Who doesn’t love jewelry, but when it comes to purchasing the right jewelry, not everyone is capable of making the right decisions. We often end up regretting our conclusion in the end.
Both Stainless steel and sterling silver look familiar, and both flaunt shiny touch, but those who have deeply experienced their differences know which one is more suitable for them. So ladies, on which side are you? Or like, every other girl, you are also confused among both?
Stainless Steel and Sterling Silver, both are the parts of Jewelry items and are entirely acknowledged among women. Usually, when we search for a piece of perfect jewelry, we don’t look for its long-lasting benefits.
We fall for the design without knowing we are wasting money over a product that won’t last for long. So ladies, instead of wasting your money and time over something that you regret later, better to have in-depth knowledge regarding both metals.
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Let me solve your mess through this guide by mentioning a detailed review of Stainless Steel vs Sterling Silver Chain. Both have significant differences that every buyer should know to avoid making the wrong choices. Let’s begin with it.
What is Stainless Steel?
Stainless steel is a term that is used to refer to different types of steel. Like every other steel, it is made of iron and Carbon. However, the addition of chromium and other elements, including Nickel makes it diverse from other steels. Whenever chrome is used in steel, it becomes chromium oxide and chromium oxide protects the surface and save the steel from getting rusty by allowing air and moisture.
If you have an iron product at home, you might have noticed that it starts getting reddish because of exposure to air and water.
It is not because it was not made of steel, almost 90% of steel is made of Iron and Carbon, and when regular steel is exposed to Oxygen through water and air, a reddish layer starts appearing, which is known as rust.
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Stainless steel carries Chromium and other elements that protect the steel from getting rust even after exposure to Oxygen. The amount of Chromium added to the steel depends on the environment where it is made.
Stainless steel is mainly categorized into four groups. Those groups include:
1- Austenitic Stainless Steel
It is one of the most acknowledged types of Stainless steel containing various mechanical properties. It is heat-resistant and can be suitable for any temperature.
Like stainless steel, it is likewise Corrosive resistant. It doesn’t get affected by any temperature: whether it is hot or cold. People use this type of steel in cooking utensils, construction, architects, and piping.
2- Ferritic Stainless Steel
It is another category of stainless steel that carries all the properties one found in common steel. If we talk about heat resistant and corrosive resistant properties, it is more ethical than other stainless steel types. It is mainly used in washing machines, indoor architecture, and boilers, etc.
3- Martensitic Stainless Steel
Martensitic Stainless steel carried 14% of Chromium and is firm and hard. However, it is not much heat-resistant as other types. They are mainly used in turbine blades and knives.
4- Duplex Stainless Steel
It is a combination of austenitic and ferritic prepares, making it both reliable and pliable. Duplex prepares added in the mash, paper, shipbuilding, and petrochemical ventures. However, recent duplex levels are made for a more far-reaching scope of utilizations.
History
Stainless steel was designed in 1913 in the United Kingdom. At that time it was known as rustless steel and was the first to be considered as genuine treated steel.
As the years passed by, the remarkable properties of hardened steel were acknowledged, subsequently was being utilized in different businesses. It went on getting consistent improvement, which resulted in multiple varieties of steels to fulfill every individual’s need.
Starting today, China is considered the leading maker of tempered steel on the planet. Moreover, stainless steel is supposed to be 100% recyclable, in this manner being a manageable material. Today, Stainless steels are being used across the globe, and people are quite satisfied with it.
What is Sterling Silver?
Do you know that sterling silver and regular silver carry differences? Whenever you look at any silver piece of jewelry with the description ‘Pure Silver’ you better believe it because pure silver is made of 99.9% purity.
When we talk about sterling silver, sadly it is not 100% pure as it is 92.5% made of silver while the remaining percent is made of alloy means made of zinc or Copper. The addition of these metals makes sterling silver reliable and long-lasting.
When it comes to the term Long-lasting, it means the sterling steel jewelry can be maintained for the long term, with proper care. However, you can’t wear it daily.
History
Sterling silver goes back from the twelfth century in Northern Germany. It was a standard material utilized on cash that was lawfully normalized in the year 1275. As a type of money, a pound of real silver was changed over to 240 pennies. This proportion was diminished to 500 sections/1000. In 1946, a copper and nickel amalgam supplanted real silver pennies.
Now you have assumed what these both terms are, let’s move ahead and discuss their advantages and Disadvantages for better understanding.
