Learn everything you need to know about high-quality stainless steel jewelry and find out if your favorite plated stainless steel jewelry will tarnish over time.
In this article, we answer the eternal question of whether stainless steel jewelry will rust or fade. We’ll also provide our best recommendations on how to prolong the life of your collection so you can enjoy it for years to come.
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Stainless steel is a very durable metal, and due to its Chromium content, it is resistant to rust and corrosion. Plated stainless steel jewelry can fade when exposed to chlorine, saltwater, and direct sunlight. The plating can also chip or wear away if the jewelry is not cared for.
While plated jewelry can tarnish, if stainless steel is used as the base metal, it is less likely to wear significantly over time. There are, however, ways to make gold-plated stainless steel jewelry and rhodium-plated stainless steel jewelry last longer, including:
Using a microfibre cloth to wipe the piece down after use
Using gold-plated jewelry cleaner instead of harsh chemicals
Avoiding water and detergents when wearing your gold-plated jewelry
Keeping it stored in its original pouch out of direct sunlight
Knowing more about the metal will allow you to better understand the vast array of benefits of stainless steel jewelry. Stainless steel jewelry is created using a combination of Chromium, Nickel, and Iron. It is highly durable and resistant to corrosion and rust, making it the perfect choice for creating beautiful pieces that will last a lifetime. Stainless steel is also hypoallergenic, which makes it an ideal choice for jewelry that those with sensitive skin can wear. For this reason, Artizan Joyeria uses hypoallergenic stainless steel as a base for our collections of premium-quality, plated stainless steel rings, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. We imbue every carefully crafted piece and stainless steel jewelry set with the utmost care and attention, ensuring that our customers can enjoy modern elegance and timeless beauty for years to come.
Yes, stainless steel jewelry is real, and it has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its affordability, durability, and style. Stainless steel jewelry is often plated with gold or rhodium to give it a high-class look and feel. It is this plating that often sees more wear than the stainless steel base itself. The metal is also extremely adaptable and can be combined with other metals and materials to create unique pieces that can be cherished for years when care instructions are followed. If you are investing in stainless steel jewelry, it is essential to look for high-quality stainless steel jewelrypieces. For example, our Charms and Chains Collection features a hand-picked selection of 18k gold and rhodium plated stainless steel charms and plated stainless steel necklaces that allow you to design your jewelry look according to your personal style preferences. The dainty charms and contemporary necklaces in this collection can be mixed and matched to create an effortless look that captures the allure of gold and rhodium jewelry but will wear better over time.
As mentioned, stainless steel jewelry can be plated with any metal, such as gold or rhodium, to give it extra sparkle and shine. The process of plating usually involves using an electric current to bond the other metal onto the stainless steel surface. Of course, plated stainless steel is more affordable than solid gold, silver, or rhodium jewelry, and you can still achieve the same brilliant shine and aesthetic appeal. It's a great way to extend the life of your jewelry, as solid gold, silver, or rhodium jewelry is prone to wear. While the plating may still show signs of wear over time, the stainless steel base of Artizan Joyeria's jewelry makes it more durable and less prone to fading or rusting, even for the most delicate pieces. If you're looking for the best of all three worlds, Artizan Joyeria's Mix Metal Bracelet Collection allows you to enjoy both rhodium and gold-plated jewelry in a single mindfully-made piece with stainless steel bracelets that feature all three elements.
Yes, gold-plated stainless steel will tarnish over time. The stainless steel base will help to slow the process significantly. The best way to keep your gold-plated stainless steel jewelry lustrous is to take proper care of it by cleaning it with a soft cloth and storing it in its pouch.
The life of gold-plated jewelry will depend on the quality of the base metal and plating, as well as how often it is worn. Our high-quality stainless steel jewelry with 18k gold plating can last years with proper care.
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Stainless steel jewelry has been known to last for up to two decades, and many use cases of this metal in everyday life suggest much higher longevity. Centuries-old artifacts made of stainless steel are still found in museums and historical sites worldwide. Do modern-day stainless steel rings tarnish? The honest answer is yes, and so do all stainless steel jewelry pieces, but their longevity is much higher than other metals such as gold, silver, or rhodium. The good news is that slightly worn stainless steel jewelry can have its shine restored with regular cleaning and polishing. But if you're not up to restoring your stainless steel earrings or necklaces, a bit of wear and tear can add more character to the piece, giving it a vintage aesthetic, which is always on trend.
If you're wondering how to polish stainless steel jewelry to a mirror finish, the truth is that you may not achieve a flawless finish if you've left it too long. But you can still restore the jewelry’s brilliance. To clean stainless steel jewelry and bring out its shine, use a soft cloth and mild soap to wash the surface gently. Ensure that you avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive solutions, as this could easily damage the plating and decrease the lifespan of your jewelry. If you want to add an extra level of shine, a microfibre polishing cloth can help do just that. Generally speaking, with the proper care and maintenance, your stainless steel jewelry can last you for many years with minimal tarnishing.
It's not a train smash if stainless steel jewelry gets wet from time to time. Generally speaking, stainless steel jewelry should be kept out of water as much as possible. Is stainless steel jewelry waterproof? No, but it is water-resistant. In other words, it can withstand exposure to water but does not do well when submerged for an extended period of time. While many stainless steel pieces can handle occasional contact with water, many are not suitable for use in a pool or ocean due to the chlorine and salt content in the water. It's always best to put your Artizan Joyeria jewelry in its pouch while in the bath or shower to avoid moisture.
At Artizan Joyeria, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional quality, stainless steel jewelry at an accessible price point so that anyone can enjoy stainless steel benefits, including hypoallergenic properties and rust-free wear. Our stainless steel jewelry sets are curated with the modern woman in mind and make putting together a show-stopping ensemble effortless. Whether you're looking for a ready-to-wear stainless steel bracelet stack or you're a seasoned fashionista who likes to stack your rings and coordinate your accessories yourself, our range of stainless steel jewelry pieces can easily be mixed and matched to create a one-of-a-kind look that's uniquely you!
Browse Artizan Joyeria's online selection today to find your perfect match!
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