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316L (SSS)
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Definition: SSS stands for surgical stainless steel and 316L is a grade of SSS. 316L is a good grade and used to be the highest available, but 316LVM is now the highest grade of purity available that can be used in body jewelry.

Examples: Most body jewelry, especially starter jewelry, is made with 316LVM surgical stainless steel. The low nickel content causes less allergic reaction than many other types of metal jewelry. It is non-porous, which means that bacteria cannot infect the metal and be spread as long as it is kept clean.

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