What is stainless steel?
Stainless steel is a metal alloy made of iron, carbon, and chromium that naturally resists corrosion and oxidation.
Why is stainless steel used in jewelry?
This metal is particularly prized for its durability. Unlike other base metals, it does not rust or turn skin green, making it a preferred choice for fashion accessories and men's collections. Its hard surface is difficult to scratch, maintaining its original polish for a long time without requiring complex care.
What are the differences compared to precious metals?
Although stainless steel is aesthetically pleasing, it stands out significantly from the materials used in fine jewelry.
- Intrinsic Value: Steel is an abundant industrial metal, whereas gold and platinum are rare metals that maintain their market value.
- Weight and Color: Steel is lighter and has a colder, grayer hue than silver or white gold.
- Manufacturing Technique: Steel is processed through industrial casting or laser cutting methods, whereas our pieces result from a genuine creative work handcrafted by artisans in Montreal.
If you own a piece and doubt its composition, there are tips to determine if a piece of jewelry is real gold or a contemporary alloy.
Can steel jewelry be adjusted or repaired?
This is one of the major points of caution for this material. Steel has an extremely high melting point, which prevents jewelers from using traditional torches for soldering or modifications.
Unlike a gold ring, which can be adjusted over the years, a steel ring generally cannot be resized. If you have a broken ring to repair, intervention on steel is often impossible in a jewelry workshop.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stainless Steel
Surgical-grade steel, such as 316L, is considered hypoallergenic for most people because it releases very little nickel, thus limiting the risk of skin reactions.
No, quality steel does not tarnish or change color, even when exposed to water, because its chromium layer protects it from atmospheric oxidation.
It is possible to engrave steel, but this often requires diamond-tipped machines or high-performance industrial lasers due to the exceptional hardness of the metal's surface.