rings. The resulting product can also be plated, brushed, or polished before it is sold.
5. Wire wrapping:
This process allows various types of jewelry to be made from a single piece of wire, including necklaces, bracelets, and rings. The wire is twisted or braided together, which can then be covered in a material like enamel or plastic.
What is the best type of stainless steel for jewelry?
Stainless steel jewelry commonly used materials include 304, 316, 316L, etc.
304 stainless steel jewelry
304 stainless steel is commonly known as 18/8 stainless steel, is an austenitic stainless steel, is the most widely used chromium-nickel stainless steel, and has good corrosion resistance and heat resistance.
316/316L stainless steel jewelry
316 stainless steel is the most widely used steel in addition to 304. It is mainly used in the food industry, pharmaceutical industry and surgical equipment, with the addition of molybdenum to give it a special structure that resists corrosion. 316L stainless steel is an ultra-low carbon steel with a reduced carbon content based on 316.
It is generally considered that 316 has better corrosion resistance and is more resistant to corrosion than 304 in high temperature environments. And 316L stainless steel is a good choice for jewelry.
Stainless steel jewelry pros and cons
Is stainless steel a good type of jewelry? Yes, stainless steel jewelry has a lot of advantages that other materials can’t reach, so it is becoming more and more popular among jewelry lovers.
PROS
1. Good value:
Stainless steel jewelry pieces are often treated with a rhodium finish that gives them some of the same qualities as silver in appearance and luster.
Another advantage is that it adopts the vacuum plating process in the furnace, which combines the plating layer molecules with the stainless steel molecules. Its color retention period is extended to 2 years. Because stainless steel jewelry such as rings and earrings are not likely to tarnish as quickly, they have significant long-term value. This allows them to last for years and retain their original form and beauty.
2. This type of jewelry is resistant to wear and tear:
The hardness of stainless steel is higher than silver, not easy to deformation, wear-resistant. And it is not like silver or other metals as easy to oxidation. Therefore, stainless steel jewelry can be worn for a long time to maintain a smooth and attractive appearance.
3. Hypoallergenic:
Stainless steel jewelry is made of the same material from the inside to the outside, and has passed the artificial sweat test. It does not react with the skin, does not corrode, and is resistant to strong acids and bases, so it does not cause any allergies. Jewelry made of stainless steel does not have any side effects on the human body. Therefore people with sensitive skin can also wear stainless steel earrings and necklaces safely.
4. Variety of styles:
As a new type of jewelry, it does not tarnish, and can be designed in many different styles and shapes to appeal to people.
5. Affordable prices:
The price of stainless steel jewelry is easily accepted by the public. In comparison, the price of silver has risen significantly over the past few years – while stainless steel remains at an acceptable level.
6. Easy to take care of:
They require very little maintenance and are very easy to clean – just wipe them with warm water!
CONS
1. Stainless steel is heavy:
Stainless steel has a higher specific gravity than other types of metals, so it bears more weight than most jewelry materials. This can make earrings or bracelets uncomfortable for some people. Also, some pieces made from this material might be thicker than standard gold or silver jewelry pieces so that they would interfere with hand motions in day-to-day activity.
2. Does not stand out with bright gems:
Stainless steel does not have any luster or shine when it is found in gemstones, so there is no way to make it as flashy as other metals like gold or silver might be. This can make it more difficult for people who want their jewelry to attract attention from onlookers.
3. The design is always simple
Stainless steel is a rigid material. As a result, you can’t get the kind of intricate or unique inner design that you get with silver or gold. And it is not very malleable, making jewelry that looks stiff, not as refined as other materials.
4. More expensive to produce:
Stainless steel is more expensive than other metals to produce, Especially when it is combined with diamonds, making it less likely to be found in high-end or luxury jewelry.
Frequently asked questions about stainless steel jewelry:
- Is stainless steel jewelry waterproof? Can stainless steel jewelry get wet?
Yes, stainless steel is waterproof and will not fade or lose its luster even if it is in constant contact with water. Therefore, you can shower with stainless steel jewelry on. The same applies to gold-plated stainless steel.
- Is stainless steel jewelry hypoallergenic/good for sensitive skin?
Yes, stainless steel jewelry is hypoallergenic. Allergic reactions to stainless steel are rare.
- Can stainless steel jewelry rust and will it make your skin green?
Stainless steel is corrosion-resistant and does not rust easily. On the surface of stainless steel, there is a thin film of mainly Cr2O3, which keeps the stainless steel substrate from corroding in various media.
Generally speaking, the jewelry that turns green is caused by the reaction between the acid in your body and copper, brass or nickel. And stainless steel jewelry is not easily oxidized, so it will not turn your skin green or any other color.
How to clean stainless steel jewelry?
Stainless steel jewelry is easy to clean. If there is dust on the surface of the jewelry, you can wash it with warm soapy water.
If the surface of stainless steel jewelry is contaminated by grease, oil, or lubricant, wipe it with a cloth and then clean it with neutral detergent or ammonia solution or with special washing.
Avoid violent collision and friction on the surface of stainless steel jewelry. Use a soft cloth that is not easy to fall off to scrub. For textured ornaments, wipe along the lines.
Where to buy stainless steel jewelry in bulk?
Nihaojewelry is a wholesale stainless steel jewelry online store, which offers high-quality stainless steel bracelets, necklaces, earrings, rings for women and men. Over 100,000 styles can be found here!
Conclusion
In conclusion, stainless steel jewelry is considered a durable and reliable material that people of all ages and skin types can wear. It can be used in the creation of many different styles of jewelry because it is not likely to tarnish or corrode. Stainless steel jewelry can also be used in producing rings, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces, as well as other items like bracelets for people with medical appliances.
If you still want to know more about stainless steel jewelry, leave a message in the comments section below!
You may also like: Where to wholesale gold-plated jewelry online?
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