| What Is Stainless Steel? Stainless steel is a steel and chromium alloy. It differs from regular carbon steel by amount of chromium present. Carbon steel rusts by forming more iron oxide when exposed to the air. Stainless steels have sufficient amount of chromium present so that a passive film of chromium oxide forms which prevents further corrosion. However, it is not stain-proof. It simply 'stains less'. Stainless steel cannot be buffed or polished with regular wheels. We advise cleaning it with a warm, wet washcloth and a mild detergent. Stainless steel is a popular metal for men's jewelry, especially for pendants and bracelets. Stainless steel is not a good choice for rings, because it is not easily sized. |