Speeding up the process. By choosing style of jewelry online you will get prices faster and you will be able to go through order confirmation and payment process much faster. This could save days of your time.

Stainless steel jewelry that is made like medical grade stainless steel is perfectly safe to wear. An example would be 316L or 304 stainless steel.

Fortunately, stainless steel jewelry does not turn your finger green. It does not contain elements and metals that are prone to turn your finger green. More so, stainless steel jewelry that is nickel-free is hypoallergenic. It does not cause any allergic reactions among people with sensitive skin.

Generally, the rule of thumb for anyone with sensitive skin is to settle for surgical-grade stainless steel alloys. The best grade widely used for making jewelry is the 316L stainless steel, as it is almost 100% free of nickel. This is a giant leap from most stainless steel grades that contain up to 10% nickel. In the fashion industry, the 316L stainless steel is widely known as hypoallergenic stainless steel. The reason behind this is simple – this stainless steel alloy does not contain any metal that widely causes allergic reactions. All the metals used to make the 316L stainless steel, namely chromium and iron, are relatively stable and non-reactive. The best part is that this alloy does not rust even when exposed to damp environments, and you will never have to worry about it rusting over time.

1. Combine baking soda and water in a bowl (the 2-to-1 ratio will maintain the toothpaste-like consistency you need).
2. Dip toothbrush into the mixture.
3. Scrub jewelry with toothbrush + mixture.
4. Rinse jewelry with warm water.
5. Use soft towel to remove excess water.
6. Let the jewelry sit for a few minutes to completely dry before putting it away.

1. Durability.
One thing that will make you have return clients is if the metal you use on the jewels is for sure durable. Well, the stainless steel, if kept under excellent conditions, will last for generations. It features a strong material-titanium as part of the alloy metals. This strength makes it scratch-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and tarnish-resistant. That’s why you will have it serve you over a long time. It's the kind of jewelry you can use even if you are in a hardship environment. It will serve you daily without deteriorating its value even if your life includes manual labor. Notice that unlike other soft metals that you can’t use in some conditions, these are very hard and safe.

2. It's budget-friendly
Who said you can't get a unique looking jewel when money is a problem for you? Stainless steel jewels are perfect, giving you the same features as the silver pieces and at an affordable price. You can get a jewel looking the same as the counter sterling silver, gold, or platinum pieces. But the cost of the stainless steel jewels will be very affordable. Remember, the stainless steel looks like a high luster piece with just the perfect shine. If you are going for the looks, then you will have scored in buying the stainless steel at a cheaper rate. Notice that it has all the great qualities that include the fact that it doesn’t corrode, tarnish, or scratch quickly.

3. The appearance
Don't be misled by the cost. The stainless steel jewels look just as good as the silver pieces. Besides, it can stand out even if you are talking about say platinum. You will enjoy the luster, shine, and take it over the most expensive white metal. Notice that they enjoy a wide range of finishes even though it’s one of the hardest metals we have. Since it looks so much like silver, it has gained a significant following today.

4. They are adaptable and versatile.
Anyone using jewels would like to buy the ones they can use with all the different clothing and different occasions. Thankfully stainless steel jewels will match your various circumstances. Do you want formal or casual? You can use these pieces at all times. Notice that it will pass for a costly metal, and still, it looks great with your dress up or dress down. This gives you different options to try.

5. Low maintenance.
The one thing that makes any jewel attractive is when it’s easy to maintain. Well, the pieces here are effortless to maintain. Its tarnish, corrosion, and rust-resistant, which makes it easy to work with. They are famous for being very durable pieces, which is why most people use them for rings. It doesn’t matter if you will wear it often; you will not scratch, dent, or damage it. Notice that the stainless steel metal doesn’t need rhodium plating to protect them because it’s already hard enough. You may not need to plate it since it’s durable, and the chromium layer even prevents corroding.

6. It's lightweight and hypoallergenic.
Although it’s strong, it’s not as weighty as some metals are. This means that you can use the jewels throughout the day and still feel much comfortable. I know you would expect it to be heavy, but it’s not heavy. Notice that the stainless steel is hypoallergenic. I know you are thinking, how is that even possible when it has nickel? Well, nickel is fixed within the alloy, and it doesn’t go out to react with your skin. Besides, the stainless steel has a layer of chromium that prevents any metal from sipping out. The nickel is just part of the alloy that won’t react. You can use the jewels even if you are skin sensitive.

7. It's eco friendly.
These pieces are the most ecological, unlike most other metals that create the jewels. Notice that you can recycle the stainless steel, and the energy you use to make the jewel is the same as the waste energy formed.

8. It's versatile.
It comes in different styles, shapes, and designs to choose the one that matches your needs. You can have the ones to use for parties' events work and just home use.

1. It's hard to resize and adjust.
This is mostly about rings, bracelets, and anklets. It will be tough to resize it since the metal is very hard. If you bought the wrong size, then it may just be as good as discarding it. Unfortunately, jewels are all about surprises, and sometimes you will buy the wrong size. Of course, you will need special machines to resize the stainless steel jewels; this is not such a good thing.

2. Limited styles.
It's not easy to work with stainless steel because of its hardness and inflexibility. This is why you don't have a wide range of unique pieces like you do for the other metals. There are lesser wedding options. Notice that you don’t have several options that are pretty.

3. Not very hypoallergenic.
You can classify it as one of the hypoallergenic metal, but that’s not always the case. Notice that it contains nickel, and for the susceptible skin, they will still react with the metal. This is except for the surgical stainless steel, which is hypoallergenic.

