ZEYD

316L stainless steel — what "surgical steel" really means

September 4, 2026

316L is a stainless steel alloy with a molybdenum content that makes it particularly resistant to corrosion. The “L” stands for low carbon, which improves weldability and resistance.

In jewellery, 316L is often referred to as “surgical steel”. That is not a protected term, but a reference to its original use in medical technology. For everyday wear, it means: robust, resistant to rust and easy to care for.

At ZEYD we state the grade used on every product page — 304 or 316L — as well as the surface treatment (e.g. PVD finish). So you can understand exactly what you are wearing.