Stainless steel vs sterling silver
Both look silver. They behave very differently once you wear them every day.
| 316L stainless / titanium steel | Sterling silver (925) | |
|---|---|---|
| Tarnish | Does not tarnish | Darkens over time, needs polishing |
| Strength | Very hard, resists scratches and bending | Soft, scratches and dents easily |
| Water and sweat | Fine for showers, gym and the sea (dry it after) | Best taken off |
| Skin | 316L is low-nickel and safe for most skin | Can turn skin green when it tarnishes |
| Weight | Solid, slightly lighter than silver | Heavier |
| Price | Lower | Higher, and rises with the price of silver |
Which should you choose?
For a piece you want to wear daily and forget about, stainless or titanium steel is the practical pick. Sterling silver is softer and needs care, though some people like the way it ages.
What our pieces are made of
Every Jewels by Zero piece lists its exact material on its page: 316L stainless steel, stainless steel, titanium steel, or (on two crosses) a silver-tone alloy pendant on a stainless chain. We don't sell sterling silver and we never call steel "silver".
Caring for steel jewelry
Rinse it with warm soapy water, dry it with a soft cloth and store it away from other pieces so links don't scratch each other.
