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The world of metals is vast and confusing. But we’re about to make it a little easier. Prepare yourself for some metal education !

What’s the Difference Between Sterling Silver and Stainless Steel?

Well, let’s talk about what stainless steel and sterling silver have in common first: both are alloys (meaning they are metals made up a combination of two other metals).

Now for the differences:

Stainless steel is made up of steel and chromium. It contains within it the strength and durability of steel with the luster, easy maintenance and resistance to corrosion of chromium. Stainless steel is used in surgical equipment, cookware, architecture and jewelry, among many other uses.

Sterling silver is made up of silver and another metal, most commonly copper, though potentially zinc or platinum. Silver by itself is too soft for most functional purposes, hence why its alloyed with another metal. This means it has the strength and functionality of the alloyed metal with the beautiful and lustrous appearance of silver.

Sterling silver is used to produce cutlery, jewelry, musical instruments (some manufacturers prefer to use sterling silver over brass).

Differences between sterling silver and stainless steel also include:

Stainless Steel:

More scratch resistant than silver

Doesn’t tarnish

Less lustrous

Sterling silver:

Less scratch resistant than steel

Tarnishes

More lustrous

Lighter in weight

One of the main benefits of sterling silver is its appearance; it looks brighter and shinier. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is more durable and can last longer; it doesn’t tarnish but its also not as shiny.

Sterling Silver Tip: If you see a marking on that reads “.925,” this signifies the minimum fineness required for an object to be considered sterling silver.

A pure silver business card.

It’s a special occasion and you’re dressed to kill! Every hair is in place, your outfit is to die for and…you keep itching your neck all evening long.

Why? Your necklace (while it looks fabulous) is a piece of costume jewelry and not hypo-allergenic. Let the hives begin! 

If your earrings, necklace or other piece of jewelry causes an itch or a rash on your skin, chances are you may be allergic to nickel.

It’s considered one of the most common skin allergies, mainly because nickel is used in so many items, including jewelry, cell phones, zippers, eyeglass frames, belt buckles and keys.

If you have a nickel allergy, you’ll notice symptoms 12 to 48 hours after you come into contact with it (though some notice symptoms earlier). Generally, the rash is specific to the area where the jewelry made contact but it can spread (sweat can worsen it, for example).

What can be done about a nickel allergy? 

Take steps to avoid nickel contact. If you want piercings or tattoos, have it done with sterile, surgical-grade, stainless steel instruments. Take care to avoid piercing guns (since they can contain nickel and cause bacterial infections).

When you purchase jewelry, make sure its made of surgical grade stainless steel or either 24-karat yellow gold. Beware of white gold (which may contain nickel).

Other nickel-free metals? Pure sterling silver, copper, titanium and platinum. If you simply must wear earrings that have nickel in them, add plastic covers.

Nickel chunk.

I could say “any color goes with yellow gold” but that would mean a very short article. So let’s get a little more specific, shall we?

Yellow gold pairs well with numerous colors and skin tones. More specifically, when pairing colors with yellow gold, the following are complimentary (meaning they look great with one another):

• Green
• Light Purple
• Deep Purple
• Black
• Grey
• Hot Pink
• Pale Pink
• Light Blue
• Navy Blue
• Royal Blue
• Brown

Colors that don’t go with yellow? Silver. (But don’t let that stop you from mixing metals, like silver and yellow gold. Some colors “clash” in an eye-catching and interesting manner. Innovative, risk-taking fashion often means breaking the rules and taking some chances.)

Figure it this way: if you were decorating a room in your home with yellow, what color would you choose? Or how about nature? What colors naturally appeal to you when you’re outdoors? Consider your fashion choices in the same way.)

Nature always gets it right. You can too!

If you’re anything like me, you don’t like getting rid of jewelry, even if its broken or you haven’t worn it in a while. Why? Sentimental value, for one. My grandmother gave me this necklace (with a broken clasp) or my first boyfriend gave me his high school ring (okay, I did ditch that).

But is there a chance that there are pieces in our jewelry boxes that may be worth more than we think? Perhaps there are some pieces made of expensive metals, for instance. There are some quick and easy ways to find out.

The Magnet Test. Cheap or phony pieces of jewelry will cling on to a magnet while authentic pieces will not. Simple enough, right?

The Acid Test. This is easy enough with the right materials. It will test gold 14k or up. Here’s how it’s done:

Think outside the (jewelry) box. Expensive metals can often be in our kitchen or dining room, not just in our jewelry box–namely sterling silver flatware which can be passed down for generations and worth more than you think.

Remember: one woman’s trash is another woman’s treasure. There might be pieces you own that aren’t made of the finest metals or gems but are vintage or made by a particular highly coveted designer a long time ago. eBay is a great way to find out what vintage jewelry is hot and what’s not.