Let’s be honest, most people don’t think too hard about what their jewellery is made of, until their skin starts reacting. If you’ve ever had a ring leave a green mark, or a necklace make your neck itch, you’re not imagining it. That’s your skin reacting to the metal.
And it’s exactly why the material matters.
What Is Stainless Steel Made Of?
We use 316L stainless steel in all ARMR jewellery, but what does that actually mean?
Here’s a simple breakdown of the typical composition:
- Iron (Fe): 60–65%
- Chromium (Cr): 16–18%, adds corrosion resistance
- Nickel (Ni): 10–14%, increases strength and helps with smooth finish
- Molybdenum (Mo): 2–3%, adds extra protection against rust and pitting
- Manganese, Silicon, Carbon, Phosphorus, Sulphur: trace amounts
So yes, there is nickel in 316L steel. It’s bound tightly within the alloy, which is why it’s far less likely to flake, leach or rub off than it can with cheaper metals or plated jewellery.
That’s a big part of why 316L is a popular choice for sensitive skin. It’s a grade also used in surgical and medical instruments. But everyone’s skin is different, and someone with a nickel allergy can still react to stainless steel. If you have a known metal allergy, check with your doctor before you buy.
What Happens When Jewellery Doesn’t Agree With You?
Here’s what can go wrong:
- Skin irritation: burning, itching, or discomfort where the metal touches your skin
- Rashes or bumps: often confused with eczema or dry skin, but triggered by metal contact
- Discolouration: your skin turns green or black because the metal is reacting with moisture or sweat
- Infection risk: especially if you’ve got piercings or sensitive areas involved
This kind of thing doesn’t just ruin the experience, it stops people wearing pieces they genuinely like.
The Problem with Marketplaces and Unknown Brands
One of the biggest risks today is buying jewellery from online marketplaces or cheap, drop-shipped websites. The price looks good, the photos look sharp, but you’ve got no idea what the piece is really made of.
Many of these sellers cut corners, use poor-quality base metals, or slap on thin coatings that flake off within weeks. Worst of all, you often don’t find out what’s actually in the jewellery until it’s too late, when your skin reacts.
The ARMR Standard
At ARMR, we use 316L stainless steel for all our jewellery, and finish our gold pieces with PVD coating. We’ll be straight with you: no brand can guarantee that nobody will ever have a skin reaction, because everyone’s skin is different.
What we can promise is transparency. No hidden metals. No dodgy coatings. No shortcuts. What you see is what you get: quality jewellery built for real life.
Why the Material Matters for Everyday Jewellery
If you’re wearing a piece daily, to the gym, in the shower, at work, it needs to be as comfortable as it is durable. Choosing a material that suits sensitive skin gives you peace of mind.
- Less chance of itching or irritation
- Less chance of weird marks or rashes
- Comfortable enough to wear all day
Final Word
Style is important, but comfort matters too. With ARMR, you know where your jewellery comes from, what it’s made of, and who’s behind it. That’s something marketplaces and pop-up brands just can’t offer.
