Surgical steel vs sterling silver: which is actually better for everyday wear?

If you’ve ever had a silver ring turn your finger green, a necklace tarnish within a week, or a pair of earrings cause a reaction — you’ve experienced the downside of sterling silver in daily life.

Sterling silver (92.5% silver, 7.5% alloy) is beautiful, but it’s reactive. It tarnishes when exposed to sweat, moisture, and even air. It scratches easily. And for people with sensitive skin, the copper alloy can cause irritation.

316L surgical stainless steel is a different material entirely. It’s the same grade used in surgical instruments and medical implants — chosen specifically because the body doesn’t react to it. It’s non-porous, corrosion-resistant, and maintains its finish through water, sweat, and daily contact.

For jewellery you actually wear every day — not just on occasion — surgical steel is the more practical base. That’s why Sefira uses it exclusively. Add an 18K gold finish, and you get the warmth and beauty of fine jewellery, without the maintenance demands of silver.

The real question isn’t which looks better in a box. It’s which holds up in your actual life. For daily wear, surgical steel wins.