Stainless steel jewellery: the strengths of an everyday metal

A piece of jewellery worn every day leads a busy life: it brushes against sleeves, meets tap water, and comes along on commutes, working days and summer evenings. For these everyday pieces, the choice of metal matters as much as the design. That is why the settings of our genuine sea glass jewellery are made of stainless steel, with a silver or gold finish. Here is what this metal really offers, and what is best not to ask of it.

What exactly is stainless steel?

Stainless steel is an alloy of iron and chromium, to which other elements are added depending on the grade. Chromium is the key: in contact with air, it forms a very thin, invisible layer on the surface of the metal that protects it. If this layer is scratched, it rebuilds itself. This is what limits rust and stains under normal conditions of wear.

There are several grades of stainless steel, more or less resistant depending on their composition. To find out more about what our jewellery is made of, visit our materials page.

Why choose stainless steel jewellery for every day?

For jewellery worn daily, stainless steel brings together several practical qualities, without demanding complicated care.

It does not tarnish like silver

Solid silver tends to blacken over time, in contact with air and certain substances. Stainless steel keeps its appearance far better in normal use, with no need for regular polishing. A silver-tone stainless steel piece therefore holds on to its bright colour more easily, even after a few weeks spent in a drawer.

A hard metal that copes with daily life

Steel is a hard metal, much harder than pure gold or silver. It scratches and bends less easily, which matters for a ring you keep on your finger or a bracelet that rubs against a desk. It is not scratch-proof, though: a knock against a stone or repeated friction will leave marks, as on any metal.

Care reduced to the essentials

No special bath or dedicated product: a soft, dry cloth is usually enough to bring back its shine. It is a real comfort for anyone who wants to wear their jewellery without thinking about it, from morning coffee to dinner with friends.

An affordable metal

Compared with precious metals, stainless steel remains affordable. It allows us to offer handmade pieces, crafted with care, at a price that leaves you free to wear several, stack them on your wrist or give them as gifts.

Stainless steel and sea glass, a natural match

Sea glass has spent decades rolled by waves and sand before being picked up by hand on the beach. At Éclat d'océan, it is never recut: each fragment keeps the shape the sea gave it, which makes every piece of jewellery one of a kind. It therefore needed a discreet, sturdy setting, able to accompany this frosted glass without stealing the show.

Stainless steel plays that part. Its silver tone, bright and clear, brings out the moss green, lagoon blue or frosted white of the glass; its gold tone warms the richer shades, such as caramel brown. A few examples from the shop:

• the Écume silver necklace, a double steel chain with a drop of sea glass;
• the Vanikoro gold ring, adjustable, for an easy everyday gesture;
• the Nerida bracelet, a double steel chain with a clear sea glass bead;
• the Atoll earrings, silver hoops with green sea glass.

Silver or gold: two finishes, one metal

Our settings come in a silver or gold finish. The silver finish offers a light, fresh tone that leaves the colour of the glass centre stage. The gold finish brings a warmer note, which goes beautifully with olive skin and sand-coloured outfits. As a general rule, a gold finish calls for a little more gentleness day to day: we cover the right habits in our article on caring for gold jewellery.

Torn between the two? Our guide to choosing gold or silver jewellery helps you decide according to your skin tone, your outfits and the jewellery you already wear.

What not to ask of stainless steel

A resistant metal is not an invincible one. To help your jewellery keep its good looks for a long time, a few precautions remain worthwhile:

• avoid direct contact with perfume, creams and household products;
• take your jewellery off for sport, gardening and at night;
• after contact with water, wipe it with a soft, dry cloth;
• store each piece separately, away from damp.

At the beach or the pool, caution is wise: it is better to remove your jewellery before swimming. We explain why in our article on swimming with your jewellery, and all the care habits are gathered in our guide to caring for stainless steel and sea glass.

Frequently asked questions

Can stainless steel jewellery rust?

Under normal conditions of wear, stainless steel resists rust well thanks to the thin protective layer formed by chromium. This resistance is not absolute: prolonged exposure to harsh products, chlorine or damp can damage the surface. Wiping the piece after contact with water and storing it somewhere dry remains the best habit.

Can I wear stainless steel jewellery every day?

Yes, that is precisely why we chose it. Its hardness and durability make it a metal well suited to everyday jewellery. Simply remember to take it off for sport, at night and for household chores, and to apply perfume and cream before putting it on, so that it keeps its shine for as long as possible.

How do I clean stainless steel jewellery with sea glass?

A soft, dry cloth is usually enough. If the piece has been in contact with water or perspiration, gently wipe the setting and the glass, then let it air dry before putting it away. Avoid abrasive products and household cleaners, which may dull the finish, especially a gold finish.

Where can I find your stainless steel jewellery?

Our sea glass jewellery is set in stainless steel, with a silver or gold finish (some pieces, such as the Noosa bracelet, are on a cord). You will find them in our shop, sorted by category. Delivery is free in France on orders from 79 €, and every order arrives in a gift box, ready to give.