What are the different types of stainless steel used in jewelry?

201 stainless steel

• Less expensive than 304 or 316 steel.
• Good alternative for people allergic to nickel.
• Easy to clean.

• Less resistant to corrosion, as it contains less chromium.
• Contains up to 7.5% manganese, giving it a darker appearance.
• Hard and therefore less workable.
• Tends to rust under certain conditions.

304 stainless steel

• Most common form of stainless steel.
• Heat-resistant.
• Low manganese and carbon content. It has a carbon content of 0.08%.
• Contains between 16 and 24% chromium and up to 35% nickel.
• Easy to clean.
• Contains more chromium than 316 steel.
• Highly versatile.
• Resistant to sweat and chemicals used in cosmetics and perfumes.

• More sensitive to corrosion by chlorides or saline environments (salt water from the sea, for example) than 316 stainless steel.

304L stainless steel

• Low-carbon version of 304 steel.
• Similar to 304 steel, but with a lower carbon content (0.03% for 304L stainless steel vs. 0.08% for 304 stainless steel).
• Better resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding.
• Resistant to sweat and chemicals used in cosmetics and perfumes.
• Easy to clean.

• Like 304 steel, it is less resistant to highly corrosive environments than 316 steel.

316 stainless steel

• Contains 2-3% molybdenum (transition metal), which increases resistance to corrosion, chlorinated, iodized and polluted atmospheres.
• Second most common form of stainless steel.
• Stronger.
• Excellent resistance to high temperatures.
  Greater heat resistance, e.g. for hot welding.
• Easy to clean.
• Also known as marine stainless steel. It resists corrosion caused by salt, seawater, chlorinated atmospheres and other corrosive conditions typical of maritime environments.
• Ideal for swimming in the pool or sea with your jewelry.
• Hypoallergenic.

• More expensive than 201 or 304 stainless steel.
• Contains more nickel than 304 steel.

316L stainless steel

• Low-carbon version of 316 steel, offering greater strength after welding.
• Similar to 316 steel, but with a lower carbon content (0.03% for 316L stainless steel vs. 0.08% for 316 stainless steel).
• 316L stainless steel (L stands for low carbon) can be used for piercing after healing.
  316 LVM steel (LVM stands for Low Carbon Vacuum Melt) is considered "medical grade". It is the only steel authorized for wound contact, as it contains less than 0.05% nickel. Hence the name "surgical steel". It is therefore the only one authorized for piercing.
• Hypoallergenic.
• Also known as marine stainless steel, it resists corrosion caused by salt, seawater, chlorinated atmospheres and other corrosive conditions typical of maritime environments.
• Ideal if you want to swim in the pool or sea with your jewelry.

• Like 316 steel, it is more expensive than 201 and 304 steel.

430 stainless steel

• Contains 18% chromium, but no nickel, making it hypoallergenic.
• Easy to maintain.

• Less corrosion-resistant than 300 series stainless steels.
• Less solid and more susceptible to deformation.
• Not suitable for use in marine or highly corrosive environments.

303 stainless steel

• Appearance similar to 304.
• Easy to machine (drilling, threading, fine cutting).
• Contains sulfur.

• Less resistant to corrosion, as it contains sulfur in its composition.
• Unsuitable for frequent use in contact with water.

303L stainless steel

• Machinability equivalent to 303.
• Contains sulfur.
• Low Carbon" version: better corrosion resistance than 303.
• Best compromise between machinability and durability.

• Still less corrosion-resistant than 304

• Unsuitable for frequent use in contact with water.