Advantages of Stainless Steel
1- It is Corrosive Resistant
One of the significant advantages, it carries is being corrosive resistant. Due to the use of Chromium and other metals, including Nickel, it won’t let the steel gets eroded even exposing to air and water. Every steel doesn’t feature this perk.
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Hence, it one of the main benefits of getting your hands on stainless steel if you are in search of purchasing the right piece of jewelry.
2- It is Heat Resistant
Another significant advantage that makes it worth recommending is its quality of being heat and fire-resistant. Special high-quality chromium and other metals added in the stainless steel make it heat and fire-resistant.
To make a steel heat-resistant, the two essential elements required are Chromium and Nickel, and stainless steel carries both. The components used in stainless steel give it strength and provides the feature of absorbing the heat.
3- Hygienic Properties
The hygienic properties of Stainless steel make it the most demanding in those areas where cleanliness matters most—for instance, Hospitals, kitchens, etc. Unlike other steels, stainless steel is easy to clean, which is one of the biggest reasons to get your hands on it.
4- They are Long-Lasting
Whenever we purchase something new, we first consider its lifetime value that either is worth the price or not. The main reason for purchasing the stainless steel chain is the long-lasting value that makes it worth buying.
You can avail of the benefits of Stainless steel for a long time. You don’t even need to spend on its maintenance, pay at the start, and later get the maximum benefit out of it.
5- It is Safe to Use
If we talk about the safety of stainless steel, it is entirely safe to use in jewelry. However, it would help if you always went for high-quality stainless steel in which quality based Chromium and Nickel are used so that it won’t have any negative impact.
Disadvantages of Stainless Steel
Where there are advantages, there are disadvantages too that let people think twice before purchasing a particular item. Hence, if you are thinking to get your hands on Stainless jewelry or cooking utensils, you need to go through a few of its disadvantages to avoid any future pressure. Its disadvantages incorporate:
1- It is not Cost-Effective
If we talk about the cost of Stainless steel, you need to think twice because it is not as cheap as it should be. Though it has no maintenance cost yet, the purchasing price of this steel makes people disturbed. It is the reason why people think before purchasing Stainless steel Jewelry. Hence if you have no issue regarding its cost, you can go for it.
2- Dirt Appears Easily
Though it is easy to clean it yet the opposing point of Stainless steel is that the dirt tends to appear quickly on the stainless steel. Even a fingerprint becomes visible on it. However, the cleaning process is easy for Stainless steel, so you can still think to purchase it.
3- It is Hard to Fabricate
One of the main reasons for Stainless steel being costly steel is the use of High technology that is needed to fabricate it. As it is stiff and rigid, so it takes special techniques and expensive unique technology to manufacture; otherwise, it will be challenging to manufacture.
4- Risk of Allergy
We all know that Chromium and Nickel used in the Stainless steel make it Corrosive resistant and eliminates the chances of getting rust. However, Nickel increases the chances of allergy even if you are not allergic to anything; still, one should always avoid wearing or using things that contain Nickel.
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This disadvantage needs to be considered before purchasing Stainless steel jewelry or items. On the other hand, using high-quality Nickel won’t harm you.
Now let us discuss a bit about Sterling Silver by putting light on its advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of Sterling Silver
1- It is Anti-Allergic
We all know that Nickel used in jewelry cause allergy because it doesn’t suit every skin, and Stainless steel especially carries Nickel. When it comes to Sterling silver, 92.5% is made of pure silver that decreases the chances of any allergy element.
Even if you are not allergic to anything, even then avoid using jewelry pieces made of Nickel. Hence if you are allergic to something, make sure to purchase that jewelry piece where ‘Sterling Silver’ is written.
2- It is long-lasting
One can’t doubt its durability as it can stay for a lifetime if you take proper care of it. The sterling silver piece of jewelry can look the same even after 40 years. You can pass it on to the next generations without changing its look. Hence, whatever the cost is, you can get the maximum benefits after purchasing the Sterling silver piece of jewelry.
3- Creative and Trendy Jewellery
When it comes to jewelry, everyone looks for a creative piece that goes with the trend. If we talk about creative and trendy jewelry, the first thing that comes to my mind is ‘Sterling silver’ that always has something different to offer.
It provides an elegant look and remains in fashion, even if the trend changes. We all know that sterling silver is made of pure silver that is easy to be molded and redesigned so the manufacturer can experiment with different designs that will give it an esthetic look. You can’t go wrong with the sterling silver.
4- It Improves the Energy level
It might be surprising for some people, but silver also contains many health benefits that one can’t ignore. It is reported that many people, after wearing silver jewelry have claimed an increase in energy.
