What is Sterling Silver Jewellery? How is it Different from Real Silver?

Ever look at a silver piece of jewelry, and questioning yourself, "Wow, it is gorgeous! Wait. Is this even silver?"

Always at a loss, you are not alone! 

Silver jewelry can come in a couple of forms, and if you ever ran across the term "sterling silver," you are probably wondering that it may be referring to one of the following questions:

”Is Sterling Silver Really Pure Silver?”

”Why do people wear so much more sterling silver than pure silver?”

”Does Sterling Silver Tarnish?”

”How can you tell if silver jewelry that I own is genuine?”

If you also have these questions, you are at a right place. Today we clear it all with a simple breakdown in detail to make it more understandable. Let's dive into all the details about sterling silver.

What is Sterling Silver?

Sterling silver isn't pure silver - but don't panic because that's actually a good news. It is an alloy. In other words, a mix of metals. Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver and contains the other stuff (often copper, sometimes zinc or platinum), making up 7.5%. So your sterling silver necklaces would be a better choice. 

Why Sterling Silver over Pure Silver?

Fine silver is pure silver, but it's so soft it can't be used for jewelry. If the silver rings or bracelet were 100% silver, for sure it would soon bend out of shape and scratch easily and not last very long.

In other words, it would become ultra-strong and not breakable if some other metal like copper were introduced to silver in a tiny percentage. Such silver is very well suited for being worn daily in the form of jewelry.

So, the key takeaways:

• Sterling silver is pure silver, but it's got just enough copper added in for strength.
• It looks identical to pure silver but lasts hundreds of thousands more times.
• Most people consider sterling silver earrings and pure silver ones as the same; however, it is not exactly. 

Now, let's dive in and compare to see just how different they are different.

How is Sterling Silver Different from Pure Silver?

Thus, if you want silver jewelry that will really last, your best bet is sterling silver!

What does the "925" Stamp on Sterling Silver Jewelry Mean?

You've probably shopped for sterling silver jewelry sometime and noticed that there's this tiny "925" stamp on the piece somewhere. That's the hallmark for standard sterling silver. 925 is the percent of silver that is in this alloy - 92.5 percent. So, your jewelry is actually sterling silver. Some of the items bear the stamp of "Sterling" or "SS" in lieu of the "925". Again, same kind of metal. If ever you encounter any silver jewelry, which does not bear the mark of 925, then you may be misled into buying its silver-plating or even artificial one, thus, be vigilant before you shop for sterling silver jewelry.

Why Copper is Used in Sterling Silver

The most common metal found in sterling silver is copper. Here's why! It makes:

• Silver stronger - Pure silver is weak and soft, but copper makes it stronger.
• Durability - Jewelry has to go through the daily wear and tear, and copper does not bend easily.
• Preservation of the silver color - Copper does not change the natural silver color unlike other metals.

But one minor flaw in copper is it reacts with air and moisture; it tarnishes over time.

When it comes into contact with oxygen, the chemical reaction causes the formation of chemical compounds leading to darkening of the color of the layer surface. Moisture, water, and perspiration fasten the process of tarnishing the given material. Perfumes, lotions, and detergents increase the rate at which the shine effect of the silver deteriorates.

The bright side is? Tarnish does not damage your jewelry, it just covers the object in a dingy, blackish layer. This can be easily removed using a silver polishing cloth or some other cheap do-it-yourself style product, such as baking soda and water.

How to Determine if Your Silver Jewelry is Actually Sterling Silver

Suspicious of your jewelry not being the real thing in sterling silver? Well, follow these steps to know for sure:

1. Check for the 925 Stamp

True sterling silver anklets and other jewelry has a "925" stamp somewhere on the piece.

2. Magnet Test

Silver is not magnetic-if a magnet attaches to your jewelry, it is probably fake.

3. Smell Test

Sterling silver does not have an odor of metal - if it does, then your jewelers pieces probably contain nickel or other things.

4. Ice Test

Silver is very conductive to heat. Fill ice in sterling silver, and it would melt faster in sterling silver than in some other metals.

5. Tarnish Test

Sterling silver tarnishes while real silver does but fake silver stainless steel won't tarnish at all.

If your jewelry passed all the tests above, then congratulations, you now have actual sterling silver!

Why Sterling Silver Over Other Metals?

Sterling silver is one of the noblest jewelry materials due to the following reasons:

• Beautiful – It shines like pure silver but lasts longer.
• Affordable – It is less expensive than gold or platinum but looks luxurious.
• Durable – This type of jewelry lasts for a lifetime if taken care of properly.
• Versatile – can be worn on any dress, casual to the most formal dress.

On shopping spree, remember this:

• Look out for the 925 stamp.
• Don't purchase the very inexpensive silver plated.
• Clean the sterling silver. So that you can retain its shine.

With sterling silver jewelry, you get the perfect chance to acquire that silver jewelry that will really last, looks stunning, and really worth what one paid.