How to distinguish them and which one to choose?
If you've ever wondered what the difference is between stainless steel and surgical steel, you're not alone. In the jewelry world, the two terms are sometimes confused, with some retailers using them interchangeably. But the truth is, they're not the same —and the differences matter, especially for your skin and the durability of the accessories you wear.
🧪 What kind of steel is this exactly?
➤ Stainless steel:
This is a general term for metal alloys containing elements such as iron, chromium, and nickel that are resistant to corrosion. It's used in everything from cutlery to watches.
➤ Surgical stainless steel:
This is a special, purified variety of stainless steel , such as 316L or 304, used in medical applications, among others. It has a lower nickel content and greater chemical resistance . It is safer for skin and ideal for producing durable, hypoallergenic jewelry.
🔬 Key differences:
| Characteristic | Stainless steel | Surgical steel |
|---|---|---|
| Application | general | medical, jewelry |
| Composition | different feet | standardized (e.g. 316L) |
| Hypoallergenicity | ❌ sometimes causes allergic reactions | ✅ very low risk |
| Water/perfume resistance | mean | very high |
| Color/coating durability | All right | perfect |
| Price | lower | higher (but worth it) |
👁️ How to distinguish them in practice?
-
Check the technical markings:
Surgical steel jewelry is sometimes described as 316L, 304, medical grade , or "surgical steel".
If they are not there, it is often just stainless steel. -
Trust your skin's reaction:
If the jewelry causes itching, burning or redness, it may be low-quality steel. -
Observe durability:
Surgical steel doesn't darken or discolor when exposed to water, sweat, or perfume. If your jewelry is losing its shine, it's probably regular stainless steel. -
Pay attention to the price and brand:
Surgical steel is more expensive to produce – if the product costs suspiciously little, it may be ordinary steel with minimal resistance.
💎 Why does Rouge choose surgical steel?
At Rouge, we know that style isn't everything – safety, durability, and comfort also matter . That's why each piece of our jewelry is crafted from high-quality surgical steel, which:
-
is resistant to moisture, sweat and time,
-
looks like new for many seasons,
-
is friendly even to very sensitive skin.
We don't compromise. You don't have to either.
✨ Summary
If you are looking for durable, beautiful and safe jewelry, surgical steel is definitely a better choice.
In a world where appearance counts, we also focus on quality.
0 comments