What is stainless steel?

Stainless steel (also called stainless steel), is a metal very widespread in all areas of domestic and industrial life, for its great stainless qualities.

It is an alloy of iron, chromium, nickel and carbon necessary to ensure the formation of a self-healing surface layer that makes it stainless.

What is the composition?

  • Iron > 50%
  • Chromium and carbon : In accordance with European standard EN 10088-13, a steel is classified as stainless steel if it contains a minimum of 10.5% by mass of chromium and a maximum of 1.2% of carbon, which will prevent the formation of carbides which are detrimental to the material.
  • Nickel : It homogenizes the alloy. It provides the properties of flexibility, malleability and resilience (shape memory). Regulations are very strict for jewelry. The European directive on nickel (94/27/EC in its latest version of September 27, 2004) requires that the release rate of nickel be 0.5 micrograms per cm2 (of surface of the part) and per week for articles in contact direct and prolonged with the skin. This migration limit is lowered to 0.2 µg/cm²/week for “piercings”. This is why most alloys containing nickel have been eliminated. But some are still authorized, such as stainless steel.
  • Manganese : it is a substitute for nickel. Certain series of stainless steel alloys have been developed in order to cope with the uncertainties of nickel supply.
  • Molybdenum and copper : they improve resistance in most corrosive environments, in particular those which are acidic (for example perspiration), but also in phosphoric and sulfur solutions.
  • Tungsten : it improves the resistance to high temperatures of stainless steels.
  • Titanium : it prevents the alteration of metallurgical structures during hot work, in particular during welding work, thereby preserving the stainless nature of the steel by avoiding chromium depletion.
  • Niobium : It has a much higher melting point than titanium and exhibits similar properties.
  • Silicon : also plays a role in resistance to oxidation.

What are the advantages ?

Stainless steel has several advantages: It is hot malleable and it can be engraved . It is hypoallergenic . It does not cause a reaction on the skin except in very rare cases. It is ecological . Its impact on the environment is low , because it does not release nickel and it can be recycled endlessly.... It is almost indestructible and undeformable. It requires little maintenance and is 100% recyclable.

Can stainless steel oxidize?

In certain cases, steel can oxidize (for example, very high temperatures: over 800°C). Under normal conditions of use, the chromium oxide contained in stainless steel develops a transparent oxide film on the metal. This film is a barrier to any intrusion risking oxidation (even if the metal has suffered an impact, the protective barrier reforms). Stainless steel containing these characteristics will not oxidize or blacken in the face of daily aggressions: water, household products, cosmetic products, perspiration, etc.

Can we put the jewelry under water?

It is possible to shower or take a bath
with its stainless steel jewelry without it altering. On the other hand, it is not recommended to bathe in a manner
prolonged in a swimming pool, because chlorine is very aggressive. It eliminates the invisible film created by chrome to protect the jewelry. It is also better to remove your jewelry before swimming in the sea or ocean . Salt water could tarnish the jewelry and cause it to rust.

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