Stainless steel jewelry is an alloy of iron and chromium, unlike silver or gold jewelry made from those metals. Made from metals resistant to corrosion, stainless steel jewelry is a popular choice for health-conscious consumer who wants a durable and non-toxic metal for their pieces.
Stainless steel jewelry is an alloy of iron and chromium, unlike silver or gold jewelry made from those metals. Made from metals resistant to corrosion, stainless steel jewelry is a popular choice for health-conscious consumer who wants a durable and non-toxic metal for their pieces.
Stainless steel makes up much of modern jewelry; for example, it forms part of standard rings and earrings. The metal is magnetic and a good conductor of heat, but it attracts very little dirt overall. It can be used in many different types of jewelry, including watches, chains, and rings. It is also hypoallergenic, so people with sensitive skin often choose stainless steel over other types of jewelry.
How is stainless steel jewelry made?
1. Casting:
This method is used to make thicker pieces of jewelry, such as rings and earrings. The metal is poured into a mold, and the pieces are cut from it. Large companies with expensive machinery and molds primarily use this method. It takes several hours to cast this sort of jewelry.
2. Extrusion:
This process allows for thinner metal to be made into a piece of jewelry that can be worn on the body and other types of jewelry like chains and bracelets. Materials such as copper are heated, forced through a die, and cooled rapidly before hardening in an outer skin with another material such as stainless steel or titanium. This process allows for various shapes to be made into jewelry.
3. Lost wax investment casting:
This method involves the creation of a mold out of wax or other materials that can be melted away, such as clay or plastic. The metal is then poured into the mold and allowed to cool, after which it can be removed and polished. Specialty jewelers and smaller companies primarily use this method due to its complexity and the expense associated with equipment.
4. Sand casting:
This method is used to cast small items such as earrings and rings. The resulting product can also be plated, brushed, or polished before it is sold.
5. Wire wrapping:
This process allows various types of jewelry to be made from a single piece of wire, including necklaces, bracelets, and rings. The wire is twisted or braided together, which can then be covered in a material like enamel or plastic.
What is the best type of stainless steel for jewelry?
Stainless steel jewelry commonly used materials include 304, 316, 316L, etc.
304 stainless steel jewelry
304 stainless steel is commonly known as 18/8 stainless steel, is an austenitic stainless steel, is the most widely used chromium-nickel stainless steel, and has good corrosion resistance and heat resistance.
316/316L stainless steel jewelry
316 stainless steel is the most widely used steel in addition to 304. It is mainly used in the food industry, pharmaceutical industry and surgical equipment, with the addition of molybdenum to give it a special structure that resists corrosion. 316L stainless steel is an ultra-low carbon steel with a reduced carbon content based on 316.
It is generally considered that 316 has better corrosion resistance and is more resistant to corrosion than 304 in high temperature environments. And 316L stainless steel is a good choice for jewelry.
