Does Stainless Steel Jewelry Tarnish?

There are an almost unlimited number of materials that artists can make jewelry out of. Ones like sterling silver and gold come to mind most easily, but have you ever considered purchasing handcrafted jewelry made from stainless steel?

You may be wondering if stainless steel tarnishes the same way that sterling silver does and if it is the right choice for you. But, before we get into answering the question of whether or not stainless steel tarnishes, let's get into the basics of which it is and if it is good for jewelry. 

What is Stainless Steel?

Technically speaking, stainless steel is an iron and chromium alloy that is used in a variety of industries, including jewelry. Lesser grades of stainless steel sometimes have additional metals which can cause irritation, but the stainless steel we use in our jewelry is hypoallergenic. This means that our stainless steel jewelry is safe for sensitive skin or for those with metal allergies!

Does Stainless Steel Tarnish or Rust?

Short answer, no, stainless steel does not tarnish or rust, which is one of the many reasons we use hypoallergenic stainless steel in our jewelry! 

Long answer, stainless steel does not tarnish or rust because of the interaction between its alloying elements and the environment. The elements in stainless steel react with oxygen from water and air to form a very thin film that protects it from the elements. 

Is Stainless Steel Good For Jewelry?

Yes, stainless steel makes an excellent option for jewelry and it has been one of our favourite options for many years!

As mentioned above, stainless steel cannot tarnish or rust, but there are a number of other reasons why we love stainless steel for our handcrafted jewelry, too.

Pros of Stainless Steel Jewelry

1. Durable- In addition to its resistance to tarnish and rust, stainless steel is durable enough to withstand bumps that could dent softer metals. If you kind yourself walking into tables or bumping into corners on the regular, you can rest easy with stainless steel jewelry.
2. Versatile- Stainless steel chain comes in a variety of sizes and grades, allowing us creative freedom when designing our pieces. 
3. Low maintenance- Stainless steel jewelry requires little upkeep and does not need to be polished the same way that sterling silver does. It is a good practice to wipe your jewelry down regularly, but you do not need to use a treated polishing cloth.
4. Ideal for every day- If you're looking for jewelry that you can wear frequently without maintenance, stainless steel is a great option. While we always recommend applying hair, face and body products before putting on ANY jewelry, your stainless steel styles will be more forgiving if you happen to forget once or twice.

Read our full blog "Is Stainless Steel Good For Jewelry" for more information by clicking here.

How to Clean Stainless Steel Jewelry

Unlike sterling silver jewelry, stainless steel jewelry requires very little upkeep. But, you still have to do your part to take care of it!

Stainless Steel Jewelry Care 101

1. At a bare minimum, we recommend wiping down your stainless steel jewelry with a dry or lightly damp cloth every once in awhile to keep it sparkling.
2. Be sure to apply all body products including lotions, perfumes and hair products prior to putting your jewelry on.
3. Avoid contact with aerosols, such as sunblock or hair spray.
4. When not wearing your jewelry, store your beauties in a drawer out of direct sunlight.
5. Even though your stainless steel jewelry won't oxidize and tarnish, it is a good habit to store jewelry in a Ziploc bag or airtight container.

For information on caring for jewelry than can tarnish, read our blog "How to Keep Your Jewelry From Tarnishing" by clicking here.

Best Stainless Steel Jewelry

You may be surprised to learn that many of our pieces of handcrafted jewelry are made from stainless steel chain and accents! We believe that everyone deserves to feel the Carolily love, so we choose materials that are long lasting, beautiful and can be worn by everyone.

Top Five Pieces of Stainless Steel Jewelry

1. Eliza Necklace- Mixing vintage and modern vibes, our Eliza Necklace is made from stainless steel chain and European crystal pearls. Pro tip: Wear the heart to the front or back for two totally different looks!
   Shop Eliza here
   
   
2. Danielle Necklace- Big, bold and beautiful, our Danielle Necklace is also handcrafted from stainless steel chain and European crystal pearls. We love pairing the Danielle with black lace and leather, for a strong, yet feminine feel. 
   Shop Danielle here.
   
3. Cameron Necklace- Your soon to be favourite, our Cameron Necklace makes everyday styling effortless. She is chic, timeless, and easy to pair with other pieces in your Carolily collection.
   Shop the Cameron here.
   
4. Helena Necklace- For the days you need a little extra confidence, reach for your Helena Necklace. This stunning, low maintenance necklace is like your suit of armor, readying you for the day ahead.
   Shop the Helena here.
   
5. Liz Necklace- While physically smaller than the other four necklaces, our Liz Necklace makes quite the visual impact with her lustrous European crystal and stainless steel chain. Layer on a longer necklace or two to make a serious impact.
   Shop Liz here.
   
   
   

Stainless Steel Jewelry Handcrafted in Canada

Like all of our pieces, our stainless steel jewelry is handcrafted in Canada! Our design studio is based in West Kelowna, British Columbia where our talented team of women create every single piece of jewelry.

For more of our stainless steel jewelry, take a look at our statement necklaces, bracelets and earrings.