What is stainless steel?
Stainless steel is primarily composed of iron, which serves as the base, carbon, and chromium to prevent oxidation, as well as a small amount of nickel for hardness (the nickel does not leach into the steel and therefore does not cause allergies). It may also contain manganese, molybdenum, tungsten, titanium, niobium, or silicon.
Although steel is composed of iron and iron tends to rust when exposed to water, the chromium in the steel acts as a protective layer on the surface, preventing the metal from oxidizing.
What are the different types of steel used in jewelry?
Liloo and Léa jewelry is made of 316L stainless steel.
304 stainless steel: this is the most common type of stainless steel. It contains more chromium than 316 steel and less carbon.
316L stainless steel: the “L” stands for “low carbon.” This type of steel is typically used for piercings and items in prolonged contact with the skin. It is also the most commonly used in jewelry.
Surgical steel: Surgical steel (or 316 LVM stainless steel, with low carbon and nickel content) is a variant of 316L stainless steel. It is the most commonly used for piercings, but also, and especially, in the medical field.
How is gold-plated stainless steel made?
Stainless steel is naturally gray in color, but it is still possible to find gold-plated jewelry. To achieve this, the pieces can be flash-gilded, plated with fine gold, or gold-plated meaning they are coated with a layer of gold of varying thickness.
The presence of chromium in the steel means that the gold plating adheres much better to steel than to any other metal.
How do you care for steel jewelry?
Stainless steel jewelry requires very little maintenance when it is not plated. Simply wipe it down with a cloth from time to time to remove dirt and restore its shine. If it is very dirty, you can also gently scrub it with a soft toothbrush and soap or baking soda (food-grade, as it is ground into a very fine powder), then rinse it and dry it with a soft cloth.
However, for gold-plated jewelry, certain precautions must be taken.
Although stainless steel is resistant to water, cosmetics, chlorine, and seawater and will not oxidize upon contact with these elements, it is advisable to avoid prolonged contact with them, as they are highly corrosive and will eventually damage the gold plating. They will not damage the steel beneath the gold plating.
You should therefore remove your jewelry
- before showering
- before going to sleep
- before exercising (sweat is very corrosive)
- for swimming in the ocean or the pool
How is Liloo et Léa able to offer such a wide range of lengths for necklaces and bracelets, when most jewelry stores only offer fixed lengths with a mandatory extension chain?
Quite simply because the jewelry is made to order, based on your selections from the drop-down menus, which makes each piece custom. They are made within 24 hours after your order and shipped immediately.
Some pieces, such as those requiring drying time (like enamel), will take a little longer before shipping.
What are the standard lengths?
The measurements below are provided as a guide for women of average build.
Choker: 39 cm
Bracelet: 17 cm
Why is the extension chain optional at Liloo et Léa?
When you buy a piece of jewelry with an extension chain included, you are required to pay
for the chain because it is included in the price, but you may not actually want it.
At Liloo et Léa, we don’t force it on you because:
- You don’t need it.
- Extension chains get in the way.
- You can choose your own lengths, so there’s no need to add a chain.
For a small additional fee, you can also choose to have the extension chain added because:
- You’re giving the jewelry as a gift and aren’t sure of the recipient’s size.
- You like having the option to wear the jewelry longer
- You’re not sure if you took the measurements correctly, and the extension chain will provide a safety net and help you avoid a potential return or exchange.
How do I choose my lengths?
Every woman is different, so it’s best to verify the size that fits you.
You can measure a necklace or bracelet you already own that fits you well, or do a quick test:
Necklace: Take a piece of string (cord, thread, etc.) and attach a weight to it, such as a ring (only if the model you’ve chosen has a pendant). Then place the string around your neck, and when you’ve found the right length, while holding each end of the string against the back of your neck, tie a knot. You may need someone to help you with this step (one person to hold the string so it doesn’t move and another to tie the knot).
To remove the necklace, simply cut the string and then measure the length used (including the knot).
Bracelet: Take a measuring tape and wrap it around your wrist without tightening or loosening it. Record the measurement and add 8 to 10 mm for a little extra room. You now have your length.
If you don’t have a measuring tape, use a piece of string and measure with a ruler.
What is our return policy?
Although the vast majority of our jewelry is handmade to order according to your specifications for length, color, finish, and other options as applicable, we accept returns and exchanges.
Only earrings and engraved jewelry cannot be returned or exchanged (unless there is an error on our part).
How do I proceed?
1- You must contact us before sending anything back.
2- You have 14 days after receipt to return the jewelry, which must be in perfect condition and unworn. Pack it in its original packaging wrapped in bubble wrap, which is always included in our shipments and can be reused. Include a note with your first and last name, order number, and whether you’d like a return or exchange (specify the exchange option chosen).
You are responsible for return shipping costs, and we strongly recommend sending your package via tracked shipping to
Corinne CHIESA – Liloo et Léa
3 avenue Nicolas II
76600 Le Havre
Note: In the case of an exchange, we will cover the shipping costs to send you the new product.