Stainless steel is an iron alloy containing at least 10.5% chromium. This chromium forms a thin protective layer on the surface that prevents it from rusting and tarnishing. In jewelry, it is resistant to fresh water, sweat, and cosmetics; 316L is also resistant to salt and chlorine. It often contains nickel, but steels that comply with REACH regulations release very little of it, making them suitable for most sensitive skin types.
Stainless steel has become a staple in jewelry for one simple reason: it can be worn every day without tarnishing. But does it ever actually rust? Can you swim in it? Does it contain nickel?
Here are its details, so you can choose and wear your jewelry with confidence.
Stainless steel, also known as inox steel, is a metal widely used in all areas of domestic and industrial life due to its excellent corrosion-resistant properties.
It is an alloy of iron, chromium, nickel, and carbon—elements necessary to ensure the formation of a self-regenerating surface layer that makes it rust-resistant. There are several types of stainless steel: 201, 304, 316L, etc. All the differences are explained in our comparison chart.
Element | Role in the alloy |
| Iron | Base of the alloy (more than 50%) |
| Chromium (10.5% minimum) | Forms the protective layer against rust |
| Carbon | Hardens the steel; “L” grades (304L, 316L) contain less of it |
| Molybdenum | Resistance to salt and chlorine (present in 316 and 316L) |
| Nickel | Makes the steel more flexible, more lustrous, and enhances its corrosion resistance Regulations are very strict for jewelry. The European Nickel Directive (94/27/EC, as last amended on September 27, 2004) requires that the nickel release rate be 0.5 micrograms per cm² (of the item’s surface area) per week for items in direct and prolonged contact with the skin. This migration limit is lowered to 0.2 µg/cm²/week for “piercings.” |
| Manganese | Replaces some of the nickel in economy-grade steels (201) |
| Titanium, niobium | Stabilize the steel after welding |
| Silicon | Plays a role in oxidation resistance. |
The proportions vary depending on the grade: 304, 316L, 430… To compare and choose, see the comparison chart of different types of stainless steel.
Stainless steel offers several advantages:
Under normal use, no: the chromium layer prevents it from rusting. However, this layer can be weakened by repeated contact with salt, chlorine, or harsh chemicals. Small spots of rust may then appear, especially on lower-grade stainless steels (201, 430). 316L is the most resistant. Steel that rusts quickly is often not stainless steel, or is of very low quality.
It all depends on the quality of your stainless steel jewelry! You can shower or take a bath while wearing your stainless steel jewelry without it being damaged. However, with certain types of stainless steel, it’s not recommended to spend extended periods in a swimming pool, as chlorine is very corrosive. It removes the invisible protective layer created by the chromium that protects the jewelry.
The elements added to the jewelry (beads, mother-of-pearl, resin, wire, gold plating) are often more fragile than the steel itself: remove the jewelry if it contains any of these.
If you’re looking for stainless steel that’s resistant to chlorine and seawater, opt for marine-grade stainless steel: 316 and 316L stainless steel.
Check out our technical data sheets on stainless steel: an essential guide to learning everything about this metal and discovering the secrets of PVD coating.
Ready to start designing? Explore our range ofjewelry findings and stainless steel components to create your most beautiful pieces.
Stainless steel contains nickel in its basic chemical composition to give it strength and flexibility. However, this nickel is chemically bound and is not released upon contact with the skin. All of our stainless steel products comply with the European REACH standard (“Nickel release: none”), making them completely hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin.
Rarely. REACH-compliant steel releases very little nickel and is suitable for most sensitive skin types. However, it is not “hypoallergenic” in the strict sense: someone with a severe nickel allergy may still have a reaction. In that case, opt for 316L stainless steel for earrings and consult a dermatologist. A reaction may also be caused by another component of the jewelry (clasp, plating, adhesive).
It depends on the grade. The most commonly used steels in jewelry (304, 316L) are not attracted to a magnet, or only very slightly after being worked. Grade 430 is magnetic. Therefore, a piece of jewelry that is attracted to a magnet is not necessarily a fake—it is often made of Grade 430.
Regulations regarding nickel are very strict, particularly for piercings. In accordance with European requirements (Nickel Directive / REACH Regulation), for piercings (initial placement and healing): the permitted nickel release rate is lowered to 0.2 µg/cm² per week. Due to these stringent standards, professional piercers prefer to use titanium or implant-grade surgical steel (316LVM) to ensure optimal safety.
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