4. It's not as valuable.
Of course, because of this factor, you will find that it’s still not as popular as gold, palladium, sterling steel, and more. Stainless steel is an industrial metal that lacks the prestige that comes with the jewel metals. Of course, you must factor in the reasons you are buying the jewels too. For some people, this isn’t a factor of concern. But if you are so much into the price, then you must find it valueless.

5. It can develop dents.
Although we say it’s hard and, therefore, the only metal that you can use if you are an active person, you don’t want to handle it carelessly. If you subject it to sharp objects, then expect to have dents with it, and this is something that will lead to restructuring and scratching.

In general, the process of plating is when a piece of jewelry made from a certain metal or alloy is covered with a layer of another metal. For example, a ring in which the base metal is copper or silver, but that has a thin layer of gold on the outer surface, would be considered a gold plated item of jewelry.

Are there other kinds of plated jewelry? Yes! For example, white gold is an alloy of yellow gold and a white metal, usually palladium. Since the white gold alloy usually appears a little yellowish, it is usually plated with rhodium to give it a bright, white appearance on the outside, giving white gold its whitish appearance! After some time, however, the white rhodium appearance will wear away, exposing the yellowish metal alloy underneath.

But what does gold plated mean? Gold plated is a form of jewelry plating, but specifically with gold as the layer on the outside. The thickness of the gold layer on the outside of gold plated jewelry can vary greatly; however, the Federal Trade commission labels gold plated items at .5 microns and “heavy gold plated” items at 2.5 microns. Coatings that are thinner than .5 microns are often mislabeled as gold plated, though these are technically considered “gold electroplate” at .175 microns, or “gold flashed” or “gold washed” if the coating is less than .175 microns. All of the above coatings are technically “electroplated,” but the FTC classifies them with different labels depending on the thickness of the coating.

To gold plate something, the item is dipped into a solution that contains gold or a gold-colored alloy. The item is then shot with an electric current and the resulting electrochemical reaction deposits a thin layer of gold to the outside of the base metal.

1. Gold plated jewelry items are affordable.
Gold plated jewelry items are the most inexpensive when comparing them to gold filled or solid gold jewelry items. They typically range between $5 to $50. Because gold plated items are so affordable, more people have begun to buy and wear them.

2. Looks like real gold!
To the untrained eye, you can’t tell that it is not real gold!

3. They make great decoration.
The plating process allows the item to look like solid gold, while being more affordable. Therefore, gold plated jewelry can bring the perfect touch of brilliance and decoration to any outfit!

4. They are easy to make and there are more design possibilities.
Gold plated jewelry items are best for “of the moment” trends. By having a gold plated jewelry item of a particular style, you can be a part of the trend, without worrying that you’ve made a huge investment into something that will not last long. Thus, gold plated jewelry has a lot of design possibilities and can be used for a lot of different occasions.

5. Gold plated items are very strong and durable.
Gold plated jewelry items are stronger than solid gold items and will last longer. Gold is a very soft and malleable metal; the higher the karat, the softer and more malleable the item is. Thus, 24K is too soft and it is impossible to make a jewelry item entirely of 24K. Gold has to either be alloyed with other metals or plated over other base metals for the item to be strong enough to form and shape into jewelry. Thus, a gold plated item, with a thin coating of gold on the outside, is a great way to have the appearance of gold, while having a strong and durable item of jewelry. Gold plated jewelry can handle the abuse of everyday wear more so than solid gold.

1. It will tarnish.
If you’re wondering, “does gold plated jewelry tarnish?” the answer is yes, it does! Gold plated jewelry items will definitely tarnish over time, though solid gold items will not tarnish at all. Gold plated items have a base metal underneath the gold plate, like copper or silver, which makes the jewelry piece stronger and less likely to bend, though these jewelry metals tarnish. In a gold plated jewelry item, the metal beneath the gold plate will eventually come to the surface and become discolored, so it will need to be polished frequently to keep its shine. The reason that gold plated jewelry tarnishes is because the molecules of the base metals eventually transfer into the thin layer of gold, causing the gold layer to break down.

2. The plating can be scratched or chipped.
After a few weeks of wearing your gold plated jewelry item, the gold plate is likely to start chipping, wearing, or flaking off. The reason for this is because the gold layer is so thin and not very durable itself. Gold is a very soft metal and can easily be scratched unless alloyed with other metals to make it stronger.

3. The amount of gold is minimal and can lead to a lower value.
The layer of gold on gold plated items is the least amount of gold when compared to gold filled or solid gold items. Thus, the gold plate is very thin and susceptible to flaking off. Since the gold content is so low in gold plated items, the value is low.

4. Can’t wear gold plated items in water.
If you’re wondering, “can you wear gold plated jewelry in the shower,” the answer is no, you cannot. Showering with gold plated jewelry or immersing the item under water for long periods of time can cause the gold layer to completely wear off.

On average, gold plated jewelry can last about two years before the gold plating begins to tarnish and wear down. However, the length of time can be much shorter or longer depending on whether or not you decide to properly maintain your jewelry collection.

As with all metals, special care must be taken to ensure they do not scratch or tarnish. Below is a general guideline:
1. Store jewelry in a clean, dry place away from natural sunlight, humidity (bathroom), and heat.
2. Each piece should be stored individually to avoid scratching, in an air-tight zip lock if possible to avoid air contact.
3. Remove jewelry before showering, going to bed, or participating in physical activity especially swimming. Remove rings before washing your hands every time.
4. Avoid exposure to sweat and harsh chemicals such as perfumes, cleaning agents, chlorine, and saltwater.
5. Use a silver-polishing cloth to clean the pieces if the jewelry has become dull. Do apply pressure but not too much as this can remove the plating coat.
Oxidation appears with time as this is just the metal (silver or brass) reacting to the oxygen in the air. Thus, this is considered normal wear and tear and is not a defect.