Stainless Steel Jewellery: 316L, Silver and Coatings
Stainless steel jewellery includes bangles, chains and pendants made from corrosion-resistant steel alloys. Its appearance depends on the steel grade, surface treatment and any other materials in the design.
What does 316L stainless steel mean?
316L is a low-carbon grade containing chromium, nickel and molybdenum. Molybdenum helps improve resistance to certain forms of corrosion. However, 'stainless steel' alone does not identify a specific grade; check whether 316L is stated for the actual piece.
How is stainless steel different from 925 silver?
Sterling silver contains 92.5% silver, while stainless steel is an iron-based alloy. Both can appear silver-coloured, but they have different compositions and cleaning requirements. Metal colour cannot confirm a piece's material.
Does a gold or black finish change the base metal?
A gold, rose-gold or black finish may be a surface coating over steel. Coating durability depends on its method and wear. If jewellery combines metal with leather, check each component separately, especially for sensitive skin.