Stainless Steel or 925 Silver: Which Material Should You Choose for Your Jewelry?

It's a question we get asked often: why stainless steel rather than silver or gold? The answer comes down to one word: everyday life. Here's what sets apart the main materials used in jewelry, so you can choose with full knowledge.

Stainless steel: the material you never take off

It's the material behind the vast majority of Fïve pieces, and that's no accident. Stainless steel is an alloy based on iron and chromium, hypoallergenic and nickel-free, so it's safe even for sensitive skin that usually reacts to cheap metals.

Unlike plated brass or classic alloys, it doesn't oxidize, doesn't tarnish, and doesn't turn skin green. It's also water and sweat resistant: shower, rain, workouts, handwashing, nothing damages it day to day. As for care, a soft, slightly damp cloth is all it takes.

In short: it's the material to choose if you're looking for a piece you can forget you're wearing, from morning to night, without ever taking it off.

Sterling silver (925): precious shine, with a bit more care

925 silver is a precious metal made of 92.5% pure silver, alloyed with 7.5% other metals (usually copper) to strengthen it. Its shine is warmer and more nuanced than stainless steel, but it's also more sensitive to oxidation: it can tarnish on contact with air, humidity, or certain cosmetics.

It therefore needs more regular care: a polishing cloth from time to time, and avoiding contact with seawater, chlorine, or perfume applied directly to the jewelry.

Rhodium: a treatment, not a material

Rhodium isn't a piece of jewelry in itself but a surface treatment: a thin layer applied by electrolysis onto silver to give it a mirror-like shine and protect it. This layer wears off gradually over time and with friction: a refresh every 2 to 3 years at a jeweler brings back its original shine.

Cubic zirconia: diamond sparkle, made accessible

Cubic zirconia is a synthetic stone made of zirconium oxide, cut to mimic the sparkle of a diamond. Very brilliant and nearly indistinguishable to the naked eye, it simply requires avoiding impact against hard surfaces and cleans easily with warm soapy water.

Our advice

If you're looking for pieces to wear every day without a second thought (sports, beach, sleep included), stainless steel remains the simplest choice. That's why it forms the foundation of the Fïve collection: jewelry made to keep up with your pace, not the other way around.

Frequently asked questions

Can I wear a stainless steel piece of jewelry in the shower?
Yes, no problem: that's actually one of the reasons we prioritize this material, it holds up to everyday water without getting damaged.

Is 925 silver hypoallergenic?
Yes, sterling silver is generally well tolerated. It remains more sensitive to oxidation than stainless steel, though, so it needs a bit more care to keep its shine.

Is rhodium a metal on its own?
No, it's a surface treatment applied onto silver, not a standalone material. It wears off over time and can be refreshed at a jeweler.

For the full details on each material, a comparison chart, and all care tips, check out our materials guide.

Want to discover our stainless steel pieces? Head to our necklaces and rings.