Sterling silver is a timeless precious metal renowned for its bright, mirror-like shine and premium finish. Objkts Jewelry’s 925 sterling silver pieces contain 92.5% pure silver mixed with copper alloys to give them structural strength.
Which metal is right for your style, budget, and lifestyle? Learn the key differences between sterling silver, brass, and stainless steel jewellery—including benefits, drawbacks and care tips—so you can make a confident choice.
Sterling Silver (925)
Sterling silver is a timeless precious metal renowned for its bright, mirror-like shine and premium finish. Objkts Jewelry’s 925 sterling silver pieces contain 92.5% pure silver mixed with copper alloys to give them structural strength.
Pros:
- Made from 92.5% pure silver (a precious metal), making it valuable and timeless
- Offers a warm, bright shine and is ideal for intricate, handcrafted designs
- Hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skin—free from copper irritation
Cons:
- Sterling silver is a softer metal than gold or platinum, meaning it can scratch or bend with heavy daily use
- 7.5% copper content can react with individual body chemistry or acids in sweat, occasionally leaving a green or black mark on the skin
- Sterling silver is a reactive metal, meaning it can react with certain chemicals in the environment and tarnish
Maintenance:
While sterling silver can naturally oxidize over time when exposed to oxygen and moisture, it is easy to clean, as a quick polish with a soft microfiber cloth restores its bright luster instantly. Read our jewelry Care Guide for more detailed instructions.
Best For:
Special occasion jewelry, detailed designs and long-term investment pieces. Most of our stunning rings are available in 14K Gold-plated or Rhodium-plated 925 Sterling Silver because it’s a precious metal that’s the most receptive to beautiful design and isn't susceptible to oxidizing.
Pros:
- Made from 92.5% pure silver (a precious metal), making it valuable and timeless
- Offers a warm, bright shine and is ideal for intricate, handcrafted designs
- Hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skin—free from copper irritation
Cons:
- Sterling silver is a softer metal than gold or platinum, meaning it can scratch or bend with heavy daily use
- 7.5% copper content can react with individual body chemistry or acids in sweat, occasionally leaving a green or black mark on the skin
- Sterling silver is a reactive metal, meaning it can react with certain chemicals in the environment and tarnish
Maintenance:
While sterling silver can naturally oxidize over time when exposed to oxygen and moisture, it is easy to clean, as a quick polish with a soft microfiber cloth restores its bright luster instantly. Read our jewelry Care Guide for more detailed instructions.
Best For:
Special occasion jewelry, detailed designs and long-term investment pieces. Most of our stunning rings are available in 14K Gold-plated or Rhodium-plated 925 Sterling Silver because it’s a precious metal that’s the most receptive to beautiful design and isn't susceptible to oxidizing.
Our Best-Selling Sterling Silver Pieces
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is an extremely dependable material in modern jewelry design. Known for its incredible strength, scratch resistance, and affordability, it provides a sleek, contemporary feel that holds up effortlessly to an active lifestyle.
Pros:
- Extremely durable: scratch-resistant, weatherproof, rust-free, and can be worn in the shower or pool
- Low maintenance—won’t tarnish; clean easily with soap and water
- More affordable than sterling silver, yet looks sleek and minimalistic
- Many grades are hypoallergenic, suitable for those with metal sensitivities
Cons:
- Limited design flexibility—harder to shape, so typically used for simpler styles
- Less perceived prestige than sterling silver—not considered a precious metal
Maintenance:
Stainless steel is a highly resistant material that resists water and knocks. It won’t tarnish and is easy to maintain so it’s well-suited for everyday use. You can even shower with stainless steel jewelry on those lazy days.
Best For:
Daily-wear jewelry, active lifestyles, minimalist style and low-maintenance routines. We offer a range of 18K Gold plated and Palladium plated Stainless Steel jewelry. Its robust qualities means it’s often selected for minimal bracelets and necklaces and great for everyday wear.
Stainless steel is an extremely dependable material in modern jewelry design. Known for its incredible strength, scratch resistance, and affordability, it provides a sleek, contemporary feel that holds up effortlessly to an active lifestyle.
