Many jewelry items on the market are made of alloy materials, some products are typical alloys, these items look like stainless steel, but they are primarily made of alloy. Most alloy jewelry is actually made of copper; stainless steel, on the other hand, is specially treated steel.

Alloy products use copper and achieve a whitish color through electroplating.

Stainless steel, however, is naturally whitish (steel-colored) and doesn’t discolor over time. When polished, it retains its steel color.

 

Drawbacks of Alloy (Copper) Materials

They are of low quality, often exhibit visible mold lines, are prone to discoloration, and may cause allergies.

From a material selection perspective, the use of alloy is decreasing. We stopped using alloy materials about seven to eight years ago.

Additionally, alloy (copper) electroplating uses water plating, which tends to discolor, is often non-eco-friendly, and can cause allergies. These are common criticisms of alloy jewelry.

 

Stainless Steel: Resistant to Discoloration and Allergies

Stainless steel is currently the least likely material to discolor among trendy jewelry. It undergoes two layers of electroplating: the first layer is vacuum titanium plating for the base, and the second layer is vacuum electroplated real gold. Titanium plating is durable and scratch-resistant, while vacuum electroplating ensures strong adhesion. Unlike alloy, stainless steel is highly unlikely to cause allergies. Many medical instruments are made from 316L stainless steel, which is also used in our materials.

 

Challenges of Stainless Steel: High Crafting Requirements and Limited Precision in Fine Detailing

Stainless steel is very hard, requiring high casting temperatures, and its molding process is completely different from other materials. While intricate designs can be made, they tend to be less refined compared to copper or silver due to the material’s hardness.