The choice of materials is a key element when purchasing jewelry. Each material has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we present to you the differences between three materials commonly used in jewelry making: stainless steel, 925 silver and gold filled.
Discover, through a selection of our most beautiful pieces, the specificities of each material, to help you make the best choice of jewelry according to your preferences and your budget.
Stainless steel: robustness and durability
Stainless steel is an alloy of iron, chromium and carbon, known for its corrosion resistance and durability. Stainless steel jewelry has several advantages:
- Tarnish and oxidation resistance
- Great durability and robustness
- Hypoallergenic for most people
- Affordable price
On the other hand, stainless steel is generally heavier than other materials and can be more difficult to work with to create complex designs.
925 silver: shine and refinement
925 silver, also called sterling silver, is an alloy composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. Here are the characteristics of 925 silver:
- Beautiful shine and luxurious appearance
- Relatively durable and resistant
- More malleable than stainless steel, allowing for more elaborate designs
- Average price, generally higher than stainless steel
However, 925 silver tends to oxidize and tarnish over time, requiring regular maintenance to maintain its shine.
Gold filled: elegance and accessibility
Gold filled is a technique which consists of applying a thick layer of gold to a metallic base, generally brass. Gold filled jewelry offers a quality alternative to gold plated, with the following advantages:
- Luxurious appearance and similar to solid gold
- Superior tarnish resistance and durability to gold plating
- Hypoallergenic for many people
- More affordable price than solid gold
Gold filled is, however, more expensive than stainless steel and 925 silver, and may be less durable than these two materials.
Stainless steel, 925 silver and gold filled are three popular materials for creating jewelry, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The choice of material will depend on your preferences for aesthetics, durability and budget.
Ô Doré offers you a wide range of rings, earrings and necklaces made from these different materials, allowing you to find the pieces that best suit your tastes and expectations. Take the time to discover our elegant creations, and let yourself be seduced by the diversity and quality of the pieces we have to offer you.