Stainless steel rings: widths, finishes, sizing and care

A stainless steel ring is about the most practical ring you can own. It stands up to tools, sea water, gym weights and years of daily wear, and it costs a fraction of gold. That makes steel a popular choice for men's rings and for gifts.

Choosing one is simple once you know what to look at: the width, the finish and, above all, the size.

Why steel works for a ring

Good steel rings are made from 316L stainless steel, the same family of steel used for surgical tools and on boats. It resists tarnish and corrosion, so it does not go dark or green, and it copes well with sweat, salt water and Fiji's humidity. It is also very hard, so it keeps its shape through years of work.

For more on the metal itself, see our guide to stainless steel jewellery.

Choosing the width

Ring width is measured across the top of the band, in millimetres.

• 4 to 6 mm. A slim, understated band. Comfortable for smaller hands and for people who are not used to wearing a ring.
• 6 to 8 mm. The most common width for men's rings. Noticeable without being heavy.
• 8 mm and over. A bold, solid look that suits larger hands. Wide bands feel tighter, so you may need to go up half a size or a size.

Look at the profile too. A comfort fit band is gently rounded on the inside so it slides over the knuckle more easily. A bevelled edge, like the ring in the photo, softens the look of a wide band and stops the edges digging in.

Choosing the finish

• Polished. Mirror-bright and closest to the look of white gold or silver. Over time it softens into a gentle sheen.
• Brushed (also called satin or matte). Fine lines give a soft grey look that hides everyday scratches well. A good choice for work.
• Black and coloured. Black, blue and gold-coloured steel is usually a coating on top of the steel. It is tough and wears well. Two-tone rings, with a black outside and a coloured inside or groove, keep most of the colour where it is least likely to rub.

Many rings combine finishes, such as a brushed centre with polished edges. It is worth handling a few, because the same design can look quite different in different finishes.

Getting the size right

Steel keeps its shape for years, so it pays to choose the right size from the start. Trying rings on in store is the easiest way.

Our steel rings mostly come in US sizes from about 7 to 13. Some tips:

• Measure at the end of the day. Fingers swell in the heat. In Fiji, a ring that fits on a cool morning can feel tight by the afternoon.
• Check the knuckle. The ring has to pass over the knuckle and still sit comfortably at the base without spinning around.
• Allow for width. Try the width you intend to buy. A size that fits in a 4 mm band may feel tight in an 8 mm band.
• Know your system. Australia and New Zealand use letters, the USA and Canada use numbers. Our ring size guide has a conversion chart, and if you are measuring before a trip home, read ring and bangle size before you fly to Fiji.

If you are buying a steel ring as a surprise gift, borrow a ring the person already wears on the same finger and bring it in, or have them measured quietly.

Caring for a steel ring

• Rinse after the sea or a pool, then dry it.
• Wash it with warm water and mild soap now and then, with a soft toothbrush around any grooves.
• Store it apart from gold and silver, in its own pouch or compartment.
• Avoid harsh chemicals such as bleach.

Steel or gold for a wedding band

Steel makes a good wedding band for some people. It suits someone who works with their hands, is in and out of the sea, or simply does not want to worry about their ring. It is also affordable, which helps when a wedding is already expensive.

Gold is the better choice when:

• the ring is meant to be passed down or kept for life,
• you want the ring to match a partner's gold or diamond ring, or
• the colour and meaning of gold matter to the family.

A common answer is to have both: a gold band for the wedding and for occasions, and a steel ring for work days. We have plain gold wedding bands as well as steel, so you can compare them side by side.

Trying them on

Steel rings are best chosen in person, because width and finish look different on the hand than in a photo. Come in and try a few widths in the size you think you are, and if you are between sizes, ask us to check both. You can see examples on our stainless steel page.