Stainless steel jewellery: a guide to choosing the right pieces

Stainless steel jewellery costs next to nothing to buy and asks for next to nothing afterwards: it doesn't rust, doesn't tarnish like silver and can take the shower. That's why it has taken over shop windows. But behind the same “steel” label lie very different grades, finishes and sizes. Here's what to look at before you choose.

304, 316L, “titanium steel”: what the grades tell you

Stainless steel is an alloy of iron and chromium. It's the chromium that forms an invisible layer on the surface which prevents rust. Two grades come up on jewellery:

304 steel: the most widespread. It stands up very well to water, sweat and everyday wear.
316L steel: it also contains molybdenum, which makes it even more resistant to corrosion, particularly from seawater and chlorine. It's the grade used in body piercing jewellery and watchmaking.

“Titanium steel” is mostly a trade name. It usually refers to a stainless steel, not pure titanium. That's not a flaw: it's a strong, durable steel. You just need to know that you're not buying titanium jewellery.

Gold, silver, black: finishes and how well they last

Steel is naturally silvery grey. To get gold, rose gold or black jewellery, a thin layer of colour is applied to its surface, and not all methods are equal:

PVD plating (vacuum deposition): the colour is deposited as a vapour and forms a hard layer that stands up well to rubbing. It's the most durable finish.
Electroplating: the colour is deposited in an electrolytic bath. It looks lovely, but the layer is thinner and can wear off in areas that rub, such as the inside of a ring or the clasp of a bracelet.
Raw or polished steel: no coating, so nothing to wear off. It's the most robust choice.

For jewellery worn every day, such as a ring or a bracelet, go for raw steel or PVD plating. For jewellery worn now and then, such as a necklace or earrings, any finish will do.

What about sensitive skin?

Stainless steel contains nickel, but it is bound within the alloy and very little is released on contact with the skin. Most people who react to costume jewellery wear it without any problem. That said, a confirmed nickel allergy varies from person to person: if in doubt, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before buying, rather than relying on a label.

Choosing the right necklace length

38 to 42 cm: choker or collarbone chain. The necklace sits at the base of the neck.
45 cm: the “princess” length, the most common. It falls just below the collarbones, ideal for a small pendant.
50 to 55 cm: the necklace falls on the upper chest, and looks good over a roll neck or an open-necked shirt.
60 cm and over: the long necklace, for an elongated silhouette or for layering several chains.

Several of our necklaces are adjustable: in that case, the length given on the product page shows the shortest and the longest positions.

Finding your ring size

In France, a ring size corresponds to the circumference of the finger in millimetres: a size 54 measures 54 mm round. To measure yours, wrap a thread or a strip of paper around the base of your finger, mark where it meets and measure the length laid flat with a ruler. Measure at the end of the day, when your fingers are slightly more swollen. If you're torn between two sizes, take the larger one.

Overseas suppliers often give a US size. On our product pages, we've converted it into a French size: US 6 = 52, US 7 = 54, US 8 = 57, US 9 = 59, US 10 = 62.

Caring for steel jewellery

A rinse in warm soapy water, then drying with a soft cloth, is enough to restore its shine.
Avoid abrasive products and cream cleansers: they scratch the polish and wear down plating.
Take off plated jewellery to swim in a pool or the sea, and apply perfume and creams before putting it on.
Store each piece separately, in a pouch, so that they don't scratch each other.

Our stainless steel jewellery

All our jewellery comes with free delivery in France and across Europe, and 14 days to change your mind: