Like many jewelry designers, I go through phases where I fall in love with a certain material and it's all I want to use all the time. Right now I'm loving stainless steel. I'm using stainless steel chain for my necklaces, steel posts for earrings, and steel for selected key chains. I knew that my obsession had moved from like to love when I needed a storage container solely for steel jump rings and split rings.
Here are a few reasons to love stainless steel jewelry:
- It's strong.
It's frustrating to have a delicate sterling silver chain snag or catch on something and break. You don't have that problem with a steel chain, even if the chain links are relatively fine. (Of course, this means that you should take off your chain if you're involved in sports or another activity with a lot of unpredictable motion. A chain that does not easily break can be a liability in certain situations.) Similarly, steel jump rings won't pop open the same way that ones made of softer metals might. Its strength is one reason I decided to use it for a bottle opener key chain. To be clear, steel isn't impervious to any damage; it is possible to dent it, but it will take some effort on your part. - It retains its silver color well.
Stainless steel contains chromium which helps make it very resistant to corrosion. Sterling silver, silver-plated metals, and silver-filled metals will all tarnish over time, requiring you to polish them. How could you not love a metal that does not require any (or very little) work on your part? Steel does have a darker silver color than aluminum or sterling silver, so if you like your jewelry elements to match perfectly, then steel may not be a good option for you. - It retains it shape.
It does take a lot more effort to bend a piece of stainless steel than aluminum, but the bent metal will more easily retain its shape. This can be an advantage when making something like a ring or bangle bracelet where you want it to retain a perfect circle shape. However, it does require that you know your jewelry size. It's not always possible or easy to resize steel jewelry. - It's easy to clean.
While there are special steel cleaners available, you can often brighten your steel jewelry with just a mild dishwashing soap, warm water, and soft cloth. - It comes in different sizes, shapes, and finishes.
I like that stainless steel comes in thin and thick pieces, as well as shiny (sometimes called a "mirror finish") and brushed finishes. I'm especially fond of the brushed finish as it hides scratches well. For jewelry, I normally gravitate towards the thinner pieces of steel because thick steel can be heavy and uncomfortable to wear. However, I do like thick steel for some keychains, as many people are very hard on their keychains and require an extra tough option. If you need certain shapes of steel for your jewelry, you'll probably want to buy them already cut. You will need special tools to cut steel since it is much harder than other metals such as copper. - It's trendy.
I'm not a huge follower of trends, but stainless steel's popularity means that there will eventually be more options for steel findings (such as clasps) and styles of chain. It may also mean lower prices as more manufacturers try to meet the need for steel jewelry making options. - It's affordable.
Chain made with steel is much more affordable than sterling silver, but can be more expensive than silver-plated. However, steel chain will typically also last longer than silver-plated versions. Eventually silver on plated chain will wear away and expose the base metal below. You do not have to worry about that will stainless steel chain. - It's hypoallergenic (for most people).
Stainless steel typically will include some nickel, which causes an allergic reaction for some people. But even if you are normally sensitive to nickel, it's possible that stainless steel will be fine for you depending upon the amount of nickel in the piece and your sensitively level. In fact, stainless steel 316L (one of several classes used for jewelry) is often used to make earrings for newly pierced ears which can be very sensitive. - It works well for men and women.
While stainless steel jewelry is often marketed towards men, women also appreciate some of its qualities such as its strength and affordability. I feel that it has a great day-to-evening quality which lets it be worn in different situations depending upon the design. - It comes in limited styles and options.
This does not sound like a benefit, does it? However, sometimes when there are a huge number of options available, it can feel paralyzing rather than freeing for a jewelry maker. With a limited number of options for stainless steel findings and chain, it means that I will finish my shopping more quickly and get back to the design table.
Further Reading
What to know more? Companies that sell jewelry and jewelry making supplies can be a good source of information. Here are two short pieces that I found helpful:
- About Metals: Information for Making Jewelry, Rings & Things
- The Benefits of Stainless Steel for Jewelry Design by Sam Niemeyer, Fire Mountain Gems & Beads.