Jewelry Materials Guide: 316L Stainless Steel & 18K Gold Plating Explained
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The material of your jewelry determines how it looks, how long it lasts and how comfortable it feels on your skin. At EXCITÀRE, all silver pieces are crafted from 316L stainless steel and all gold pieces are finished with premium 18K gold plating — materials chosen for durability, affordability and a clean minimalist look.
This guide explains what these materials are, how they compare to traditional silver and gold, and why we chose them as part of our mission to make jewelry high-quality, long-lasting and accessible for everyone.
This guide is part of our Jewelry Guides series:
• Chain Types Explained
• Ring Size Guide
• Men’s Necklace Length Guide
Why Jewelry Materials Matter
The metal behind your jewelry affects:
- How long the piece lasts
- Whether it tarnishes or not
- Skin comfort and sensitivity
- The final finish and shine
- Price and accessibility
Choosing the right material ensures that your jewelry stays clean, minimal and wearable every day.
What Is 316L Stainless Steel?
316L stainless steel is known as “surgical grade steel” because it is extremely hypoallergenic and resistant to tarnishing.
Benefits:
- Waterproof and sweat-proof
- Does not tarnish or rust
- Hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin
- More durable than sterling silver
- Retains shine for years with minimal care
Popular EXCITÀRE pieces made from 316L stainless steel include the Nova Chain and the Eclipse Necklace.
What Is 18K Gold Plating?
18K gold plating provides a warm, premium finish while remaining accessible in price. We use a high-quality plating process to ensure long-lasting color.
Benefits:
- Rich, premium gold tone
- More durable than 14K plating
- Affordable alternative to real solid gold
- Perfect for daily minimalist wear
Explore our gold pieces:
Gold Necklaces
Gold Rings
Comparing Jewelry Metals
Here is how our materials compare to traditional silver and gold:
- 316L vs Sterling Silver: 316L is more resistant to tarnish, more durable and lower maintenance.
- 18K plating vs Solid Gold: Solid gold is more durable but significantly more expensive. 18K plating offers the same look at a much more accessible price.
We include this comparison because it's important to understand why some jewelry costs more — and why EXCITÀRE chooses high-performance materials that stay affordable.
Why EXCITÀRE Uses These Materials
Our mission is to create minimalist, everyday jewelry that stays accessible without compromising quality. 316L stainless steel and 18K plating allow us to offer:
- Long-lasting designs at a fair price
- Durable everyday jewelry that doesn’t tarnish
- Hypoallergenic pieces suitable for all skin types
- A premium look without the premium price
These materials fit perfectly with our vision of modern, clean, wearable jewelry designed for real life.
How to Care for These Materials
Maintaining 316L and 18K plating is easy:
- Wipe after wearing
- Avoid strong chemicals and perfumes
- Clean with warm water + mild soap
- Store in a dry pouch (included with every EXCITÀRE piece)
Full care instructions: Jewelry Care Guide
Conclusion
Jewelry materials matter — they determine how your jewelry looks, feels and lasts. At EXCITÀRE, we choose 316L stainless steel and 18K gold plating because these materials combine quality, durability and accessibility, staying true to our minimalist philosophy.
Explore our jewelry collection.
FAQ
Does 316L stainless steel tarnish?
No — 316L is highly resistant to tarnishing and rust, making it perfect for everyday wear.
Is 18K gold plating durable?
Yes. 18K plating provides a rich tone and robust finish when cared for properly.
Is stainless steel safe for sensitive skin?
Absolutely. 316L is hypoallergenic and used in medical-grade applications.
How does this compare to sterling silver?
316L requires less maintenance and is more durable, while sterling silver tarnishes more quickly.
Why doesn’t EXCITÀRE use solid gold?
Solid gold is beautiful but not accessible to most people. We choose materials that offer the same aesthetic with longer durability at a fairer price.
Want the complete overview of sizing, materials, waterproof jewelry and daily care? Read our full Men’s Jewelry Guide – The Complete 2026 Handbook .