Sterling Silver VS Stainless Steel: Let’s Choose The Best For You!

Have you recently gained an interest in materials? Maybe because you want to choose one for yourself, but are not sure which is a better option? If yes, then you are not the only one.

We have many people currently wondering about sterling silver and stainless steel – both are heard of in many conversations, but many of us are not aware which is best for us. 

So, do you want to know which of the two is a better option for you? If yes, then continue reading because this article includes a comparison between sterling silver VS stainless steel, which will answer all your questions.

Sterling Silver VS Stainless Steel

Composition

Sterling silver is 92.5%, pure silver and 7.5%, other metals, mostly copper. It is soft to touch and known as one of the most precious metals in general.

Stainless steel is not a precious metal, but an alloy of various metals, including chromium (10.5%+), nickel, and iron. It is industrial-grade and corrosion-resistant.

Durability 

Sterling silver is soft and fragile – prone to bending, denting, and scratching with little accidents. It is not suited for highly rough activities and use.

Compared to that, stainless steel is very durable and resists scratches and corrosion. It is a great choice for daily use and active lifestyles. 

Winner: Stainless steel, because it is way more durable than sterling silver. 

Appearance 

Sterling silver has a bright white shade and high luster, and it has a more traditional and luxurious outlook. Although it tarnishes over time and can turn dark or black, it can still be polished. 

Stainless steel has a silverish-grey shade and has a cooler and more industrial shine to it. Although it will not tarnish, it can still get dull after some time and is also harder to polish. 

Winner: Both; sterling silver for easily getting polished and stainless steel for not tarnishing ever. 

Price & Value

Sterling silver is probably the most expensive level of silver. It is also a popular precious metal, which increases its resale value drastically.

Stainless steel is on the affordable side, and since it is one of the base metals and not a precious material – it does not have any significant resale value. 

Winner: Sterling silver; although expensive, it can be resold for a good price.

Hypoallergenic Properties

Sterling silver is generally considered safe and hypoallergenic, and can be used for sensitive skin unless nickel is included as an alloy in the jewelry, which is rare. 

Stainless steel’s hypoallergenic properties depend on its grade; some levels like 316L surgical steel are hypoallergenic, and lower grades can include nickel, which can irritate sensitive skin. 

Winner: Sterling silver 

Maintenance & Care

Since Sterling Silver is a fragile material, it needs regular cleaning and polishing to avoid tarnishing and oxidation. Also, it must be kept in a soft and airtight storage. 

Stainless steel is low maintenance since it has a high durability rate, and you can easily clean it with soap and water whenever you have the time for it, with no special considerations for storage. 

Winner: Stainless steel

Examples

Sterling silver is usually seen and fine jewelry, silverware, luxury accessories, and antiques. 

Stainless steel is commonly used in watches, fashion jewelry, body piercings, and kitchen tools. 

Final Verdict: Which One Is Better For You?

You must go for sterling silver if you want something aesthetically pleasing, high in value, must has an elegant and sleek look, and you have the budget for it.

On the other hand, stainless steel is a better option for you if you want something affordable, low maintenance, and you’re fine with a non-precious metal. 

With that, we have reached the end of this article, and we hope our comparison between sterling silver VS stainless steel was able to answer all your questions. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is sterling silver better than stainless steel?

• Sterling silver is better than stainless steel when it comes to value and appearance, but stainless steel is better than sterling silver when it comes to durability and maintenance. 

2. Is stainless steel better than sterling silver for sensitive ears?

• No, stainless steel is hypoallergenic with only certain grades, whereas sterling silver is generally considered safe for sensitive skin, including sensitive ears. 

3. What is more expensive, sterling silver or stainless steel?

• Sterling silver is pure silver and stainless steel is a non-precious metal, which makes sterling silver more expensive. 

4. Is stainless steel silver?

• No, stainless steel is not silver; it is nowhere related to silver, and is an independent, non-precious material.