Stainless Steel vs Sterling Silver Jewellery: Which Should You Choose?
Stainless steel and sterling silver are two of the most popular metals in everyday jewellery — and we sell both. Neither one is “better”. They are different materials that behave differently, and the right choice depends on how you live, how you wear your jewellery and what matters most to you.
This guide lays out the facts side by side: what each metal is, how it handles water, tarnish and everyday wear, what to know if you have sensitive skin, and how to look after each one. Then it’s over to you.
Stainless steel vs sterling silver at a glance
| 316L Stainless Steel | 925 Sterling Silver | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | An alloy of iron, chromium, nickel and molybdenum | 92.5% pure silver with 7.5% other metals, usually copper |
| Precious metal? | No — valued for its strength and practicality | Yes — silver is a precious metal |
| Tarnish | Does not tarnish in normal wear | Can tarnish over time; it cleans off easily |
| Water & sweat | Copes well with water, sweat and heat | Best kept dry; take off to shower or swim |
| Hardness | Very hard; resists scratches and dents | Softer, which allows very fine detail and delicate stone settings |
| Weight | Lighter for its size | Denser, so pieces feel weightier |
| Colour | A slightly deeper, cooler grey | A bright, white shine |
| Our finishes | Silver tone, 18K gold PVD, 18K rose gold PVD | Rhodium plated silver, 14K gold plated, 14K rose gold plated |
| Rings | Generally can’t be resized | Can often be resized by a jeweller, depending on the design |
| Care | Wipe clean; mild soap and water | Polishing cloth; store in a pouch away from air |
What is 316L stainless steel?
316L is a grade of stainless steel often called “surgical steel”, because the same grade is used for medical instruments and body jewellery. The chromium in the alloy forms a thin, invisible protective layer on the surface, which is what stops it rusting or tarnishing. The “L” stands for low carbon, which makes it more resistant to corrosion again.
Our stainless steel pieces come in a natural silver tone or with a gold or rose gold colour applied by PVD (physical vapour deposition). PVD bonds the colour to the steel at a molecular level, so it is far more durable than traditional plating — though, like any coloured finish, it lasts best when it isn’t exposed to harsh chemicals or constant friction.
Steel is a hard metal, so it keeps its shape and resists everyday knocks. That also makes it well suited to bolder, chunkier designs, which stay comfortably light to wear.
What is sterling silver?
Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver mixed with 7.5% other metals — usually copper — to give it strength, because pure silver on its own is too soft for most jewellery. That 925 figure is where the “925 silver” stamp comes from. We cover it in more detail in our guide to what 925 sterling silver is.
Silver is a precious metal and has been used in fine jewellery for thousands of years. Because it is softer than steel, it can be worked into very fine, detailed shapes and hold small stones securely in delicate settings — which is why so much gemstone and CZ jewellery is made in silver.
Many of our silver pieces are finished with rhodium plating (for a bright white shine) or 14K gold or rose gold plating. A thicker layer of gold over sterling silver is known as vermeil — our guide to gold vermeil explains the difference.
Does stainless steel tarnish? Does sterling silver?
Stainless steel does not tarnish in normal wear. Its protective surface layer renews itself, so it keeps its colour without polishing.
Sterling silver can tarnish over time. Silver reacts with sulphur in the air, which gradually darkens the surface — this is a natural property of the metal, not a sign of poor quality, and it polishes away. Rhodium plating slows tarnish considerably, and storing silver in a pouch helps too. Our guide on how to clean silver jewellery covers the simple ways to bring back the shine, and our jewellery care guide covers both metals.
Can you shower or swim in stainless steel or sterling silver?
Stainless steel copes well with water, sweat and heat, which is why so many people leave it on day and night — through showers, workouts and hand washing. It is best described as water-resistant rather than waterproof: chlorinated pools, sea water and harsh cleaning products can wear down a coloured PVD finish over time, so we suggest taking it off for swimming.
Sterling silver is happiest kept dry. An occasional splash won’t harm it, but regular showering, swimming, perfume and lotions can speed up tarnish and dull a plated finish. Putting it on last and taking it off first keeps it looking its best.
Is stainless steel jewellery good quality?
Yes — quality comes from the grade of the metal, the finish and how a piece is made, not simply from which metal it is. 316L is a high grade of steel, and a well-made steel piece will keep its shape and colour for years. Steel costs less than silver as a raw material, which is why steel pieces are often priced lower. That reflects the material, not the craftsmanship.
Sterling silver is a precious metal, so part of its value is in the metal itself. It is often chosen for milestone gifts and pieces people want to keep for a lifetime.
Which is better for sensitive skin?
Both metals are worn comfortably by most people, including many with sensitive skin.
- 316L stainless steel does contain some nickel, but it is locked tightly into the alloy and releases very little — which is why this grade is widely used for body jewellery and piercings.
- Sterling silver is naturally nickel free when alloyed with copper, as ours is. Occasionally the copper content can leave a faint grey or green mark on the skin, usually because of moisture or skincare products. It washes off and is less likely with rhodium-plated pieces.
If you have a known metal allergy, check the details on the product page or get in touch before you order and we’ll tell you exactly what a piece is made from.
Stainless steel or sterling silver: which should you choose?
There’s no wrong answer. Here’s how the two usually suit different people.
Stainless steel may suit you if:
- you want jewellery you can leave on all day, every day, with very little care
- you’re active, work with your hands or often have them in water
- you like bolder, chunkier styles that stay light to wear
- you want a gold look that stands up well to daily wear
Sterling silver may suit you if:
- you’d like a precious metal, perhaps for a milestone gift or a piece to keep
- you love fine detail, delicate designs or gemstone and CZ settings
- you prefer the bright white shine of silver
- you might want a ring resized in future
Plenty of people own both — steel for every day, silver for the pieces that carry a little more meaning.
Stainless Steel Jewellery
316L stainless steel in silver tone, 18K gold and rose gold PVD — made for everyday wear.
Sterling Silver Jewellery
Solid 925 sterling silver with rhodium, 14K gold and rose gold finishes.
How we label our metals
On our product pages, the details section lists the base metal and finish of each piece — 316L stainless steel (with a PVD finish on gold and rose gold pieces), or 925 sterling silver with its plating. When a stainless steel piece is described as “silver”, that refers to its colour, not the metal. If you’re ever unsure, just ask us.
Browse all our stainless steel jewellery and sterling silver jewellery. Our men’s pendant necklaces are made in stainless steel.
Frequently asked questions
Is stainless steel the same as silver?
No. Stainless steel is an iron-based alloy; sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver. Steel in a silver tone can look similar, but they are different metals with different properties.
Will stainless steel turn my skin green?
Green marks are usually caused by copper reacting with moisture, and 316L stainless steel contains no copper, so it is very unlikely.
Does sterling silver last?
Yes. Sterling silver is a durable precious metal that can last a lifetime with simple care. Tarnish is a surface change and polishes away.
Can I wear stainless steel and sterling silver together?
Absolutely. The tones are slightly different — silver is brighter and whiter, steel a little cooler — but they layer happily together. For layering ideas, see our guide on how to layer necklaces.
Which is more expensive?
Sterling silver usually costs more, because silver is a precious metal. Stainless steel is less costly as a raw material, so similar designs are often priced lower in steel.
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