When it comes to deciding what kind of jewelry you’re going to wear, there’s more to the process than meets your discerning eye. Sure, you want something fashionable, and something that suits your style. But you also want a product that’s comfortable to wear and safe against your skin for hours on end.
Both stainless steel and pewter are popular metals among streetwear-style jewelry. Here’s the lowdown as you decide if one, the other, or both are right for you.
Stainless Steel Jewelry
The popularity of stainless-steel jewelry is growing — and for good reason.
First and foremost, this steel alloy is strong. And it’s known for it’s resistance to corrosion. In fact, it’s almost impossible to ruin. That makes it perfect for the short-term — for example, your day-to-day life — and the long haul, meaning it’s going to last a long time. Stainless steel will stand up to the rigors you put it through.
Let’s say you’re wearing a stainless-steel ring or bracelet. On any given day, you’re going to wash your hands multiple times. The Global Hygiene Council estimates more than six times per day. That’s the standard. Depending upon your lifestyle and level of hand-washing fanaticism, it’s likely more than that. The good news is your stainless-steel item won’t corrode, and it won’t get rusty or stain with water like ordinary steel does.
The same goes for a stainless-steel necklace. You can leave it on in the shower if you’d like without worrying about what’s going to happen to it. Or you.
That’s another great thing about stainless steel. Oftentimes, it’s hypoallergenic. Hypoallergenic jewelry is created using pure metals, like stainless steel. It has low or no levels of nickel, a metal that’s oftentimes the culprit when it comes to someone having an adverse reaction.
If you’re allergic, it can cause your skin to itch or turn red with a rash. It can even lead to swelling or blisters. Be sure to look for the word “hypoallergenic” when you’re shopping for stainless-steel jewelry. You’ll be getting a product that’s not only great looking, but also safe and comfortable to wear.
Pewter Jewelry
Pewter is a metal alloy made from tin. And like stainless steel, it’s very popular when it comes to jewelry. More popular, in fact. Pewter trails only gold, silver, and platinum in demand. Plus, it looks fantastic and it’s easy to take care of, too.
One of the reasons pewter is so revered among jewelry makers and buyers is that it can take on a variety of appearances. It can be polished so it shines or it can be darkened with a blackening solution for an aged, antique look.
Pewter jewelry doesn’t tarnish easily, either, so you won’t need to worry about scratches or marks. And rest assured, it doesn’t contain any lead like it used to. Almost everything that’s made from pewter in the US these days contains no lead.
How to Take Care of Your Jewelry
Both stainless steel and pewter are exceptional options when it comes to jewelry. They’re durable, resistant to wear and tear, and hypoallergenic. Still, you should still take certain precautions when it comes to how you handle your jewelry.
Proper care is an important part of keeping your jewelry looking it's best. Don’t wear your necklaces, rings, and bracelets when you’re cleaning or working with harsh chemicals; when you’re in the pool; or while you’re playing sports. And when you take off your jewelry, don’t toss them all together in a pile. Store them separately so they’re not rubbing up against one another. Also, consider wrapping them in tissue paper or a soft cloth when you’re not wearing them. When you want to clean your jewelry, soak them in warm, soapy water and use a soft brush to scrub away any gunk, if desired.
The Choice is Yours
Whether you choose stainless steel or pewter (or both), you’re sure to own a piece of jewelry that not only looks great, it’s also built to last and it's easy to take care of. Find the ring, necklace, or bracelet that fits your sense of style and enjoy wearing it for as long as you like. You made a wise purchase.