What’s Under the Gold Matters: Why We Use 304L Stainless Steel

Traditional Base Metals vs 304L Stainless Steel: What’s the Difference?

Gold plating gets the attention—but the base metal underneath is what determines how well that finish holds up in real life. Traditionally, many fashion pieces were made on brass, copper alloys, or zinc alloy. They’re easy to shape and cost-effective, but they’re also more reactive. Over time—especially with sweat, humidity, and daily friction—those metals can oxidize or tarnish and start to affect the surface under the plating. That’s when you see faster dulling, uneven aging, or “wear-through” at contact points.

304L stainless steel is a more stable foundation for daily-wear jewelry. It’s structurally strong, far less prone to oxidation than traditional base metals, and it maintains a cleaner surface under plating. Practically speaking, that means the finish you see on day one is easier to keep looking polished over time—because the base metal is working with the plating, not against it.

At OROR Parure, we use 304L stainless steel across our pieces because we design for real wear: stacking, movement, humidity, and the everyday routine. If you want plated jewelry that keeps its refined look longer, the base metal choice is not a small detail—it’s the starting point.