* Other Metals hallmark
The SS hallmark: meaning, purity & value
SS means stainless steel. Not a precious-metal melt; valued as fashion jewelry only.
Published May 30, 2026
Quick facts
- Metal
- Other Metals
- Common regions
- United States, Japan
- Density
- 7.9 g/cm³
- Standard
- ISO 9202
Stamps that mean the same thing
This purity may be struck into jewelry as any of: SS / Stainless / Stainless Steel. The mark differs by country and era, but the metal content is identical.
What SS tells you
SS means stainless steel. Not a precious-metal melt; valued as fashion jewelry only.
How to check it yourself
- Examine the stamp under a 10× loupe — genuine marks are crisp and evenly struck, not doubled or smeared.
- Confirm the mark reads SS or an equivalent such as Stainless.
- Weigh the piece and estimate its volume — the density should land near 7.9 g/cm³ for this alloy.
- Photograph it in the Jewelry Identifier app to read the metal, hallmark, and any gemstones from the image.
- For a binding result, have an assay office or gemological lab run an XRF purity test.
Sources
- ISO 9202
- Trade hallmark references
* Frequently asked
FAQ
- Q. Is SS the same as Stainless?
- A. Yes. SS, Stainless, Stainless Steel all denote the same material — other metals. Different markets and eras stamp it differently, but the purity is identical.
- Q. How do I confirm a SS stamp is genuine?
- A. Look at the mark under 10× magnification for crisp, even strikes, cross-check the weight-to-volume ratio against the expected density (7.9 g/cm³ for this alloy), scan it with the Jewelry Identifier app, and — when it matters — have an XRF test done by an assay office or gemological lab.
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