Stainless Steel vs 925 Sterling Silver
When purchasing jewelry, two commonly used materials you might see are 316L Stainless Steel and 925 Sterling Silver. Though similar in appearance, they are quite different.
Stainless steel is an alloy of steel and chromium. It has the strength, durability, and functionality of steel with the luster, low-maintenance upkeep, and resistance to corrosion of chromium. Stainless steel is used for cookware, surgical equipment, architecture and jewelry and many more.
Stainless steel is a high-quality option for necklaces, rings, and bracelets because it comes at a low price point when compared to other metals. If you buy a piece of jewelry made from stainless steel, you can feel confident that your investment will last a long time with little to no maintenance, unless it's coated with a different metal like 14k or 18k gold plated. As time goes by, coating can wear off if not taken care.
Sterling silver is an alloy consisting of 92.5% silver and 7.5% of another metal, usually copper. Pure silver is usually too soft to make anything functional or durable, and therefore alloying the silver with another metal allows it to have the strength of another metal, with the flexibility and lustrous appearance of silver.
Sterling silver is also a more affordable alternative to more expensive metals such as gold or platinum, but it still has an iconic luster that’s impossible to miss. Because of their durability and timelessness, your sterling silver pieces will last a lifetime.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Stainless steel jewelry doesn’t need pampering. Wash it in warm, soapy water, rinse it thoroughly, and let it air dry on a clean towel. Place it in its own soft bag so it doesn’t scratch and isn’t scratched by other pieces of jewelry.
If you choose a sterling silver option, you’ll want to wear it often, as this will keep your piece looking brand new. Even if you take extra precaution in keeping your jewelry in good condition, you’ll still have to do some cleaning every now and then. You can use the same mild techniques for each of these metals.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub away any remaining residue. Be sure to gently polish it with a lint-free cloth to avoid scratches, especially on your sterling silver accessories.
Cost
Sterling silver does tend to garner a higher price tag, compare to stainless steel but this is because of silver’s rarity when compared to steel. Sterling Silver jewelry have a pristine quality and shine to them that can be difficult to replicate.
Furthermore, check to see if the company uses quality metal in their collection. Especially if you’re looking for gold plated options, be sure that they are using at least 14k or 18k gold,0.05 or more E-coating as it's an extra layer of tarnish resistance, which extend the life span of the jewelry.
