Why choose stainless steel?
Many of the metal accessories sold on the Perles & co website are made of stainless steel.
Always the same anxieties and the same questions: does this item contain nickel? Is stainless steel durable over time? On our product sheets, the indication "nickel-free" indicates that the stainless steel product complies with REACH regulations. Although it contains nickel by virtue of its composition, it is not released into the environment.
Here's a quick rundown to get you up to speed ;-)
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1. What is stainless steel?
Stainless steel, also known as inox steel, is a metal widely used in all areas of domestic and industrial life, thanks to its high rust-proof qualities.
It is an alloy of iron, chromium, nickel and carbon, necessary to guarantee the formation of a self-regenerating surface layer that makes it stainless.
2. What is the composition of stainless steel?
- Over 50%iron.
- Chromium & carbon. According to European standard EN -13, a steel is classified as stainless if it contains a minimum of 10.5% chromium by mass and a maximum of 1.2% carbon, which will prevent the formation of carbides that are detrimental to the material.
- Nickel. Homogenizes the alloy. It provides flexibility, malleability and resilience (shape memory). Regulations are very strict for jewelry. The European directive on nickel (94/27/CE in its latest version of September 27, ) requires that the nickel release rate be 0.5 micrograms per cm 2 (surface area of the part) per week for articles in direct and prolonged contact with the skin. This migration limit is lowered to 0.2 µg/cm²/week for piercings.
For this reason, most nickel-containing alloys have been phased out. But some are still authorized, such as stainless steels.
On our product sheets, you may have read the indication "Nickel released: no". This indicates that the stainless steel product complies with REACH regulations. Although it contains nickel due to its composition, it is not released. - Other elements:
- Manganese is a substitute for nickel. Certain stainless steel alloy series have been developed to cope with uncertainties in nickel supply.
- Molybdenum and copper improve resistance in most corrosive environments, particularly acidic ones (e.g. perspiration), but also in phosphoric and sulfurous solutions.
- Tungsten improves the high-temperature resistance of stainless steels.
- Titanium prevents the alteration of metallurgical structures during hot working, particularly during welding, thus preserving the stainless character of steel by avoiding chromium depletion.
-Niobium has a much higher melting point than titanium and similar properties.
- Silicon also plays a role in oxidation resistance.
3. What are the advantages of stainless steel?
Stainless steel combines several advantages:
- It is malleable when hot, and can be engraved (but avoid punching it to avoid damaging the heads of your striking punches).
- It is hypoallergenic. It does not cause skin reactions, except in very rare cases.
- It's environmentally friendly. Its impact on the environment is low, thanks to responsible use, sustainable design and efficient recycling.
- It is virtually indestructible and dimensionally stable.
- It requires little maintenance.
- It is infinitely recyclable.
4. Why does stainless steel rust?
Steel can oxidize in certain circumstances (e.g. very high temperatures: over 800°C). Under normal conditions of use, the chromium oxide contained in stainless steel develops a transparent oxide film on the metal. This film acts as a barrier to any intrusion that could lead to oxidation (even if the metal has suffered an impact, the protective barrier reforms).
Stainless steel with these characteristics will not oxidize or turn black in the face of everyday aggressions: water, household products, cosmetics, perspiration, etc.
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5. Can stainless steel be used in water?
It all depends on the quality of your stainless steel jewelry! Stainless steel jewelry can be showered or bathed without being altered. However, with certain types of stainless steel, prolonged swimming in a pool is not recommended, as chlorine is very aggressive. It eliminates the invisible film created by the chromium to protect the jewelry.
It's also a good idea to remove jewelry before swimming in the sea or ocean. Salt water can tarnish and rust jewelry.
Stainless steel jewelry rings are becoming increasingly popular. There are many who don’t like the idea of an inexpensive metal, technically an alloy, to replace the traditional custom of wearing rings made of precious metal or sporting gemstones. But there are many who love the idea of an inexpensive ring that can mean something and yet stand the test of time. Not everyone can shell out some big bucks to buy jewelry.
Stainless steel is made from chromium, nickel and titanium. It is a strange alloy which is inexpensive but very durable, highly utilitarian and yet it looks nice. Unlike some alloys that look bland or cheap, stainless steel doesn’t look cheap despite being affordable. Stainless steel rings are gaining popularity across the world. They are being used as normal gifts, as special gifts and many couples keep their expensive rings safe and wear stainless steel rings instead for daily use.
What are the pros of stainless steel rings?
- Stainless steel is durable – You can wear it every day and keep doing all your normal and heavy duty tasks without worrying about damaging the ring. A stainless steel ring will take all the onus and wear & tear of daily use.
- Stainless steel rings are affordable – If you cannot afford an expensive gold or diamond ring or one sporting an emerald or ruby, you can always opt for a fancy stainless steel ring which will be affordable and durable. Stainless steel is potentially the best choice because it gives you the most generous returns on investment.
- Ages well – Stainless steel would be resistive to scratches, corrosion, heat and general signs of aging. The material will not show usual signs of wear and tear and you don’t need much maintenance to attain that either. You can just clean the ring once a day or a few times in a week. The material doesn’t get damaged being overexposed to water.
- Choose your own design and shape – Stainless steel rings come in myriad shapes, sizes and designs and you can wear them at parties, for work and at home. Expensive rings don’t always look nice or apt everywhere.
What are the cons of stainless steel rings?
- Susceptible to dents – Stainless steel rings have the tendency to develop dents. If you are very careless with the ring or you use any heavy or sharp object all the time then the ring being exposed to the sharpness or the thrust of that object can cause dents. Stainless steel develops scratches if worn very casually and not taken good care of.
- Rigid material – Stainless steel is a rigid material. Hence, you cannot get the kind of complicated or uniquely intrinsic deigns that you get with silver or gold. Stainless steel would mostly be the typical round rings with very little uniqueness in design. Most designs will be of the same kind.
- Can’t be allergic to nickel – Stainless steel has nickel and many people are allergic to the metal. Should you have any history of nickel allergy or you have very sensitive skin then you should consult a dermatologist before buying stainless steel
It eventually boils down to personal preference but considering the fact that stainless steel rings look like silver and are much more affordable and yet superior to silver in many ways, it may not be a bad choice.
Are you interested in learning more about Custom Stainless Steel Jewelry? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!