Pros:
- Extremely durable: scratch-resistant, weatherproof, rust-free, and can be worn in the shower or pool
- Low maintenance—won’t tarnish; clean easily with soap and water
- More affordable than sterling silver, yet looks sleek and minimalistic
- Many grades are hypoallergenic, suitable for those with metal sensitivities
Cons:
- Limited design flexibility—harder to shape, so typically used for simpler styles
- Less perceived prestige than sterling silver—not considered a precious metal
Maintenance:
Stainless steel is a highly resistant material that resists water and knocks. It won’t tarnish and is easy to maintain so it’s well-suited for everyday use. You can even shower with stainless steel jewelry on those lazy days.
Best For:
Daily-wear jewelry, active lifestyles, minimalist style and low-maintenance routines. We offer a range of 18K Gold plated and Palladium plated Stainless Steel jewelry. Its robust qualities means it’s often selected for minimal bracelets and necklaces and great for everyday wear.
Does Stainless Steel Jewellery Tarnish?
Stainless steel jewelry does not tarnish, as it contains chromium, which forms an invisible, self-healing oxide layer on the surface that prevents rust, corrosion, and discoloration. You can wear stainless steel pieces through workouts, showers, and everyday routines without worrying about fading or turning your skin green.
Stainless Steel vs Sterling Silver: Which is Best?
Both metals offer distinct advantages depending on your priorities. 925 sterling silver provides fine precious metal prestige, soft heirloom craftsmanship, and natural hypoallergenic comfort, though it requires some maintenance.
On the other hand, stainless steel offers maximum performance, alloy durability, total waterproof and sweatproof resistance, zero maintenance, and high scratch resistance at an accessible price point. If you value traditional craftsmanship and fine jewelry aesthetics, sterling silver is the clear winner, but if your priority is maximum durability, stainless steel is best.
Brass
Brass is a versatile metal alloy made from a blend of copper and zinc. It is widely used in fashion jewelry because it provides a sturdy, heavy feel similar to solid gold at a fraction of the cost.
Pros:
- Most affordable metal option—great for budget-friendly fashion jewelry
- Exceptionally malleable, allowing for bold and statement-making designs
- Naturally warm gold-like hue without the gold price tag
Cons:
- Tarnishes quickly—exposure to moisture, sweat, or creams can lead to oxidation and green tarnish on skin
- Can irritate sensitive skin or leave a green mark—especially on fingers
- Less durable than stainless steel and may lose finish over time
Maintenance:
Brass has many hardwearing qualities and it is more durable than sterling silver. However oxidation means that brass jewelry is not made for everyday wear. Oxidation happens when brass reacts with Sulphur in the air. We recommend storing brass jewellery in pouches when not in use. Additionally, salts and hand creams may cause oxidation so brass rings on sweaty fingers on a night out may result in green fingers on those with acidic skin. There are several ways to prevent oxidation with a little maintenance such as applying a polymer barrier or nail varnish on the inside of your rings, properly storing your jewelry, not showering with them on and putting rings on only when hands are dry.
Best For:
Trend-driven, occasional wear accessories and customers seeking bold looks on a budget. Brass base jewelry is more suited for occasional wear. With Brass, customers may find that skin greening only occurs in sweaty fingers but are absolutely fine with bracelets, necklaces and even earrings because our wrist, neck and ears are less exposed to sweat therefore preventing oxidising. So as long as you’re not allergic to copper, definitely go for that brass base tennis bracelet you have been eyeing.
Brass is a versatile metal alloy made from a blend of copper and zinc. It is widely used in fashion jewelry because it provides a sturdy, heavy feel similar to solid gold at a fraction of the cost.
Pros:
- Most affordable metal option—great for budget-friendly fashion jewelry
- Exceptionally malleable, allowing for bold and statement-making designs
- Naturally warm gold-like hue without the gold price tag
Cons:
- Tarnishes quickly—exposure to moisture, sweat, or creams can lead to oxidation and green tarnish on skin
- Can irritate sensitive skin or leave a green mark—especially on fingers
- Less durable than stainless steel and may lose finish over time
Maintenance:
Brass has many hardwearing qualities and it is more durable than sterling silver. However oxidation means that brass jewelry is not made for everyday wear. Oxidation happens when brass reacts with Sulphur in the air. We recommend storing brass jewellery in pouches when not in use. Additionally, salts and hand creams may cause oxidation so brass rings on sweaty fingers on a night out may result in green fingers on those with acidic skin. There are several ways to prevent oxidation with a little maintenance such as applying a polymer barrier or nail varnish on the inside of your rings, properly storing your jewelry, not showering with them on and putting rings on only when hands are dry.
