# Stainless steel

> Stainless steel is a corrosion-resistant, hard and affordable alloy widely used for watches, bracelets, rings and everyday jewelry.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/stainless-steel/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-09-17
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/acero-inoxidable/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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Stainless steel is an iron alloy with at least 10.5% chromium, which gives it its corrosion resistance. It is valued in jewelry because it does not tarnish, stands up to daily wear and keeps an even shine with very little care.

## Properties

- **Composition:** iron, chromium and, depending on the grade, nickel and molybdenum; 316L and 304 are common in jewelry.
- **Color:** bright silvery gray; also found with gold, rose or black platings.
- **Melting point:** around 1400-1450 °C.
- **Hardness:** high: it resists scratches and knocks well.
- **Density:** about 7.9 g/cm³.

## Uses in jewelry

- Watches, bracelets, chains and everyday pendants.
- Modern rings and wedding bands, especially masculine and sporty styles.
- Earrings and body piercings (316L surgical steel is the most common).
- Minimalist and industrial-design jewelry.

## Pros and cons

### Advantages

- It does not tarnish or rust with normal use.
- Very strong and durable.
- Inexpensive and easy to maintain.

### Limitations

- It is hard to work at a jewelry bench: it cannot easily be soldered or resized.
- It contains some nickel, which can affect very sensitive people.
- It lacks the value of precious metals.

## Care and cleaning

- Clean with lukewarm water, mild soap and a microfiber cloth.
- Avoid abrasive scouring pads that leave scratches.
- Color platings can wear off with friction, so protect them from chemicals.

## See also

- [Titanium](https://www.711grados.com/en/titanium/)
- [Tungsten](https://www.711grados.com/en/tungsten/)
- [Nickel silver (German silver)](https://www.711grados.com/en/nickel-silver/)