Stainless Steel – Jewellery Components in Stainless Steel and PVD Gold-Plated Steel
Stainless steel has become the standard for everyday jewellery. The steel does not tarnish, is resistant to water and sweat, and PVD gold plating retains its colour significantly longer than ordinary galvanic plating. At Tomato, you'll find the full basic range in steel: ear hooks, hoop earrings, stud earrings, chain, clasps, jump rings, crimp beads, and pendants – in steel colour and gold.
Working with Stainless Steel
Water-resistant and suitable for daily wear: The steel does not tarnish or rust – the jewellery can be worn in the shower, during exercise, and every day.
Durable PVD gold plating: The gold colour is applied with PVD, which is significantly more hard-wearing than thin galvanic plating.
Automatic volume discount: The discount increases with the basket size – from 5% up to 20%. No customer agreement required.
Why Stainless Steel Has Become So Popular
Steel solves a common problem with inexpensive jewellery: the colour fading after a few months. Because stainless steel is a through-coloured metal – not a coating – steel jewellery can be worn in the shower, in the sea, and during exercise without tarnishing. PVD gold plating is not through-coloured, but the bond is far stronger than traditional galvanic gold plating, making it significantly more durable.
For those who make jewellery to sell, this means fewer returns and a collection that still looks new on the customer's neck after a year.
Steel is harder than silver – adapt your tools
Steel is significantly harder than sterling silver. Steel jump rings require two pliers and a little more force to open, and you should always twist them sideways rather than pulling them out of shape. Steel wire and chain are best cut with heavy-duty side cutters – a delicate pair designed for silver wire will quickly wear out.
Steel cannot be soldered with standard silver solder, so constructions are assembled using jump rings, crimp beads, or wire instead.
Allergies and Skin Contact
316L surgical steel is nickel-free in the sense that nickel is bound within the alloy and not released during normal use – which is why the material is used in medical devices and piercings. If you are very nickel-sensitive, ear hooks in 316L or 925 sterling silver are the two best choices.
Care for Steel Jewellery
- Wash with lukewarm water and mild soap, then wipe dry with a soft cloth.
- Remove fingerprints from polished steel with a dry microfibre cloth.
- Do not use silver polishing cloths or dips on PVD-plated items – this will abrade the colour layer.
- Scratches on polished steel cannot be buffed out at home, so store your jewellery separately.
FAQ
Does stainless steel tarnish?
No. Stainless steel is a solid-colour metal and does not tarnish like silver. It may become dull from grease and fingerprints, but this can be wiped off with a soft cloth.
Can you shower with stainless steel jewellery?
Yes, both 304 and 316L tolerate water, sweat, and soap. PVD-plated items also tolerate water but will last longest if you avoid abrasive cleaning agents.
Is surgical steel nickel-free?
316L surgical steel contains nickel bound within the alloy, but it does not release it during normal use. This is why it is used for piercings and recommended for those sensitive to nickel.
What is the difference between PVD plating and regular plating?
PVD applies the colour layer in a vacuum, which creates a much stronger bond than galvanic plating. The colour therefore lasts significantly longer with daily wear.
Can I mix steel and silver in the same piece of jewellery?
Yes, this is purely an aesthetic choice. Please note that the two metals age differently: silver tarnishes over time, while steel remains like new.