When it comes to choosing between silver and stainless steel as the main material for your jewelry, there are a number of factors to consider. From price to durability and styling options, the decision will ultimately come down to personal preference and lifestyle choices.
Appearance
One of the main differences between silver and stainless steel is their appearance. Silver has a gorgeous dull white shine that pairs beautifully with gold or is enhanced by the stacking of pieces. Stainless steel, on the other hand, has a more industrial look which can work as the perfect contrast to a softer outfit.
Durability
Stainless steel is known for its strength and durability, making it an excellent choice for jewelry pieces that need to withstand frequent use, or that you don't plan on taking off at all. I've found that it's hard to scratch, which is why so many men choose it as their main jewelry material. It also doesn't tarnish, which means that it's perfect for people who are looking to go swimming or out into the ocean on a regular basis.
Silver, on the other hand, is softer than steel, which makes it more prone to scratches, dents, and accidental reshaping. It tarnishes easily and requires regular cleaning to keep it shiny, unless you're looking for a natural patina. It may also be the case that your skin naturally reacts to silver, in which case stainless steel would be a much better choice for you in the long run.
Price
When it comes to price, stainless steel is typically less expensive than silver, but this is not a reflection of its quality! Stainless steel is, overall, an industrial material that is much more readily available than silver. The type of material that a piece is made of is partially responsible for the overall quality of a jewelry piece, so a well made stainless steel ring or necklace can be more expensive than a poorly-made silver piece.
Silver is relatively rare, and as a raw material, more expensive than stainless steel. The craftsmanship of a piece is an important component to consider when purchasing a new jewelry piece, as well as its point of origin.
I personally prefer to work with Mexican and Italian silver, as I've found the overall quality to be higher and more consistent than other types of silver I've come across. I'm also able to work directly with wholesalers that have established good relationships with individual silversmiths, so I can be assured of the consistency of the quality in the craftsmanship and raw materials used in the pieces offered through Heidi Khrone.
Allergies
One advantage of silver over stainless steel is that it is hypoallergenic to most people. Sometimes, stainless steel can contain nickel, so unless a jewelry piece is marked as nickel-free, there's a risk that it may contain nickel. All stainless steel pieces offered through Heidi Khrone are nickel-free. There are people, however, that have severe metal allergies and are not able to tolerate any type of metal unless it's titanium, in which case stainless steel AND silver would be poor candidates for a jewelry piece.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the choice between silver and stainless steel comes down to your personal preferences and needs. Neither is better or worse than the other, but they do offer different things. If you want a piece that you can keep on indefinitely and don't want to invest in maintenance, stainless steel is a great choice. If you want the unique look that silver offers, as well as the peace of mind that you're investing in a semi-precious metal and don't mind the extra maintenance required, silver is the way to go. No matter what choice you make, rest assured that Heidi Khrone offers high quality pieces no matter where your journey leads.