What is stainless steel?

El stainless steel It is an alloy of iron, chromium, nickel and other elements that make it resistant to corrosion. It is widely used in the manufacture of jewelry, household appliances, kitchen utensils, and in the medical and chemical industries.

Stainless steel is characterized by its hardness and resistance to wear, making it ideal for frequently worn jewelry pieces.

types of stainless steel

• Ferritic stainless steel: Contains between 12% and 17% chromium and is not very resistant to corrosion.
• Austenitic stainless steel: Contains between 16% and 26% chromium, 7% and 36% nickel and a small amount of carbon. It is highly resistant to corrosion and is the most used type in jewelry manufacturing.
• Martensitic stainless steel: Contains between 11% and 18% chromium and a small amount of nickel. It is the hardest and most resistant type and is used in pieces that require greater resistance.

What is sterling silver?

Sterling silver is an alloy of silver and other metals, usually copper, which increase the resistance of the material.

Sterling silver is used in the manufacture of jewelry, coins, silverware, among others. It is characterized by its shine and beauty, as well as its resistance to corrosion.

Sterling Silver vs. silver plated

The main difference between sterling silver and plated silver is that sterling silver is an alloy that contains a percentage of silver, while plated silver is a layer of silver that is applied over a base material, usually copper.

Plated silver is cheaper and less durable than sterling silver, but can be a good option for temporary or inexpensive jewelry pieces.

Which is best for jewelry?

Both materials have characteristics that make them ideal for jewelry, but the choice will depend on the type of piece and its use.

Stainless steel is more durable and Waterproof and sweat, making it ideal for frequently worn pieces such as rings, bracelets and watches. Additionally, stainless steel is hypoallergenic, which means that it is less likely to cause allergies.

On the other hand, sterling silver is more shiny and elegant and is a popular choice for fine jewelry. Additionally, sterling silver has a higher value in the market.

Summary

In short, stainless steel and sterling silver are two popular materials in jewelry making. Both are corrosion resistant and have unique characteristics that make them ideal for different types of parts.

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