When sourcing stainless steel jewelry from Chinese manufacturers, the most common materials you will encounter are 304 and 316L stainless steel.
While they may look identical to the naked eye, the chemical composition and long-term durability differ significantly. 316L contains molybdenum, making it highly resistant to corrosion, sweat, and saltwater—often referred to as “surgical steel.”
Why it matters for your D2C Brand?
Choosing the right material directly impacts your product’s return rate and brand reputation. If you are selling high-margin, hypoallergenic jewelry, always specify 316L in your RFQ and demand material test reports (SGS) before mass production.