Best For:
Trend-driven, occasional wear accessories and customers seeking bold looks on a budget. Brass base jewelry is more suited for occasional wear. With Brass, customers may find that skin greening only occurs in sweaty fingers but are absolutely fine with bracelets, necklaces and even earrings because our wrist, neck and ears are less exposed to sweat therefore preventing oxidising. So as long as you’re not allergic to copper, definitely go for that brass base tennis bracelet you have been eyeing.
Does Brass Tarnish?
Yes, as brass contains copper, it naturally reacts to air, moisture, sweat, and body oils, developing a dark patina or causing temporary skin discoloration over time.
Our Best-Selling Brass Pieces
Metal
Durability
Maintenance
Price
Hypoallergenic
Appearance & Design Potential
Moderate
Requires polishing
High
Yes
Bright; great for detail
Excellent
Very low
Medium-low
Often
Sleek, modern
Fair
High
Low
No
Warm, golden
Sterling Silver
Stainless Steel
Brass
Moderate
Excellent
Fair
Sterling Silver
Stainless Steel
Brass
Requires polishing
Very low
High
Sterling Silver
Stainless Steel
Brass
High
Medium-low
Low
Sterling Silver
Stainless Steel
Brass
Yes
Often
No
Sterling Silver
Stainless Steel
Brass
Bright; great for detail
Sleek, modern
Warm, golden
OBJKTS Jewelry Recommendations
Choose 925 Sterling Silver if you want timeless sparkle, hypoallergenic wear and pieces you’ll cherish over time.
Opt for Stainless Steel if you need jewelry that can handle daily wear, minimal upkeep and has a modern edge.
Go with Brass when you're styling trendy, visually striking pieces at a lower cost—and don’t mind some maintenance.
All brass-based jewelry at OBJKTS is electroplated and may tarnish with exposure to skin, oils, or moisture.
Explore Objkts Jewelry’s Affordable and Durable Jewelry
At OBJKTS Jewelry, we offer a wide variety of rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings in all three metals, crafted to suit your individual aesthetic and metal priorities. All of our pieces are available with a high-shine, classic 14K gold plating or radiant platinum rhodium plating, so you can choose a color which best suits your style.
As Seen On You
Why OBJKTS Jewelry?
OBJKTS Jewelry has been selling timeless engagement style rings since 2019 to over 400,000 global customers. Our collection of rings and bands have been used as travel dupes, in weddings, as replacements for lost or outgrown rings, placeholders, and even skydive proposals! With over 60+ options with designs from classic solitaries to vintage inspired, there’s something for everyone.
Still need convincing?
Check out our reviews on Trustpilot.
FAQ
The stones in our Stopgap rings are made with high quality, 3A-5A Cubic Zirconia, while the metals for the band include 925 Sterling Silver, 14K Gold or Rhodium Plated and Gold Vermeil (coated with 8x thicker gold plating than our other travel rings).
This one is completely up to personal preference – but if you have an idea of their dream ring, we’re more than happy to help you find a match.
If you’re not sure, you can take some inspiration from our bestselling rings here.
Either way, send us an email on email@objktsjewelry.com or message us on Instagram with a brief description or reference image of the desired style and we’ll take it from there!
Yes! We also have a collection of timeless wedding bands from a classic round band, to more playful silhouettes, in case you’re looking to placehold, protect or symbolise your love with them too.
Only a skilled gemologist would really be able to tell a natural diamond from a simulant with the naked eye – so we’re confident that our rings will look just as luxurious as the real thing on whoever wears them! (We’ve had many customer reviews commenting on the intense sparkle and indistinguishability of our rings from their mined counterpart).
All of our rings come with a 1 year warranty – read the T&Cs here.
For order related queries, have a look at our main FAQ page here