When you shop for handmade jewelry you’ll often see two materials mentioned: 925 sterling silver and stainless steel. Both are excellent, but they suit different needs. Here’s a clear comparison to help you choose.
| 925 Sterling Silver | Stainless Steel | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Warm, precious glow | Cool, modern sheen |
| Price | Higher — genuine precious metal | More affordable |
| Durability | Can tarnish, easy to re-polish | Scratch and tarnish resistant |
| Water & sweat | Remove before swimming/showering | Virtually maintenance-free |
| Skin | Hypoallergenic for most people | Hypoallergenic, very sweat-resistant |
What is 925 sterling silver?
“925” means the metal is 92.5% pure silver, mixed with a small amount of copper for strength. It is a precious metal with a warm, luminous shine that stainless steel cannot quite replicate. It is the traditional choice for fine, heirloom-quality pieces — and it is what we use for the heart of the Castello signature line.
- Look: soft, bright, precious glow.
- Value: a genuine precious metal, priced accordingly.
- Care: can tarnish slowly over time, but polishes back to full shine easily (more below).
- Skin: hypoallergenic for most people.
What is stainless steel?
Stainless steel is a highly durable alloy prized for being tough and low-maintenance. It resists tarnishing and scratches, and stands up well to water and daily wear.
- Look: cooler, modern sheen.
- Durability: extremely hard-wearing.
- Price: generally more affordable than sterling silver.
- Care: virtually maintenance-free.
- Skin: hypoallergenic and very sweat-resistant.
Which should you choose?
Choose 925 sterling silver if you want a precious, timeless piece with a warm shine — ideal for gifts and everyday elegance. Choose stainless steel if you want something rugged and low-maintenance for sport, water or heavy daily wear.
Caring for sterling silver
Keep it dry, avoid perfume, lotions and chlorine, remove it before swimming or showering, and store pieces separately. A gentle wipe with a soft cloth keeps it bright — and any natural stones stay beautiful with the same care.
Caring for stainless steel
Stainless steel needs almost no upkeep: it can handle water, sweat and daily wear without dulling. An occasional wipe with a soft cloth keeps the finish looking sharp, and it is a reliable choice if you tend to forget to take jewelry off before a shower or a swim.
Frequently asked questions
Does stainless steel turn skin green?
No. Our stainless steel is nickel-free, so it won’t turn skin green or irritate sensitive skin.
Is stainless steel jewelry cheaper than sterling silver?
Yes. Stainless steel is a more affordable alloy, while 925 sterling silver is a precious metal and priced accordingly.
Can you shower or swim with sterling silver?
It’s best to remove sterling silver before swimming or showering, since chlorine and salt water can dull its shine over time. Stainless steel can handle water without any issue.
Which lasts longer, sterling silver or stainless steel?
Both are built to last with proper care. Stainless steel resists scratches and tarnish better day to day, while sterling silver can always be polished back to full shine.
Whatever you choose, every piece is handmade in the Old Town of Rhodes and backed by our craftsmanship guarantee.