If you're someone who likes to wear fashion jewelry, you've probably wondered whether that piece you bought is made of stainless steel or not. Knowing if a piece of fashion jewelry is made of steel can be important, especially if you have allergies to other types of metals. In this blog, some simple tips will be shared that can help you identify if a piece of fashion jewelry is made of steel.
Stainless steel jewelry is a good option for those looking for jewelry with quality and durability. In addition, they are an excellent choice for everyday use because they are very resistant to wear and corrosion. Therefore, we will cover some topics that will make you understand how to identify if the jewelry is made of stainless steel:
- Ask the seller;
- Check for markings;
- Use a magnet;
- Check the color of the piece;
- Feel the weight of the piece;
- Verify if the piece is corrosion-resistant;
- Perform a cleaning test;
- Perform an acid test;
- Use a metal tester.
1. Ask the seller
If you are in doubt about the composition of your fashion jewelry, asking the seller is always a good option. He may be able to provide additional information about the material used to make the piece.
2. Check for markings
One of the simplest ways to tell if a piece of jewelry is made of steel is to check for markings on the jewelry. Often, manufacturers include information about the material used to make the jewelry, such as "316L". These markings indicate that the piece is made of stainless steel.
3. Use a magnet
Another way to test whether a piece of jewelry is made of steel is to use a magnet. Stainless steel is a non-magnetic metal, so if the jewelry is stainless steel, it will not be attracted by the magnet. If the piece is attracted to the magnet, it is likely to be made of another type of metal. However, it is important to realize that there is stainless steel that is magnetic. Therefore, this method isn't totally reliable although it does increase the chances that your jewelry could be made of steel.
4. Check the color of the piece
Stainless steel is a silver and shiny metal. If the jewelry appears silver and shiny, it's likely made of steel. However, be cautious of pieces that appear to be silver but are actually coated with a silver material. These pieces may fade over time and reveal the true color of the underlying metal.
5. Feel the weight of the piece
Stainless steel is a heavy and dense metal, so if the jewelry feels heavier than other similar pieces, it's possible it's made of steel. However, keep in mind that other metal alloys can also be equally heavy.
6. Verify if the piece is corrosion-resistant
Stainless steel is corrosion-resistant and doesn't rust. If the jewelry is used in damp environments or in contact with the skin, like earrings or necklaces, and remains in good condition, it's likely made of stainless steel.
7. Perform a cleaning test
If you're not sure if the piece is made of stainless steel, you can perform a cleaning test. Stainless steel is easy to clean and doesn't stain easily. Try cleaning the piece with mild soap and warm water. If the piece doesn't stain or lose its shine, it's very likely made of stainless steel.
8. Perform an acid test
An acid test is a more advanced technique to determine if the piece is made of steel. You can purchase an acid test kit at a craft store or online. To perform the test, you need to place a small drop of acid on the metal and observe the reaction. If the piece is stainless steel, it won't react with the acid. If the piece is made of another type of metal, it will change color or even corrode.
9. Use a metal tester
A metal tester is a device that can identify the type of metal used in a piece of jewelry. It's a more precise and reliable method, but it can be expensive and impractical for daily use.
At Dicci, we have a variety of stainless steel 316L jewelry accessories. The 316L steel alloy offers higher quality and durability to the accessories. Additionally, we have a wide range of designs for all styles. If you're interested in expanding your collection of stainless steel jewelry while combining quality with elegance, check out what we have to offer:
In summary, there are several ways to determine if a piece of fashion jewelry is made of steel. Checking for markings on the product, using a magnet, testing for corrosion resistance, and observing the color of the jewelry are some techniques you can use. If you have doubts about the composition of a piece of fashion jewelry, it's always a good idea to ask the seller or manufacturer for more information.😊