Taking care of stainless steel jewelry

Stainless steel jewelry is very attractive for a number of reasons as I stated in the previous post "why stainless steel jewelry?". Now when you read this post, you will find that the ease of caring makes it even more attractive.

1. Avoid harsh scratching

The caring is as simple as trying to avoid harsh scratching. Other possible problems apart from harsh scratching seems to be very minimal as stainless steel doesn't leave stain, doesn't tarnish, doesn't discolor. It resists oxidation, rust, and corrosion. It will not bend or break. ...It also doesn't scratch that easily, but it does scratch (like most other metal e.g. gold, silver, etc.). And when it scratches, the only way to get rid of the scratches is to get a professional buffing service (the same way you take care of the band of your expensive watches).

• So avoid putting it in your pocket without a jewelry bag or a sealed plastic bag.
• For stainless steel earrings, simply avoid putting the 2 earrings in the same bag as it may scratch each other.
• Also avoid hanging your ring on the rack etc.
• ...well, avoid any other situation that might scratch it :-)

2. Cleaning

Cleaning is simple. There are 4 easy possible ways to clean it.

Tips: Always clean your stainless steel jewelry lengthwise, and not in circular motion. And be gentle with your piece.

1) Clean with warm soapy water and very gently. Use a soft cloth (like a 100% cotton) and gently wipe it. In case of brushed stainless steel, move your cloth along the grain of your stainless steel jewelry as you don't want to leave your brushed jewelry with shiny spots. You shouldn't soak your stainless steel in water.

2) For a grimier pieces, just use 'plain' white non-silica toothpaste (you can read from ingredient list, avoid whitening toothpaste) and soft cloth. And again, follow the grain of your piece.

3) Use stainless steel cleaner or jewelry cloth and gently wipe it.

4) Go to a professional.

3. Storage

Although stainless steel doesn't tarnish, it's always best to store it in a sealed container for utmost protection. I always like to store all of my jewelry in a ziplock bag for both visibility and protection. In case of earrings, store the 2 earrings separately to avoid scratching. You can also store it in the air-tight jewelry box like the one I mentioned in the post "5-way to keep your silver tarnish-free"

click here> 360Jewels' stainless steel bands

Click here> 360Jewels' stainless steel hoop earrings

Click here> 360Jewels' stainless steel stud earrings

View all Mens Earrings, Rings, and Accessories in our store, please click here

Other Related Articles:

5 Ways to Tarnish-Free Silver

How to use Jewelry Cloth to clean your jewelry

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5 ways to keep your silver tarnish-free

Tarnish is basically a kind of rust (but occurring at a slower pace). It often appears as a usually dull, gray or black film or coat over metal.What causes tarnish? The simple answer is 'exposure to air'. That's why it's impossible to prevent your silver jewelry from tarnishing.
Anyway, there are ways, simple ways, to slowdown the tarnishing process and help keep your silver in a lasting good condition. Minor tarnish can be easily buffed off with silver cloth. Heavy tarnish has to be scrubbed off and may also remove some silver substance from your jewelry. That's why proper maintenance is so important!

1.STORAGE: An example of air-tight jewelry box Remember these ideal storage conditions: Clean, Cool, Dry, and Dark. Keep it in air-tight container. May and I keep our everyday jewelry in ziploc bag as it gives perfect protection and visibility. Store your silver jewelry separately to avoid scratches.

2.BEFORE USE: Apply your hair spray before wearing silver and make sure your lotion or perfume is well absorbed to your skin or clothes. Your hands must be free from lotion or other chemicals before touching silver jewelry.

3.DURING USE: Avoid exposing your jewelry with chemicals and grease e.g. perfume, hair spray, food etc. Just keep it as clean and dry as you can.

4.AFTER USE: Simply wipe off any possible residues on your silver jewelry with soft cloth before storage. If you see sign of tarnishing, simply wipe it off gently with a silver cloth like this one. We have tested effectiveness of this cloth. click here to find info However, please note that if your silver piece is plated, you don't need to use this jewelry cloth that often (as your piece won't tarnish easily anyway). Excessive use of the cloth can also wipe off your coating layer.

5.PLATE IT!: 18K Gold Plating, a long-lasting way to prevent tarnishing I personally enjoy this option because it's almost a permanent method to protect silver from tarnishing (the plating layer can wear off too, but it takes quite a long time). As mentioned in my earlier post of what is sterling silver, gold plating works nicely in protecting your silver from tarnishing and also scratches! Anyway, some people don't like it because gold plating doesn't provide the same silver's natural shine. Many jewelry stores offer gold plating service at affordable price. At 360Jewels, we use high quality & thick layer 18K gold plating in Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, and Black Gold. Follow this link to read more about 18K black gold plated jewelry.

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