THE BENEFITS OF USING STAINLESS STEEL FOR JEWELRY DESIGN

Stainless Steel, a material extensively utilized in the manufacture of surgical instruments, building supports, hot water heaters, and microwave oven liners, where strength and safety are paramount, also demonstrates remarkable versatility in jewelry design.

Its application in jewelry findings is particularly advantageous due to its hypoallergenic properties, high durability, and resistance to rust, tarnish, and discoloration, combined with low maintenance requirements.

This makes stainless steel an excellent and cost-effective choice for crafting long-lasting, versatile jewelry pieces with various finishes.

Stainless steel findings are well-suited for designs that require strong and dimensionally stable components, such as clasps, jump rings, and bails.

Their suitability for everyday wear is underscored by their ability to withstand daily activities without compromising their integrity, making them ideal for durable, high-wear pieces like bracelets and lanyards.

Furthermore, unplated stainless steel is a safe option for individuals with metal sensitivities, providing a hypoallergenic alternative to other metals.

Additionally, stainless steels' cost-effectiveness makes it an attractive choice for custom jewelry projects on a budget, allowing for the maintenance of quality and durability without excessive expenditure.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF STAINLESS STEEL

Stainless Steel contains at least 10% chromium and, depending on the grade of the Stainless Steel, it may include smaller percentages of nickel, molybdenum, titanium, niobium and other metals.

The percentage of chromium is significant because chromium combines with oxygen to form a thin, invisible layer of chrome-containing oxide.

This protective layer is what makes Stainless Steel "stainless." By using Stainless Steel findings, you are providing non-corrosive long wear and industrial-grade strength to your designs.

BENEFITS OF STAINLESS STEEL FOR JEWELRY MAKING

Stainless Steel findings and wire have excellent integrity but are still workable.

It may take a little more "oomph" to bend it into the desired shape than other metals, but the advantage is that the finished stainless steel jewelry design will retain its shape more dutifully.

With its resistance to rust, oxidation and discoloration, this corrosion-resistant alloy is ideal for long-lasting jewelry designs.

This metal is the best suggestion for those living in high-humidity locations, as the metal will keep from rusting much longer than other metals.

Jewelry made with these findings will endure heavy wear longer than those made with carbon steel and softer base metals.

Jump rings and loops are less likely to come open under the weight of pendants or multi-layer designs.

Choose stainless steel for pieces that will receive a lot of use and wear, such as key chains, bracelets and lanyards.

Unplated Stainless Steel findings and components are an excellent for wearers with allergies and sensitivity to other base metals, such as copper or brass.

For designs where the findings will be in close contact with the wearer's skin unplated stainless steel is one of the best options available.

Stainless steel may contain some nickel, but it's considered hypoallergenic for most people.

This is the reason that stainless steel is often used for earring designs

Pair stainless steel findings and materials with designs that need some extra fortification, or simply use it to add a modern metallic resonance to any design for long-lasting stainless steel jewelry.

GRADES OF STAINLESS STEEL AVAILABLE IN JEWELRY FINDINGS

Whether you're looking for earring findings, jump rings, headpins, clasps or other jewelry making components, we offer an extensive selection of stainless steel jewelry findings in three different grades of stainless steel.

Different grades of steel present different properties and working characteristics.

Understanding steel grades and what they mean can help you make an informed decision when purchasing jewelry components and enable you to educate your customers on the benefits of stainless steel jewelry.

304 GRADE STAINLESS STEEL

304 Grade Stainless Steel is the most common grade of stainless steel and is comprised of iron, a minimum of 18% chromium and 8% nickel and a maximum of 0.08% carbon.

This alloy is non-magnetic, relatively easy to manipulate and has excellent resistance to corrosion.

304 grade stainless steel is strong and lightweight, with a springiness that makes it an ideal choice for jewelry pieces or mechanisms that need to retain their shape, such as ear wires, or pin stems.

316 GRADE STAINLESS STEEL

316 Grade Stainless Steel is the second most common grade of stainless steel.

Often referred to as marine-grade stainless or surgical stainless steel, this non-magnetic grade of steel is also comprised of iron, a maximum of 0.08% carbon, 16-18% chromium and 10-14% nickel.

The main difference between 304 grade and 316 grade is that 316 grade has the addition of 2-3% molybdenum for increased resistance to corrosion and pitting, even in acidic environments, as well as increased strength at higher temperatures.

The addition of molybdenum typically makes 316 grade slightly more expensive than 304 grade stainless steel.

The molybdenum increases resistance to even the harshest of corrosives.

430 GRADE STAINLESS STEEL

430 Grade Stainless Steel is comprised of iron, 16-18% chromium, a maximum of 0.12% carbon and 1% molybdenum, and less than 0.75% nickel, making it less expensive than stainless steel alloys with higher nickel content. 430 grade stainless is a magnetic alloy that is relatively easy to form.

Containing less nickel and molybdenum, 430 grade has lower corrosion resistance than the 300 series alloys, but still offers corrosion resistance in mildly corrosive environments.

SHOP STAINLESS STEEL FINDINGS WITH BEADED CREATIONS HERE

SHOP STAINLESS STEEL FOR JEWELRY MAKING WITH BEADED CREATIONS HERE