Sterling silver and stainless steel are both popular choices for stylish, skin-friendly jewellery, especially if you have sensitive ears. They're affordable, durable, and loved by jewellery lovers everywhere.
But when it comes to everyday wear, which one suits your lifestyle better? In this article, we’re breaking down the key differences to help you pick your perfect everyday piece.
Sterling Silver: The Affordable Luxury
What is Sterling Silver?
Sterling silver is made of 92.5% pure silver mixed with 7.5% of another metal to make it strong enough for everyday jewellery. You’ll often see it stamped “S925” as a mark of quality.
Look & Shine
Sterling silver has a warm, soft glow that gives off understated elegance. It works beautifully with feminine, classic, or vintage styles and adds a subtle sparkle without being too bold.
Skin-Friendly & Gentle Feel
One of the best things about sterling silver is that it’s incredibly lightweight. If you’re someone who gets irritated or weighed down by heavy earrings, sterling silver earrings are a dream.
It feels soft and gentle against the skin, making it ideal for all-day wear without discomfort. Most people with sensitive ears find it very tolerable.
Durability
Silver is a softer metal, which means it’s more likely to scratch or bend with daily use. It’s not the best match for intense activities like workouts or swimming, but it holds up well for everyday errands and casual wear.
Maintenance
Sterling silver tends to tarnish over time when exposed to air, moisture, or sweat. It needs a bit of upkeep, such as a gentle polish every so often, but nothing too demanding.
Here’s a simple guide where we show you how we reversed the tarnishing using baking soda and hot water.
Cost
Sterling silver sits in the affordable luxury range. It’s more expensive than stainless steel but far more budget-friendly than gold, and still a real precious metal that’s worth keeping for years.
Stainless Steel: The Modern Minimalist
What is Stainless Steel?
Stainless steel is an alloy made from iron, carbon, chromium, and sometimes nickel. It is extremely strong and resistant to rust, which makes it a go-to choice for functional jewellery like earrings, rings, and chains.
Look & Shine
Stainless steel has a cool-toned, sleek shine that gives off a modern, minimalist vibe. If you love that clean, no-fuss aesthetic, stainless steel is for you.
Skin-Friendliness
Stainless steel is considered hypoallergenic, especially when labelled as surgical-grade (such as 316L). It’s usually safe even for those with sensitive ears. Though if you’re very reactive to nickel, always test it first.
Durability
This is where stainless steel truly shines. It is scratch-resistant, rust-proof, and water-friendly — making it perfect for daily wear, workouts, or beach days. If you want a metal that can keep up with your lifestyle, stainless steel delivers.
It can feel a bit heavy though. If you prefer something more lightweight, opt for dainty styles (instead of chunky hoops) or go for sterling silver instead.
Maintenance
It requires almost no maintenance. Just a quick clean with soap and water if it gets dirty, and you’re good to go. It doesn’t tarnish or need polishing.
Cost
Stainless steel is very affordable and perfect if you want stylish pieces without the stress of losing or damaging them. It’s a great option for building out a daily jewellery wardrobe.
Sterling Silver vs Stainless Steel: Which is Better for Everyday Wear?
Here’s a quick side-by-side to help you decide what works best for your lifestyle:
Moment of Decision
Choose sterling silver if you love that timeless, elegant glow and don’t mind giving your jewellery a little TLC.
Choose stainless steel if you're all about no-fuss jewellery that can keep up with your busy, on-the-go life.
Both are great choices for sensitive ears. It all comes down to your style and how you wear your jewellery.
But if you ask the girls at LYANG & CO.? We’ll say: sterling silver forever.
We love how intricate the designs are, how comfortable they feel on the skin, and how we just go about our daily life, sparkling without even realising it (cuz it’s so light!).
