Stainless steel has become a favourite for everyday jewellery for good reason: it withstands water, does not turn your skin green and keeps its shine much longer than traditionally plated jewellery. But "durable" does not mean "indestructible". Here is how to keep a stainless steel necklace, bracelet or charms as beautiful as on their first day.
How to care for gold or silver stainless steel jewellery
Why stainless steel is a good choice for everyday wear
Unlike solid silver, stainless steel does not oxidise when exposed to air. Unlike thin gold plating, its gold or silver finish is applied using a process (PVD) that is much more resistant to friction and moisture. This means you can wear it in the shower or swimming pool without worrying that it will turn black overnight — making it ideal for jewellery you never take off, such as a necklace composed with your favourite charms.
That does not make it indestructible: sand, concentrated chlorine, perfumes and creams applied directly to it, or repeated knocks will eventually dull any piece of jewellery over time.
Basic cleaning, every 2 to 3 weeks
- Fill a small bowl with warm water and a drop of mild soap (neutral washing-up liquid or diluted Marseille soap).
- Leave the jewellery to soak for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Gently scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush, paying particular attention to engraved areas and links.
- Rinse with clean water and dry immediately with a soft, lint-free cloth — this is the step everyone forgets, and it is what prevents limescale water marks.
Good everyday habits
- The last thing you put on before going out, the first thing you take off when you get home. Put on your jewellery after perfume, cream and make-up, and take it off before showering if you use a scrub or exfoliating treatment.
- A soft cloth after each wear, to remove perspiration and invisible residue that, as it builds up, dulls the gold finish over time.
- A soft fabric, never piled together, for storage: avoid keeping necklaces loose in the same drawer, as rubbing against each other creates tiny scratches.
- Chlorine and seawater are fine, but not continuously. Stainless steel handles an occasional swim very well, but highly concentrated chlorine (hot tubs or treated pools) can eventually affect the coloured finish.
What if your jewellery has tarnished anyway?
A slight haze may appear after several months of intensive wear. Before thinking about replacing it, try:
- cleaning it with warm soapy water as described above, spending a little longer on it,
- polishing it very gently with a dry microfibre cloth, without any abrasive products (toothpaste or bicarbonate of soda, often recommended for solid silver, are too harsh for a PVD coating and can damage it).
If an area still looks dull, this is a sign of repeated friction in that particular spot (clasp or links), rather than a defect in the metal.
In summary
Stainless steel jewellery deserves the same care as any piece you love wearing often: take it off for harsh treatments, dry it after contact with water and store it flat. In return, it will keep its shine for years.