stainless steel
Stainless steel, also known as high-grade steel or surgical steel, offers several fantastic advantages. For example, it's 100% allergy-free and completely recyclable! Stainless steel is more beautiful and stronger than silver, has a finer texture, and shines brighter. Hard to believe, right? Stainless steel also doesn't discolor or rust, so you'll enjoy it for years to come.
What many people don't know is that stainless steel has a chrome layer. This layer prevents rust. It's wise not to swim or shower with your jewelry because of the chlorides (chlorine). Regular (shower) water won't do any harm, but shower products and pool water can contain chlorides (chlorine), which can damage the chrome layer on your stainless steel. And you guessed it, if you do, your stainless steel will no longer be protected against rust.
What many online stores don't tell you : The beautiful gold color of stainless steel is created with a plating, often a layer of real gold. This is incredibly beautiful, durable, and certainly won't tarnish, but it can wear out! So, it's not true that your gold-colored stainless steel will stay gold for years. The shiny silver color of your stainless steel will gradually emerge, but that wearing out can really take years. Of course, it also depends on how you care for your jewelry.
DQ (Designers Quality) metal
Often an unfamiliar term for consumers. What exactly is DQ metal? We're happy to explain.
The abbreviation DQ (designer quality) has become a hallmark that clearly distinguishes the difference in quality. DQ stands for high-quality European metal. DQ metal is completely nickel-free, making it suitable for people with nickel allergies. DQ metal can be plating in many different ways; you'll find it in gold, silver, rose gold, and bronze, among others.
DQ metal platings are made of real silver and gold, meaning these metals also retain their beauty for a very long time. However, DQ metal is a base metal (which stainless steel is) and can discolor under external influences . This varies from person to person and depends on the skin's pH. This can vary from a week to a year, or for some people, not at all. DQ metal is more fragile than stainless steel, but it's still a very fine and beautiful material for jewelry.
Sieradenstraatje focuses on quality and tries to purchase as much jewelry and components as possible made of stainless steel, and DQ metal as a second choice. If something made of stainless steel or DQ metal tarnishes quickly, please let us know. If it's not stainless steel or DQ metal, your jewelry probably won't last more than a season. Sieradenstraatje always clearly lists the materials in the descriptions so you know what you're wearing!
Love, Jewelry Street