You've probably heard stainless steel lasts forever. That's not quite true — but it's close enough that you should care. The truth is, with 316L stainless steel (the kind we use for every piece), you're looking at jewelry that will outlive most trends, most relationships, and honestly, most other materials you could choose.
316L stainless steel is different from regular stainless steel. It has more molybdenum in the mix, which makes it genuinely resistant to corrosion, rust, and tarnish. This matters if you actually wear your jewelry — in the shower, at the beach, while sweating through summer. It's the steel they use for medical implants. That's not marketing fluff. That's just what it is.
So how long does it actually last? With proper care, 316L can last 20, 30, even 50+ years without degrading. We're not talking about it looking dingy or breaking down. We're talking about it staying bright, staying strong, and staying exactly as beautiful as the day you got it. Most of our customers wear their pieces every single day, and that's what this material is built for.
The key word is 'proper care,' though. Stainless steel is durable, but it's not invincible. Avoid prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals like bleach or pool chlorine. If you're swimming, rinse it with fresh water afterward. If you're doing dishes or cleaning, it's actually fine — just don't soak it in abrasive substances. Basically, treat it like you like it, and it'll return the favor.
What about scratches? Yes, stainless steel can scratch. But here's the thing: those tiny surface marks don't affect how long it lasts or how strong it is. If it bothers you, a simple polish with a soft cloth brings back the shine. We recommend doing this once a month if you wear your pieces daily, and you're done. The Pearl Beaded Belly Chain and Turquoise Beaded Belly Chain are perfect examples of pieces that stay luminous with minimal effort.
You might wonder why 316L costs more than cheaper stainless or other materials. Because it actually lasts. When Gio and I hand-make each piece in our studio, we're not just thinking about how it looks today. We're thinking about you wearing it for years. The material has to match that intention. Cheap alternatives tarnish, break, and end up in a drawer. 316L doesn't.
There's also something worth considering beyond durability: the environmental impact. When your jewelry lasts decades instead of months, you're not buying replacements constantly. You're not contributing to waste. You're buying once and living with your choice for a very long time. That feels better, honestly. Browse our full shop all body jewelry and you'll notice every piece is designed with longevity in mind, whether it's the Pink Cross Choker Necklace or something more understated.
The real answer to 'how long does it last?' is this: longer than you think. Longer than you need it to. Longer than the trends around it will probably last. If you're investing in body jewelry, 316L stainless steel is the material that respects that investment. Wear it. Live in it. And yes, expect it to still look incredible in 20 years.