Sterling silver is a precious metal, carrying prestige and value.But you will need to have the time to periodically clean the ring and remove its tarnish, if you want to maintain its luster. Sterling Silver and Stainless Steel – Recapping the Pros and Cons Sterling SilverĬhoose sterling silver if you want a valuable and prestigious metal. In terms of price, you can find a good quality stainless steel ring for around $20 or more, like t his wedding band, while sterling silver wedding bands would average around $100, like this ring.īottom line: Sterling silver holds more value and prestige than stainless steel. As such, sterling silver holds more value and prestige than stainless steel. Sterling silver, on the other hand, contains silver which is considered a precious metal. Stainless steel is much more affordable than sterling silver, because it’s made entirely of industrial metals. It’s always good to ask the retailer whether the metal contains nickel to ensure that it’s safe to wear, especially if you’re prone to allergic reactions.īottom line: Stainless steel and sterling silver is more likely to be not hypoallergenic, due to possible nickel in the alloys. If nickel is not present, then the alloy can be considered safe. This is because of metals like nickel, which are typically found in these alloys. Neither stainless steel nor sterling silver are always hypoallergenic, which means that they can cause allergic reactions for people who have metal sensitivities and allergies. This is the one thing that tends to put many people off sterling silver.īottom line: Sterling silver is prone to tarnish, which dulls its luster, while stainless steel remains lustrous for longer. Tarnish can easily be removed but it requires some commitment to maintenance. The copper content in the alloy makes it prone to tarnish, which reduces its luster and dulls it quickly. Sterling silver, on the other hand, doesn’t age well. It’s highly resistant to tarnishing and scratching, which makes it easy to maintain its luster and beauty. Stainless steel doesn’t easily tarnish and corrode. Rings made from both these metals can be crafted into a variety of finishes, including hammered, matte, brushed, polished and satin.īottom line: Both stainless steel and sterling silver have a similar luster – reflective and shiny like white gold. They can be difficult to differentiate from more expensive white metals. Stainless steel or sterling silver? Check here to find out.īoth stainless steel and sterling silver have a similar luster and are highly reflective and shiny. It doesn’t easily bend or damage, however it does scratch and tarnish (more about this below) and will require regular maintenance more than stainless steel.īottom line: Stainless steel is harder than sterling silver and doesn’t get scratched as much, but sterling silver is more workable and can be molded into delicate designs. Much harder than pure silver, sterling silver can last a lifetime if given appropriate care. Sterling silver is a much softer metal than stainless steel, but it’s still highly durable. This is why elegant and delicate jewelry can be made using sterling silver but not typically with stainless steel. It makes it difficult to mold stainless steel jewelry into intricate designs. However, this hardness also has a downside. Stainless steel has a wide range of industrial and technological applications as well. It’s perfect for someone with an active lifestyle, as you don’t have to take off the ring each time you engage in vigorous activity. It has a hardness rating of around 5.5 Mohs. It’s highly resistant to scratches and wear and tear that comes with daily use. Stainless steel is one of the most durable metals there is. 925, 925, STERLING, or the notation 925/1000.īottom line: While stainless steel is made entirely of industrial metals, sterling silver contains over 90% of silver, which is a precious metal. The metal should be stamped with a sterling silver hallmark, which include. Sterling silver (also known as 925 silver) is made by mixing 92.5% of pure silver with 7.5% of copper, nickel or zinc. Because there are so many types of stainless steel, the variety used to make your kitchenware, for example, is different to what’s in your jewelry. It’s not a raw metal and isn’t found in nature but is only made by blending several metals together, typically made of iron and carbon along with other metals such as nickel, silicon, manganese, and carbon. Stainless steel refers to a range of iron-based alloys. stainless steel side by side to find out. What’s more, these metals are perfect for adding some glamor and style to your look, without having to spend too much money.īut how do these two metals compare and which of the two is the better choice? Let’s compare sterling silver vs.