Recycled stainless steel isn't harmful for environment. The most oxidization resistant steels are 300 series steels and mostly used for jewelry. Our jewelry uses a high grade steel from 300 series called Grade316L, that is more corrosion and pitting resistant than conventional chromium-nickel stainless. This allows the jewelry to take on a shine akin to silver. Stainless steel jewelry is naturally hypoallergenic.