Zinc Alloy Jewelry Vs Stainless Steel Jewelry, Which One is better?

With the development of jewelry technology, many types of metals and alloys are used in the design and production of jewelry, such as the familiar brass jewelry, stainless steel jewelry, and so on. Among them, stainless steel and zinc alloy jewelry are more similar in appearance, so they are often compared. So in this article, we help you to make a comprehensive comparison between zinc alloy and stainless steel jewelry to see which one is better.

What is zinc alloy?

Zinc alloy is one of the most common metals used to make jewelry. People like it because of its versatility and affordability.

It uses an alloy of lead and tin to make the perfect piece of jewelry. Note that most metals used to make jewelry are in the form of alloys, and zinc is one of them.

Jewelers use cast alloys, which means you can use silver, bronze, and brass. You can also use aluminum, magnesium, and copper to make zinc alloys.

The good news is that you can use nickel as needed. But jewelry will always choose the perfect combination for the metal.

Jewelry made of zinc alloys has the same obvious disadvantage as silver jewelry - they lose their luster and tarnish over time. However, zinc jewelry is inexpensive, which is why they are ubiquitous in the market.

Nevertheless, they will last longer if you keep and care for them properly. Since it contains different metals, it will erode if you don't keep it properly. However, if you choose the brass one, it is safe because it is corrosion-resistant.

What is stainless steel jewelry?

It is characterized as an alloy of iron, carbon, and chromium.

Stainless steel is a standard metal used to make cookware, cars, and jewelry. Its chromium layer is what makes jewelry pieces resistant to corrosion.

Stainless steel also has different metals for added strength and vigor. These types of jewelry are perfect for dry tropical climates. Even if you are in cold temperatures, they will still make the jewelry durable.

Of course, there are different types of jewelry, but the one people use for jewelry is 304. Although sometimes, they also use 316L. Both types are excellent choices with different advantages. If you are interested in learning more about the different grades of stainless steel jewelry, you can visit our previous article, "Types of stainless steel used in stainless steel jewelry."

The difference in durability

When buying jewelry, the first thing to consider is durability. Everyone wants to have jewelry that will serve them for a long time. Zinc and stainless steel, it goes without saying that stainless steel is more durable.

This metal is usually a hard alloy that can handle tears and is more comfortable to wear. If you buy stainless steel jewelry, you will get a high return on your investment. Remember, if you keep it correct, you can be sure it will not rust.

If you use pure zinc, you can be sure it will last a long time because it is an extreme metal. Unfortunately, we also add minerals such as copper and brass to make it even stronger. Also, with different metals, you can increase the size.

So be aware that zinc metal comes in different sizes but is also very durable. But remember, you must take good care of it to use it for longer.

Note: If zinc is solid and durable, we would say stainless steel is more robust and more durable. They're both great pieces, but if you want a one-piece piece that will last, use stainless steel.

Does it tarnish?

Most jewelry will lose its luster over time. Zinc will tarnish because it contains copper and therefore reacts with the air outside, creating a discoloration. The only difference is that it keeps its shine even faster. It has a protective coating that prevents discoloration from happening more quickly. Therefore, it will depend on the alloy mixture you have.

Stainless steel, like the zinc above, may tarnish, but the truth is that discoloration takes longer to occur. It happens due to the reaction with the elements in the environment. Nevertheless, it is safe for those who know how to take care of it. It will always retain its luster; in fact, even changing the color may take a long time.

Versatility

Above all, you will love these jewels because of their versatility. Of course, we all order jewelry for different reasons. Depending on why you buy jewelry, you can be sure that it will serve you longer.

Is it a suitable material?

Good is relative. For some people, you will find zinc to be good, while others say stainless steel is good. But in terms of aesthetic sensibilities, stainless steel has a better shine and look than zinc jewelry.

Allergic reactions?

Of course, the metal causing the problem is nickel, so it depends on whether the alloy you use contains nickel. So, that being said, whether you use zinc or stainless steel, they will cause a skin reaction, or they may not.

Whichever type of jewelry you use, if it does not contain nickel, you can be almost sure that it will not cause a reaction. Stainless steel contains nickel, and for some people, it will cause a reaction, while for others, chromium will provide protection.

Affordability

As you might expect, stainless steel is more expensive, mainly because it contains chromium, which is why it will not corrode or rust. Zinc does not contain chromium, and even the alloy used to make it is not expensive. Therefore stainless steel jewelry will be a little more expensive than zinc jewelry, but in durability, stainless steel jewelry is definitely better.

If, after reading this article, you are not clear enough about the advantages and disadvantages of stainless steel jewelry, our previous article, "Advantages and disadvantages of stainless steel Jewelry," has a more detailed introduction. You can also go through our custom stainless steel jewelry section to learn more about our stainless steel jewelry products. Customized and wholesale stainless steel jewelry, welcome to contact the jewelry manufacturer - Lauren Spencer Jewelry.