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One-stop manufacturer for premium 316L/304 stainless steel jewelry

Dongguan Kaimei Jewelry Co., Ltd. is a modern enterprise with over 10 years of expertise in the R&D, design, production, and export of premium 316L/304 stainless steel jewelry

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A glimpse of our stunning bracelet collection

Our stainless steel bracelet collection combines durability with style, offering a wide variety of designs to suit every taste. Each bracelet in our collection is expertly crafted for comfort, durability, and long-lasting brilliance, ensuring it remains a staple in your jewelry wardrobe. Let me know if you’d like to highlight any specific styles or details!

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Chain Bracelet
Leather Bracelet
Stone Bracelet
Nautical Bracelet
Tennis Bracelet
Anchor Bracelet
Combined Bracelet
Stingray Bracelet

Different Types of Stainless Steel Material Used in Jewelry

Stainless steel jewelry is made from various grades of stainless steel, each offering different characteristics based on its composition. The main materials used in stainless steel jewelry are typically 304, 316L, and 430 as well 420 stainless steel, but there are others as well. Here’s an overview of these materials and their differences:

304 Stainless Steel (AISI 304)

  • Composition: 18% chromium, 8% nickel, and 74% iron.
  • Properties:
    • Corrosion resistance: Excellent resistance to oxidation and corrosion in most environments.
    • Durability: Very durable and resistant to wear and tear.
    • Flexibility: Easier to work with for intricate designs.
    • Appearance: Has a shiny, polished finish.
  • Common Use: Often used in lower-end jewelry, watches, and decorative items.
  • Pros: Good resistance to corrosion, affordable, and easy to work with.
  • Cons: Less resistant to chlorides compared to 316L, meaning it may not hold up as well in environments like saltwater.

430 Stainless Steel

  • Composition: 16-18% chromium and the rest iron.
  • Properties:
    • Corrosion resistance: Offers decent corrosion resistance, but less than 304 or 316L.
    • Durability: Strong and can be polished for a shiny appearance, but not as durable as 316L.
    • Magnetic properties: Unlike 304 and 316L, 430 stainless steel is magnetic.
  • Common Use: Often used for decorative jewelry or accessories.
  • Pros: Less expensive than other stainless steels.
  • Cons: Less resistant to corrosion, particularly in harsh environments, and more prone to rusting.

316L Stainless Steel (AISI 316L)

  • Composition: 16-18% chromium, 10-14% nickel, 2-3% molybdenum, and the rest iron.
  • Properties:
    • Corrosion resistance: Exceptional resistance to corrosion, especially in saline (saltwater) environments.
    • Durability: Known for its strength and resistance to wear.
    • Hypoallergenic: The “L” stands for “low carbon,” which makes it even less likely to cause allergic reactions.
    • Appearance: Has a slightly duller finish than 304 but can still achieve a polished shine.
  • Common Use: Used in high-quality jewelry, watches, and medical devices.
  • Pros: Best for items exposed to harsh conditions (like seawater or sweat), highly resistant to corrosion, and hypoallergenic.
  • Cons: More expensive than 304 due to its higher composition of molybdenum.

420 Stainless Steel

  • Composition: 12-14% chromium and the rest iron, with very little nickel or other alloying elements.
  • Properties:
    • Corrosion resistance: Moderate corrosion resistance, better than some regular steels but not as good as 304 or 316L.
    • Hardness: Very hard and can be heat-treated to improve its strength.
    • Appearance: Can be polished to a bright shine but tends to have a more matte finish.
  • Common Use: Typically used in surgical instruments, knives, and other items requiring high hardness.
  • Pros: Excellent hardness, good for creating sharp edges (like in knife blades), and more affordable than 304 and 316L.
  • Cons: Less resistant to rust and corrosion, not as suitable for jewelry worn in everyday situations.

Key Differences Between Stainless Steel Grades

Property304 Stainless Steel316L Stainless Steel420 Stainless Steel430 Stainless Steel
Corrosion ResistanceGoodExcellentModerateFair to Good
DurabilityVery DurableHighly DurableHard but less durableStrong but less durable
HypoallergenicNoYesNoNo
Shine/FinishShiny, polishedDuller finish, but can polish wellPolished, but more matteShiny finish, can be polished
CostAffordableMore expensiveCheapestAffordable
Best forFashion jewelryHigh-quality jewelry, medical usesSurgical instruments, knivesDecorative jewelry, non-wearable

Which Stainless Steel Is Best for Jewelry?

  • 316L is generally considered the best choice for high-quality, hypoallergenic jewelry. It is particularly recommended for items that will be exposed to harsh environments or worn long-term, like bracelets, necklaces, or rings.
  • 304 is commonly used for less expensive jewelry, but it may not be the best option for those with sensitive skin or for items exposed to saltwater or harsh chemicals.
  • 420 is more commonly used for items that require hardness and durability, but it may not be as suitable for jewelry worn daily.
  • 430 is often used for decorative purposes and where cost is a major factor, but it is not ideal for jewelry exposed to harsh conditions.

For considerations of low allergenicity and corrosion resistance, Dongguan Kaimai Jewelry Company only uses high-quality 316L and 304 stainless steel materials to manufacture our stainless steel jewelry.

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