Moreover, it gives instant relief to your mood swings and does wonders when it comes to blood circulation. Sounds amazing? Well, who doesn’t want to have all these features? It is the foremost advantage that makes sterling silver worth recommending.
5- It can be a Healthy Investment
Suppose you are looking for a worthy investment. In that case, you can purchase a collection of sterling steel jewelry as this jewelry is unique and experimental. So you will have a distinct group of jewelry pieces.
The real silver supplements by far most of metals, there’s no compelling reason to stress over your various pieces conflicting. Similarly, if you need to have a collection of high-quality jewelry, pure silver is an unquestionable requirement. Numerous originators will reveal to you that their most imaginative manifestations have been made from this metal.
6- They are Repairable
Another useful advantage that you can always count in Stainless steel is, they are repairable if broken. They can quickly be restored and comes in its original form. Moreover, if any scratches occur, it won’t affect its overall beauty. So if you are worried regarding your broken Stainless steel jewelry or any other item. Don’t worry, it will come to its original form with a bit of work.
Disadvantages of Sterling Steel
As I have mentioned pros, for the stainless steel above. Here are some of the cons that need to be observed before buying anything. Let us get along with the guide and discuss those disadvantages.
1- It Needs Special Care
One of the main reasons for thinking twice before purchasing sterling silver is its softness. It is too soft that you can’t wear it daily; otherwise, it will get damaged. Special care is needed to keep it in its original shape.
Moreover, it is better to save it from water because water lessons its shine and originality, and it won’t be in its real form. If you are already a pro in keeping the things as it is with extra care, then you can go for sterling silver without thought.
2- Requires Daily Cleanliness
As previously mentioned, sterling silver needs special care and regular cleanliness because it can tarnish quite quickly. If you are willing to go with in-depth cleanliness, you can think of buying it, but if you can’t take time to get your hands on its cleanliness daily, it will become a burden for you. If you are planning to have a sterling silver engagement, it will be a poor choice because you can’t wear it every time.
3- Variety of Fake Silver Metal
We all know that it is easy to get ditched by anyone when it comes to jewelry. If we look around, we can find a lot of shops carting fake silver metals at the same price.
Hence, in such cases, the chances of fakeness increases. It would help if you were extra careful before buying Sterling silver jewelry, so don’t you won’t get the fake piece.
Comparison between Stainless Steel and Sterling Silver
If we make a comparison of both jewelry pieces, you will better find on which side to go.
1- Stainless steel is made of Chromium and Steel, while Sterling Silver is made of silver and metal, mainly copper.
2- It is easy to clean Stainless steel jewelry, while cleaning Sterling Silver is a challenging task.
3- In Stainless steel, the use of Nickel increases the risk of getting infected, while Sterling Silver is perfect for allergic people as doesn’t contain Nickel.
4- The Stainless Steel is heavy while Sterling Silver is light and can easily be carried.
5- Stainless Steel is more durable as compared to Sterling Silver. Sterling Silver needs extra care to maintain its shape and color.
6- The Sterling Silver contains various health benefits, while the Stainless Silver needs high-quality Chromium and Nickel to be on the safe side.
Stainless Steel vs. Sterling Silver: Which One to Consider?
Now the main question that emerges here is on which side to go? Now you have come across both and are familiar with their advantages and disadvantages so it will be easy for you to decide.
If we talk about cleanliness, I would recommend you to go with Stainless steel because one can’t find enough time to give to these jewelry pieces. The Sterling Silver will be tough for you to keep in an original shape and color.
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We all know that there is no clear winner as everything or product carries disadvantages too. Hence, it is better to look for the quality which you prefer the most. In whatever product you found that quality, stick to it. It is the simplest way to make complicated things manageable.
For many people, price matters the most as a few can’t afford to have a costly piece of jewelry. If we compare both prices, Sterling Silver might cost you much. On the other hand, if you do not want to keep that jewelry for a long time, you can go for Sterling. However, you cannot deny the fact that Sterling has a beautiful piece of jewelry. You love to wear elegant and unique designs.
Well, it is all about your personal choice, but if you want to rely on my decision, I would recommend you to have Stainless steel as it has all those benefits that I prefer while shopping for myself. I am sure after reading Stainless Steel vs. Sterling Silver guide: you are clear on which side you want to go.
Above all, it will be easy for you to make the final decision. If you are planning to buy a chain and are confused among both metals, analyze which property you want the most in your chain. It is how it will be easy for you to decide. For the next time, whenever you are in need of any jewelry piece, check out for its perks and downfalls before going for it.