Sterling Silver Vs. Stainless Steel
WHICH SILVER METAL IS BEST FOR JEWELLERY?
In the world of sustainable jewellery, choosing the right metal is not just about aesthetics—it's a statement of your values.
Enter two of the most commonly used metals in jewellery: Stainless steel and sterling silver.
One is a precious metal, and the other is a cocktail of metallic elements.
But which is the better material for your jewellery?
Before we compare, let's introduce our key players:
Stainless Steel: Known for its unmatched durability, this alloy mixes iron with chromium to resist rust and corrosion. It's the tough, ready-for-anything option in jewellery.
Sterling Silver: This precious metal, an alloy of silver containing 92.5% by weight of silver and 7.5% by weight of other metals, usually copper, has graced civilisations for centuries with its lustrous sheen.
Okay, now let's dive in.
DURABILITY AND LONGEVITY:
Stainless Steel shines as an invincible warrior against wear and tear. Its inherent strength makes it almost impervious to scratches, dents, and bends. Perfect for those who never take off their jewellery, it promises a lifetime of wear with minimal care.
Sterling Silver, while softer, carries a timeless elegance that can last generations with proper care. Its value transcends time, serving not just as a piece of jewelry but as an heirloom. It’s important to note here that it is more prone to damage and scratches.
The verdict: Stainless Steel.
GENTLE ON SKIN:
For those with sensitive skin, the choice of metal is paramount. Stainless Steel, particularly 316L grade, is hypoallergenic, making it a safe haven for sensitive skin. Its low reactivity means it won't irritate or trigger allergies, ensuring comfort meets style.
Sterling Silver is naturally hypoallergenic, thanks to its pure silver content. However, individuals sensitive to metals like nickel or copper should proceed with caution, as these are often used in the alloy. For the purest experience, look for nickel-free options that promise the sterling shine without the worry.
The verdict: Stainless steel (just).
Please note: Everyone’s skin reacts differently, so it's essential to choose a metal that respects your individual skin's needs.
TARNISH RESISTANCE:
Stainless Steel stands undefeated against corrosion and rust. It’s all thanks to its chromium composition. This element swiftly interacts with oxygen to form a thin, protective layer on the steel. Unlike the flaky and damaging rust that iron gets, this layer sticks to the steel and protects it.
Sterling Silver's beauty is timeless, but it demands a bit of upkeep. Exposure to air and moisture can lead to tarnishing. However, with regular polishing and proper storage, your silver will continue to sparkle through the ages.
The verdict: Stainless steel.
WATERPROOF:
The daily hustle demands jewelry that can keep up. Again, it is chromium that makes stainless steel waterproof, shielding it from water damage by creating a protective layer between the metal and its environment.
Sterling Silver, while not inherently waterproof, can withstand life's moments with a little care, reminding us to cherish and maintain the beauty we adorn.
The verdict: Stainless steel.
IMPACT ON THE PLANET:
Stainless steel is the most recyclable metal on earth. When a stainless steel product finally reaches the end of its long life, it remains a valuable source of its main alloying elements - chromium, nickel and molybdenum. These can be easily recovered and returned to the production process. What's more, its production does not produce toxic run-off.
While silver is a naturally found material, it has to be mined. Unfortunately, the mining process of silver is not environmentally friendly. In fact, the process releases approximately 190 grams of carbon emissions for every gram of silver extracted.
The verdict: Stainless steel.
THE FINAL VERDICT
Well, the votes are in.
Stainless steel reigns supreme when it comes to a jewellery material that is better for the environment, durable, waterproof, rust and tarnish-proof, and gentle on skin.
For these reasons, all of our silver jewellery is made from stainless steel, as well as many of the materials inside our kits.