Stainless Steel Vs. Sterling Silver

Stainless Steel and Sterling Silver look almost similar and seem to have the same luster yet they are quite different from one another. Let us look at some points which are important to be taken into consideration when buying from a stainless steel jewelry supplier and while finding which among them is better:

The difference in physical characteristics

Sterling Silver is a mixture of 92.5% silver along with 7.5% other metals (usually copper) and has 925 stamped on it. The stamp of 925 is a mark of genuine Sterling Silver. Any product without this stamp is fake and may contain less amount of silver that will deteriorate very soon.

There is a reason why Sterling silver was created. Silver in its pure form is so soft that even the jeweler can bend it using his bare hands thus making it prone to getting robbed, bent or easily broken. That is why sterling silver is used in place of real silver as it looks quite similar and serves as a better choice for use in jewelry. Silver jewelry is greatly in demand because of its soft luster and receptive quality. Silver is also believed to enhance creativity and is also associated with the lunar cycle.

Stainless steel

Stainless Steel is a group of metal alloys that differ in their chemical composition. Every set of stainless steel is different from the other and should not be considered the same. There are 150 different varieties of stainless steel. The stainless steel used in kitchen utensils is very different from the stainless steel used in your jewelry that is from a steel jewellery supplier.

Although, the popularity of stainless steel is on a constant rise thanks to the better light reflecting property it offers after polishing. It also offers a ton of finishes and can be made to copy chrome or a brushed finish similar to pewter. It is very common in everyday utility essentials owing to its resistance to scratches and dents and one can find these from any common stainless steel jewelry supplier.

Let’s look at the pros and cons:

Sterling silver

Pros

Adding palladium along with copper to the mixture will increase the durability and make it more suitable for daily use as this increases hardness of the sterling silver.

Sterling silver can be molded into a variety of jewelries and offers lots of attractive colors and finishes. It also provides the options for a white or a black sterling silver ring, and a gloss or a matte finish in it.

Cons

Sterling silver does not look brand new and can appear dull to some people.

It catches dents and scratches much easier compared to other metals.

There is lots of fake sterling silver that is retailed in markets which can fool people.

Stainless steel

Pros

Does not dent or scratch easily, it maintains its luster and shine even when used daily. That’s why it is one of the most favorites to sell by any steel jewellery supplier.

It offers a wide range of beautiful finish and can be made to resemble other precious metals.

Cons

It is difficult to repair and resize stainless steel.

Some people are allergic to nickel and hence allergic to Stainless Steel.