It's the question we get most often in the boutique: "Can I wear it every day?" Good news: stainless steel is the easiest material to live with. It doesn't tarnish, doesn't cause allergies and handles everyday water without a problem. A few simple precautions keep it shining for a very long time. Here's everything you need to know.

Everyday water: no problem. Sea and pool: best avoided

Stainless steel handles everyday water without any issue: shower, rain, washing your hands, perspiration. No need to take it off every time — that's the whole point.

Sea water (salt) and pool water (chlorine), however, are harsher: over time they can dull the beautiful gold finish. The right reflex: take your jewellery off before swimming. And if you keep it on, rinse it with clear water and dry it afterwards.

Stainless steel and sensitive skin: the jewellery that doesn't cause allergies

If your ears turn red or your skin reacts to certain pieces, the culprit is almost always nickel. Quality stainless steel (known as "surgical" steel) is hypoallergenic: it releases virtually no nickel. It's actually the same material used for medical instruments. The result: you can wear it all day, every day, even on sensitive skin, with no itching or green marks.

Why stainless steel doesn't tarnish

Silver oxidises and blackens; plating flakes and turns green. Stainless steel, on the other hand, keeps its colour. Its gold finish doesn't oxidise in the air or in contact with everyday water. That makes it the ideal jewellery for summer… and all year round: you put it on in the morning and forget about it — it stays beautiful.

How to care for your stainless steel jewellery

Care is minimal, but a few simple habits keep the shine:

  • Take your jewellery off before the sea and the pool; if you keep it on, rinse with clear water and dry with a soft cloth.
  • Apply perfume, cream and hairspray before your jewellery, never over it.
  • Store it dry, away from moisture, ideally separately to avoid scratches.
  • Now and then, a dip in lukewarm, lightly soapy water + a soft cloth revives the shine.

Our jewellery — in Crans-Montana and online

At Histoire de Plaire, all our gold jewellery — long necklaces, cuffs, shell necklaces, rings — is chosen for exactly this: beautiful, easy-to-wear pieces that go with you every day. Discover the selection in our boutique in Crans-Montana or online, with free delivery throughout Switzerland. Since 1993, our pleasure has been helping you feel your best.

→ Discover our jewellery