Sterling Silver or Stainless Steel – which should you choose?
These two materials cover most jewellery projects, but they behave differently. Sterling silver is a precious metal, can be polished and soldered – but it tarnishes. Stainless steel doesn't tarnish and is water-resistant, but cannot be worked in the same way. Here are the differences that truly determine your choice.
How to make your choice
Both are nickel-free: Our 925 sterling silver is nickel-free, and 316L surgical steel is suitable for most people with metal allergies.
No minimum order: Buy one unit and test it in your design before ordering in bulk.
1-2 day delivery: In-stock items are typically packed the same day. Shipping 39 kr. within Denmark – free over 399 kr.
Choose sterling silver if…
- The jewellery is to be sold as genuine silver, and the customer expects a 925 hallmark.
- You want to be able to polish the jewellery back to its original shine after years of use.
- You work with wire, coils, loops, or soldering.
- You want the same design in both silver and gold colour via gold-plated sterling silver (vermeil).
Choose stainless steel if…
- The jewellery needs to be worn in the shower, in the sea, and during exercise.
- You sell at a price point where silver becomes too expensive per piece.
- You produce in larger quantities and want a stable per-piece price.
- Customer has experienced tarnishing on silver jewellery.
Can I mix them?
Yes – technically, you can easily combine a steel chain with a silver clasp. However, two metals with different lustre and different tarnishing properties will not age similarly, and if the jewellery is to be sold as silver, any non-silver parts must not be represented as such. We recommend sticking to one material per piece of jewellery and instead creating two variants of the design.
Exceptions include stones, pearls, and leather, which work well with both.
What about gold-plated items?
Gold colours are available in both categories: gold-plated sterling silver (vermeil), where gold is applied to genuine silver, and PVD or e-coated gold-plated steel, where the plating is hard and water-resistant. The two appear almost identical in store, but wear and are priced differently.
We have compiled the differences in a separate guide on gold plating if you are unsure.
FAQ
Is stainless steel nickel-free?
No, not in a chemical sense – nickel is part of the alloy. However, in 316L (surgical steel), the nickel is so tightly bound that its release is very low, and most people with nickel allergies can wear it. If you are very sensitive, 925 sterling silver is the safest choice.
Why does my silver jewellery turn black?
This is tarnishing: silver reacts with sulphur in the air, sweat, and cosmetics. It is not a fault and can be polished away with a silver cloth. Store jewellery dry and airtight between uses.
What is cheapest in the long run?
Steel has the lowest unit price and requires no maintenance. Silver costs more, but retains material value and can be renovated, which often matters more for jewellery intended to last for many years.
Can I get a quantity discount, regardless of the material I choose?
Yes. The discount is calculated based on the total value of your basket and starts at 5%, increasing up to 20%. You can mix materials in the same order.