Stainless Steel Jewelry Dictionary

Dictionary of Stainless Steel Jewelry

Jewelry Dictionary: All About Stainless Steel. Get answers to your most frequently asked questions and discover everything about this durable and elegant material. Explore and find the meaning behind the most important terms in stainless steel jewelry.

Jewelry Dictionary: A simple guide to understanding your stainless steel jewelry

The world of jewelry has its own language. Between types of steel, plating techniques, and words that sound like they come from a laboratory, it's normal to get a little lost.
That's why this dictionary was created: a quick, clear guide designed to help you understand what you're buying, how to care for it, and what all those terms that appear on modern jewelry really mean.

Here you'll find simple explanations, practical examples, and answers to the most common questions about stainless steel, a favorite material for its durability, shine, and water resistance. If you've ever wondered whether steel is hypoallergenic, what the difference is between 304 and 316L, or if the famous PVD coating really holds up, this is the place for you.

How to use this dictionary

Below you'll find the complete index. Each term will take you to a short and straightforward explanation. No technical jargon, no fluff, no complications.

Browse the index, enter the term that interests you, and return whenever you like. This guide is constantly growing with new questions, technical issues, and topics.

TO

• Finish: In jewelry, this refers to the treatment given to the surface, resulting in a different appearance and texture. Some examples are:
• Hammered Finish: It is worked with small hammer blows
• Polished Finish: Smooth and shiny surface, reflecting light like a mirror.
• Brushed or Matte Finish: Soft and opaque texture on the surface with fine brushes.
• Stainless steel: A metallic material composed primarily of iron, chromium, and nickel. It is resistant to corrosion and wear, making it ideal for durable, low-maintenance jewelry. Its finish can be polished, matte, or even textured, depending on the design.
• 316L Stainless Steel: (Surgical Steel) The safest. It contains very little nickel, and what it does contain is encapsulated, meaning it doesn't come into direct contact with the skin. This makes it a favorite for people with allergies or dermatitis. Read more
• 304 Stainless Steel: (common jewelry steel) Also very safe. It has a slightly higher nickel content, but it's generally well-tolerated. Most people don't notice anything at all. Read more
• Surgical steel: also known as 316L stainless steel, it is one of the safest and most durable materials in jewelry.
• Alloy: Combination of metals to create a more resistant material or with specific characteristics (e.g., 18k gold).
• Amber: Fossilized resin with warm tones, often containing inclusions such as insects or plants.
• Engagement ring: A piece of jewelry that symbolizes the promise of marriage, commonly featuring diamonds or other precious stones.
• Tree of Life: Its meaning is the connection between earth and sky, growth and life. It symbolizes the interconnectedness of all life in the universe.

B

• Clasp: Mechanism used to close necklaces, bracelets or decorative brooches.

C

• Carat (carat): Unit of weight used to measure precious gems, equivalent to 200 milligrams.
• Chain (types) Popular chains in jewelry:
• Linked: Classic design of small pieces connected together.
• Snake-like: Smooth, continuous surface, ideal for an elegant style.
• Made of small balls: Composed of small spheres joined together.
• Herringbone: Interlocking links that create a spine pattern.
• Foxtail chain: Flat, interlocking links with a compact design.
• Figaro Chain: A combination of short and long links
• Marine chain: Inspired by nautical chains, with oval links.
• Venetian Chain: Small, square links that create a refined finish.
• Plating: A thin layer of precious metal (such as gold or silver) over another base metal.
• 18K/24K gold plating: This is a thin layer of real gold applied over a metal base (such as stainless steel). 18K gold plating has a warmer, more durable color; 24K gold plating is more yellow and intense, but also more delicate.
  
• Clasp: Fastening system to secure the jewelry. Types of clasps for bracelets and necklaces. Most common clasps:
• Lobster clasp: Durable and widely used in bracelets and necklaces.
• Spring ring closure: Simple and easy to use, ideal for lightweight parts.
• Sliding clasp: Allows you to adjust the length of the jewelry.
• Magnetic closure: Easy to open and close, perfect for those seeking convenience.
• Butterfly Clasp: It is a type of snap closure for earrings
• Box clasp (or safety clasp): Design used in high-end jewelry.
• Hook closure: Traditional and simple, very common in minimalist designs.
• Cubic zirconia: Cubic zirconia is a gemstone, not a precious stone. It is synthetic and is known for its transparency, brilliance, and luminosity.
• Types of stainless steel: 304 stainless steel: Versatile and corrosion-resistant, common in jewelry. And surgical steel (316L): Hypoallergenic and ideal for sensitive skin.
• How to tell if your jewelry is stainless steel: Genuine stainless steel has a smooth finish and won't rust or tarnish over time. A simple way to identify it is with a magnet: stainless steel is usually slightly magnetic. It also feels heavier to the touch than other similar materials, such as aluminum.
• Stainless steel care: Clean with warm water and mild soap. Use a microfiber cloth to maintain its shine. Tip: Store your jewelry separately to prevent scratches.

