There has been growing interest in stainless steel across the permanent jewellery space, especially from PJ artists looking for ways to balance rising material costs with the styles they want to keep in their offerings. What has changed recently is not the demand itself, but the point where it starts to make practical sense within a working kit and collection.
Behind the scenes, there has been a lot to consider, from how new materials sit alongside existing ranges to whether they feel right in a professional setup day to day.
Every piece we add into our shop has to meet the same standard. If it’s not something we’d be confident using on our own customers, it doesn’t make it in.
So here’s why we finally decided to introduce it.
Why Stainless Steel Started Making Sense In Permanent Jewellery
Stainless steel has been coming up more in permanent jewellery lately for a very simple reason. PJ artists who stock chunky gold filled chains, especially the styles that tend to be bestsellers, have seen prices increase enough that it is starting to affect how those pieces are priced within their kits and collections.
It is most noticeable on the chains that are used regularly for appointments and restocks. These are often the first styles customers pick, so they are also the ones artists cannot really drop, even when costs climb.
Why We Held Off On Stainless Steel For So Long
We have always had it on our list of materials to explore, and there has been demand for it from PJ artists for a while. But as a supplier, we only move forward when we are confident in both the material and the manufacturing behind it.
A few things kept us waiting. Finding a manufacturer that could deliver a consistent finish, colour and quality was not straightforward. The 18k PVD gold tones we came across also felt too strong next to 14k gold filled, which made it harder to sit comfortably within an existing range.
It took time to find a version that actually aligned with what we expect from every piece we stock.
Difference Between Cheap Stainless Steel Vs Quality PVD
Before introducing this range, we spent a lot of time looking at how different stainless steel options actually perform in permanent jewellery. The differences are not always obvious until you are actually working with them in appointments.
| Lower Cost | Quality PVD |
| Finish can wear or fade quickly with electroplated stainless | PVD finish designed for long-term wear |
| Gold tones often look overly yellow or uneven | 14k PVD tone that sits closer to gold filled |
| Can be inconsistent during use | Consistent performance in real PJ appointments |
In permanent jewellery, appearance alone is not enough. It also needs to perform well in real use, hold up consistently, and feel good for customers to wear long term. That is why we only move forward with materials that meet that standard, so PJ artists can trust them in their kits and customers can wear them with confidence every day.
Why 14K PVD Was The Right Choice
One of the biggest decisions in this range was the gold tone. It has to look premium and sit as close as possible to 14k gold filled, especially when artists are building kits where pieces are worn together and compared side by side.
With many 18k PVD finishes, the tone can lean quite yellow, sometimes to the point where it starts to look less refined next to 14k gold filled chains. On a wrist stack or in a mixed display, that difference stands out straight away and can take away from the overall finish of a collection.
For PJ artists, it means:
- Bringing stainless steel into their existing gold filled offering without having to rethink their range
- Offering styles like paperclip, curb, and everyday chunky chains that sit comfortably together in mixed kits
- Giving clients more accessible price point options, while still staying within the same aesthetic and chain selection
How Stainless Steel Complements Gold Filled & Sterling Silver Instead Of Replacing It
Stainless steel allows PJ artists to use the exact same chain designs they already offer in gold filled and sterling silver, but in a more cost effective material. The tone is similar enough that paperclip, curb, and chunky everyday chains still feel consistent within a kit.
It gives artists a practical way to manage rising precious metal costs on styles that are used most often in appointments. They can keep those same designs in gold filled or sterling silver, while also offering an option for customers looking for a more accessible price point, without changing the overall look of their range.
Who It’s Best Suited For
This range is designed for PJ artists who are thinking more strategically about the cost of materials and how that impacts their overall income. It supports those who want to keep their existing chain styles in place, while making smarter decisions around how they price and offer them within their permanent jewellery menu.
It works especially well for artists working with high-demand chunky styles, where rising material costs can directly affect margins. It gives room to maintain those same designs, while opening up more flexibility in how they are positioned across different price points.
It also suits artists who want to keep a consistent, recognisable range while introducing alternative materials that support a more balanced approach to their business, without changing the designs customers already love.
