Stainless Steel Engagement Rings: The Complete Guide

When you think of an engagement ring, stainless steel probably isn’t the first thing to come to mind. Traditional engagement rings are typically made of yellow gold, white gold, silver, or platinum—but stainless steel? Not so much...until recently, that is. Technology has made it possible to turn stainless steel into beautiful fine jewelry, and engagement rings made with this metal are quickly becoming a more affordable, compelling option.

While it might not sound quite as fancy or luxe as some of the other popular metals out there, stainless steel is a solid option with plenty of advantages. We consulted with experts Kim Kanary and Anubh Shah to share everything you need to know about stainless steel engagement rings.

Pros and Cons of Stainless Steel Rings

Maybe the biggest advantage of a stainless steel ring is how durable it is. “Whereas other metals like gold and silver are at about a 2.5-3 on the Mohs scale of hardness, stainless steel is in the range of 5.6-5,” Kanary says. “Its stability, or resistance to chemical attack, is also important because this is what prevents tarnishing and corrosion, which in practicality means that it has a long life span and is easy to maintain.”

That’s a pretty big deal: “Meaning it will not rust and likely will not need as much polishing and maintenance as other fine metals,” says Shah. “Stainless steel also does not need to be rhodium plated to preserve its shine and color.”

Additionally, a nice bonus is that it’s environmentally friendly. “It’s 100 percent recyclable, and it takes a relatively low amount of energy to manufacture,” Kanary says. If finding a sustainable ring is important to you, this could be a great choice. And, of course, it’s cost-effective and is considered a low-cost alternative to other popular metals, like platinum and gold. “It is not as risky to wear, and if lost, it’s not as expensive to replace,” Shah points out.

Although this metal might sound pretty good, it’s worth pointing out the negatives to it as well. Stainless steel rings may sometimes pass for white gold, but it’s never going to look exactly like the other luxe metals. “Stainless steel has a stark metallic shine that certainly looks a bit less premium than the softer glow of white gold or the patina of platinum,” Shah says.

And since you’re paying less for stainless steel, it only makes sense that it doesn’t have a high resale value either. Since it’s not considered a fine metal, it’s typically not thought of as an heirloom. “From a long-term investment vantage point, they don’t uphold their value quite as well as some other materials such as gold or platinum,” Kanary says.

What to Look for in a Stainless Steel Ring

• Where should I shop for this type of ring? Stainless steel engagement rings are just starting to become more popular, so there aren’t as many options out there. If you’re set on diamonds, this might also pose a challenge. “It’s uncommon to find diamonds set in stainless steel, so you may have to go with an alternative like cubic zirconium instead,” Shah says. Despite this, a few places that specialize in stainless steel rings are Blue Steel and Etsy shops.
• How can I tell if the ring is high quality? If you think stainless steel is for you, Kanary recommends finding a trusted jeweler. “There are over 150 types of stainless steel, not all of which are suitable for jewelry,” she points out. “It most often has a neutral silver luster, but it can have a brushed antique look, geometric patterns, and anodized coatings.” Research what you want before you look, then work with someone you trust to find it.
• How much do stainless steel rings cost? Stainless steel engagement rings are a budget-friendly option and are much less expensive than precious metals. Prices can start as low as $30, but there are higher-end options available as well.

How to Care for a Stainless Steel Ring

Stainless steel doesn’t require a ton of maintenance, but you will want to clean it sometimes. Kanary recommends using a soft polishing cloth to wipe away fingerprints and grease. “Do remember that many cloths have microfibers that can actually scratch materials, so make sure that you get a proper polishing cloth,” she adds.

Shah recommends that when you remove it, you should store it on its own and away from other jewelry pieces. “This will ensure that it doesn’t get scratched or damaged and that the prongs stay secure.”

Ahead, scroll through 18 stainless steel engagement rings.