Stainless Steel Jewelry

A steel alloy containing chromium, which forms an invisible protective layer on the outside. As a result it does not rust, not even on contact with water or sweat. Bare silver-tone steel therefore stays as it is; the gold- and rose-gold-tone models carry a PVD layer, and that does wear through in time. Two iced out cross pendants on this page are the exception: those are nickel-free copper alloy. In jewelry descriptions, stainless steel is often shortened to SS.

If you want a piece you can keep on while washing your hands, in the rain and in the shower: bare silver-tone steel. There is no layer on it, so nothing can wear off. The gold- and rose-tone models in this collection do carry a PVD layer: those come off before showering and working out. If you want a real precious metal with weight, a deeper shine and resale value: 925 silver, which tarnishes and which you polish bright again with a silver cloth. All three come off before the swimming pool, because chlorine is harsher than shower water. For rings, steel is usually the wiser choice, because a ring takes the most knocks.

No. Where silver tarnishes over time, bare silver-tone steel stays as it is, and you do not need a polishing cloth for it. The gold- and rose-gold-tone models do carry a PVD layer, and that wears through in time. On both, a film of soap or body lotion wipes straight off with a cloth.

No, and frankly that is its only real drawback. Stainless steel weighs less than silver, the shine is cooler and flatter, and it has no resale value. On the other hand it is harder and costs considerably less, and bare silver-tone steel does not tarnish the way silver does. On the gold- and rose-gold-tone models it stays a layer, and that wears through in time.