You've probably seen "stainless steel" on a jewellery listing and thought, great, that sounds durable. But stainless steel isn't one material. It's a family of alloys, and the grade decides how the piece holds up against sweat, perfume, humidity and months of daily wear.
Two grades come up most often: 304 and 316L. Here's the difference in plain language.
What's actually in them
| 304 | 316L | |
|---|---|---|
| Chromium | about 18% | about 16–18% |
| Nickel | about 8% | about 10–14% |
| Molybdenum | none | about 2–3% |
| Carbon | standard | low (that's the "L") |
The line that matters is molybdenum. 316L has it and 304 doesn't.
Why molybdenum matters for jewellery
Jewellery sits against your skin for hours, in contact with sweat (which is salty), body lotion, perfume and humid air. Molybdenum helps stainless steel resist corrosion from salts and acids, which is exactly what your skin and the weather throw at it. If you live in a humid city, that resistance counts for more.
What the "L" means
"L" stands for low carbon. When steel is welded or soldered, as the small parts of jewellery (clasps, jump rings, connectors) often are, higher carbon content can make the joints more prone to corrosion over time. Lower carbon reduces that risk, so the seams hold up better.
What about sensitive skin?
Both grades contain nickel, so neither is a guarantee for someone with a serious nickel allergy. But 316L is widely used in body piercings and medical-grade products because it releases very little nickel in everyday wear. For most people with mild sensitivity, it's a safer choice than cheaper alloys. If you have a diagnosed nickel allergy, check with your doctor first.
Is 304 bad?
No. 304 is a good, everyday steel used in kitchens and appliances worldwide. It's cheaper and perfectly fine for things that don't spend all day on skin. For jewellery you wear daily, though, 316L is the sturdier choice, and that's why it's considered the premium option.
What 316L doesn't mean
A few honest notes, because we'd rather you know:
- "Surgical steel" is a loose marketing term. It has no single regulated meaning, so look for the actual grade, "316L".
- The grade describes the base metal, not the colour. If a piece has a gold-tone finish, how long that finish lasts depends on the coating, not just the steel underneath.
- Nothing lasts forever without care. Wipe pieces dry, keep them away from harsh chemicals, and store them separately.
How to shop smarter
When a listing just says "stainless steel", ask which grade. If a brand won't say, or only says "surgical steel", that's worth noticing. A brand that uses 316L will usually name it.
Why we use 316L at Nayanzy
We want you to wear your jewellery every day, not save it for occasions. So we build our pieces on 316L stainless steel: it handles sweat, showers, humidity and daily life far better than cheaper grades. You shouldn't need to take your jewellery off to protect it.