The Real Deal With Stainless Steel

Jun 6
10:02

2012

Lina Lambert

Lina Lambert

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The rising popularity of stainless steel as a metal of choice in jewelry can be attributed to its wide range of unique characteristics. From bringing forth the industrial age to being the “it” metal of fashion, it goes to show that the future is lustrous when it comes to stainless steel jewelry.

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For decades,The Real Deal With Stainless Steel      Articles stainless steel has become a material of choice for many industries. It is such a great alloy that it even got the attention and approval in the world of jewelry.

 

A versatile contemporary alloy, stainless steel is now considered as an alternative to precious metals like gold, silver and platinum, mostly for people who want high quality, stylish and affordable accessories. Stainless steel jewelry is a boon not just for the budget-conscious shopper but also to a competitive retail jeweler. Yet, what is it with this metal that makes it such a hit even to the hard-to-please fashionistas?

 

Durable, affordable and with luster that can compare to expensive metals, it is hard not to love stainless steel. Because it is so easy to work with, designers and manufacturers have literally flooded the market with stainless steel jewelry in all shapes and styles. It offers a lot of flexibility and possibilities in terms of design that it can be crafted into different hues to resemble gold, silver, brass, copper and other metals. From simple costumer accessories to high end jewelry, stainless steel has something for everyone.

 

Yet, not all types of stainless steel are created equal. The knife in the kitchen cannot just be melted to make a stylish necklace. Only a very few grades of stainless steel are acceptable to be use in creating quality jewelry and this should be kept in mind by both jewelry shoppers and retailers alike.

 

For stainless steel jewelry, those with the 316L grade is known to be the best type due to its dependable durability, resistance to corrosion, great luster and most of all, high biocompatibility. Other types, like the lower grades 304 stainless steel, do get used in making jewelry but, unlike 316L, it can still corrode and get damaged by rust. Due to the balance formulation of the alloy of 316L stainless steel jewelry, retailers and customers alike are guaranteed to have superior products.

 

Having high biocompatibility is very important in determining the value of stainless steel jewelry, more so when used in body piercing. Patrons of this jewelry intend them as everyday accessories and should always be comfortable in any type of environment or situation. 316L stainless steel jewelry's high biocompatibility makes it hypoallergenic and is it very favorable to people with sensitive skin.

 

The rising popularity of stainless steel as a metal of choice in jewelry can be attributed to its wide range of unique characteristics. From bringing forth the industrial age to being the “it” metal of fashion, it goes to show that the future is lustrous when it comes to stainless steel jewelry.