What Is Stainless Steel Jewelry? Stainless steel jewelry is made from a metal alloy primarily composed of iron, chromium, and small amounts of other metals. The key ingredient here is chromium , which creates a protective layer on the surface of the metal. This layer gives stainless steel its durability and resistance to corrosion. In jewelry, stainless steel is known for being: Strong and long-lasting Resistant to rust and tarnish Low maintenance Modern and versatile in styl