Do you have some stainless steel jewelry but aren't sure how to get it looking clean and like new? Stainless steel has a lot of great benefits when used to make jewelry and makes for a great alternative to other jewelry metals. Today, stainless steel is an incredibly attractive and affordable jewelry metal for wedding bands due to its durability, scratch resistance and continued luster. (Check out our blog Best Online Jewelry Store For Engagement Rings & Wedding Rings!) Consider these benefits to using stainless steel for jewelry:

#1 Super Strong.

Finished stainless steel jewelry will retain its shape, will not readily warp, nor will it easily lose its fine detail to nicks or scrapes. Stainless steel jewelry items with a brushed or satin finish will retain their luster longer, as well. Its strength and durability also makes stainless steel resistant to scratches.

#2 Resistant to Rust, Oxidation & Discoloration.

Stainless steel is a relatively corrosion-resistant when compared to other jewelry metals. For those living in high-humidity locations, stainless steel is highly recommended as this metal will keep from rusting much longer than other kinds of metals.

#3 Great Alternative For Those with Allergies or Sensitivities.

Unplated stainless steel jewelry is one of the best options out there for those with allergies or skin sensitivities. Copper or brass jewelry should be avoided for those with allergies or skin sensitivities. Though stainless steel can contain some nickel, it is commonly considered hypoallergenic for most people.

To learn more about how to clean stainless steel jewelry, keep reading!! We've got a lot of great tips on how to clean stainless steel rings, the best stainless steel jewelry cleaner, and how to clean stainless steel jewelry at home. For more information about how to clean other kinds of jewelry, check out our Complete Guide: How To Clean Jewelry.

Pros and Cons of Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a well-known material used to make everything from cooking utensils to car parts. An alloy that mixes elements like chromium, titanium, and nickel, its silvery finish also makes it a popular commodity in jewelry design. Stainless steel not only mimics the look of fine, precious metal, but baubles made of this material are much more affordable. When it comes to rings, those made of stainless steel are a smart choice for everyday wear since they will be durable and strong. However, there are pros and cons to be considered before slipping that new ring onto your finger.

Initial necklaces are among the best baubles for personalizing a jewelry look. From delicate chains to bold pendants and glittering diamonds, there are endless options for customizing your neckline, whether your metal preference is white or yellow gold, silver, or so-modern rose gold. Of course, birthstone, charm, and astrological jewelry are other stylish personalized adornments. Yet, there's nothing quite like a metal-worked or diamond-encrusted A, B, or C to showcase your favorite letter or initials.

Some of the most popular and easy-to-wear initial necklaces are dainty and often rendered in script, block, or gothic letters. At the same time, baguette stones, glittering pavé, and oversized letters amount to bolder initial jewelry moments. Of course, gemstones, pearls, and enamel touches make for a more striking lettered necklace too.

When worn alone in all its glory, you'll glean more of a minimal look from an initial necklace. Or you can take things in a maximalist direction by combining several letters on the same chain or layering several to represent your first and last name, a favorite word, or the initials of loved ones. As a playful homage, why not don a strand with your pet's name, a favorite mantra, or a nickname? Whatever your preference—and we highly recommend owning an assortment—you can layer all types of initial necklaces beautifully, like with other chains, charms, and pendants.

Don't forget, initial necklaces also make extraordinary gifts for birthdays, holidays, or to celebrate special events like a wedding (new last name, who this?) or the birth of a baby.

From affordable jewelry finds to lust-worthy fine designs, scroll on for Vogue's edit of the very best initial necklaces representing each letter of the alphabet.

What is a pendant in jewelry?

Pendant, in jewelry, ornament suspended from a bracelet, earring, or, especially, a necklace. Pendants are derived from the primitive practice of wearing amulets or talismans around the neck. The practice dates from the Stone Age, when pendants consisted of such objects as teeth, stones, and shells.

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Gone are the days when the only 3 viable materials for rings and wedding bands were just gold, silver, and platinum. Nowadays, with the advancement of modern technologies, the industry has harnessed and created many other great metallic and non-metallic materials that make for excellent wedding bands. And one of them is zirconium.

This fascinating material has wide-ranging applications and is excellent in use for industrial purposes like nuclear reactors as well as in jewelry. Be careful not to confuse zirconium with zirconia, however, as the latter – also known as Cubic Zirconia – is a man-made material with very different characteristic.

So, what exactly is zirconium and why should you consider it for your wedding band?

What Is A Zirconium Wedding Band?

Zirconium is a natural element that is usually derived by purifying other minerals such as zircon with chlorine. This means that zirconium isn't found in its “native form” but needs to go through an extraction process. Fortunately, the purifying process is inexpensive and allows for large quantities of zirconium to be produced at a very low price.

After it gets produced in this manner, zirconium has a silver-ish or greyish color at first. However, it's typically heat treated and exposed afterward in order to oxidize the metal and give it a rich black color. This is one of the main draws of zirconium as most metals can only achieve such a black color through plating or antiquing which tends to fade over time. The black color of heat treated Zirconium, on the other hand, doesn't fade, doesn't tarnish, and doesn't change color – it's permanent.

After going through this treatment, black zirconium gets a very nice feel as the oxidized top layer feels like ceramic while also being as hard as sapphire. The surface can be given various finishes, such as brushed, hammered or polished.