D

• Diamond: A precious stone of crystallized carbon, known for its hardness and brilliance.
• Difference between stainless steel and surgical steel: Surgical steel (316L) contains less nickel than other alloys, making it ideal for people with sensitive skin or for body piercings. Both are durable, but surgical steel is considered higher quality in jewelry.
• Contemporary design: Modern jewelry style with clean lines and innovative shapes.
• Durability: A key characteristic of stainless steel, known for being resistant to shocks, scratches, and the passage of time

AND

• Emerald: A green gemstone, one of the most valuable.
• Setting: A technique for securing stones in jewelry, such as claw or pavé settings.
• Link: Rings linked together repeatedly to form a chain, necklace, or bracelet. Depending on their design, they can be: snake links, bead links, herringbone links, fox tail links, flat links, Figaro links, nautical links, oval links, and Venetian links, among many other designs. (See chain)
• Minimalist Style: In jewelry, it is characterized by simple designs and clean lines.
• Vintage Style: Inspired by styles from past eras, such as Art Deco or Victorian.
• Bohemian Style: Relaxed and natural designs, often with elements such as feathers, unpolished stones, or leather.
• Stainless steel is sustainable: Yes! It's recyclable, and its durability reduces the need for replacement. Furthermore, its modern production tends to be more environmentally responsible compared to other precious metals.
• Stainless steel can rust: Not in the traditional way. Thanks to the chromium in its composition, stainless steel forms a protective oxide layer that prevents corrosion. However, if exposed to harsh chemicals for extended periods, it can develop surface staining.

G

• Laser engraving: This technique allows you to personalize jewelry with incredible precision: names, dates, initials, symbols... everything is marked with crisp, permanent lines without damaging the piece.

H

• Hypoallergenic stainless steel: Yes, most stainless steel jewelry is safe for sensitive skin due to its low reactivity. However, in rare cases, alloys containing nickel may cause irritation.

Yo

• Infinity: Its meaning is eternity, continuity, and endless love. Its horizontal "8" shape symbolizes the limitless.

M

• Materials: In jewelry, the most common are white gold, stainless steel, and small stones such as cubic zirconia.

EITHER

• Gold: A bright yellow metal, highly malleable and resistant to corrosion. There are several varieties of this metal.
• Yellow Gold: Alloy of pure gold with copper and silver.
• White Gold: Alloy of gold with white metals such as palladium or nickel.
• Rose Gold: Gold alloy with copper, which gives it its pinkish hue.
• German Gold: A term that appears frequently in inexpensive jewelry and often raises questions. At first glance, it looks like gold, but it isn't. Read more

P

• Pending closures: Depending on the type of slope, there are:
• Pressure closure: Common in small earrings such as studs.
• Screw closure: Similar to a push-on closure, but more secure because it screws on.
• Hook (or French) clasp: Curved, used in dangling earrings.
• Omega clasp: Combines a lever with a clip for added security.
• Clip closure: Ideal for non-pierced earrings.
• Butterfly Clasp:
• Ring closure: On rings, where it closes with a rod that fits into the ring.
• Hook closure: With an elongated design that prevents them from coming loose easily.
• Pearl: An organic gem produced by oysters or mollusks. It can be natural or cultured.
• Silver: A white and shiny metal, more abundant and cheaper than gold.
• Sterling silver: A silver alloy with 92.5% purity, common in jewelry.
• Platinum: A grayish-white metal, extremely durable and resistant to tarnish. It is rarer and heavier than gold, which increases its value.
• Properties of stainless steel: Resistance to corrosion and staining. It does not lose its color or rust, even in contact with water.

R

• Rhodium: Metal used to give a bright finish and protect white gold or silver jewelry.
• Durability: One of the most outstanding characteristics of stainless steel is its resistance to rust, corrosion, and scratches. This makes it a popular choice for everyday jewelry.
• PVD Coating: A process that applies an ultra-thin, durable coating to stainless steel, offering finishes in colors such as gold or black. Advantage: Increased wear resistance. Read more here

S

• Laser welding: Laser welding is a modern technique that allows jewelry pieces to be joined with incredible precision.

T

• Stainless steel jewelry has gained popularity in recent years due to its combination of durability, modern design, and affordable price.

V

• Design versatility: Stainless steel jewelry comes in modern, minimalist, and classic styles, making it perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions.

W

• Waterproof: When jewelry is waterproof, it means it can withstand frequent contact with water without fading, tarnishing, or staining your skin. Read more

Z

• Sapphire: A precious stone, usually blue, although it exists in other colors.

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This dictionary is a living resource. We'll be adding more terms and answers over time, so check back soon. Have questions? Write to us here and we'll update our dictionary.

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