Silver is widely cherished in the jewelry world for its radiant shine and captivating allure. Its malleability allows it to be crafted into many outstanding pieces, making it a beloved choice among jewelry enthusiasts.
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If you’ve ever bought sterling silver jewelry, like rings, earrings, necklaces, or bracelets, you might have wondered about the difference between silver and sterling silver and how to tell them apart. You may also wonder which silver is better. Let us explain the difference so you’ll feel confident and informed about your next purchase.
What is Silver?
Fine Silver is a pure 99% precious metal with a shiny white appearance and does not tarnish. It is highly valued for its use in jewelry, currency, and various industrial applications.
Pure silver is quite soft and shapeable, making it not ideal for everyday use. However, it is so shiny and cherished globally that people often combine it with other supportive materials to enhance its physical structure with minimal effect.
To avoid surface scratches and damage in everyday use, 925 sterling silver was initially used by silversmiths and jewelers in Europe, particularly in England.
The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths in England started inspecting and hallmarking silver items in the 12th century to ensure their purity and quality.
What is Sterling Silver?
Sterling silver is an alloy made from 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper or zinc. Adding copper enhances the silver’s strength and durability without compromising its beautiful appearance.
It makes sterling silver ideal for jewelry and other items that require both beauty and solidity without affecting its beautiful color.
Sterling silver is often marked with a “925” stamp, indicating its composition and authenticity.
It is versatile, capable of being fashioned into complicated designs and maintaining its shine over time with proper care.
Its popularity spans various types of jewelry, including rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and more.
Sterling silver is also hypoallergenic, making it a suitable option for people with sensitive skin.
Is Sterling Silver Real?
Sterling silver is real silver. It is an alloy of silver mixed with copper or zinc in a precise ratio to improve support while maintaining shapeability.
It’s similar to 14k or 18k gold jewelry, where additional metals are added to make it durable enough for wear.
In the United States, the term “sterling silver” refers to a specific alloy containing a fixed ratio of 92.5% pure silver.
Copper and zinc are often used because they are relatively stable materials and are not magnetized, allowing for easy inspection with magnetic methods.
It is considered real because most of the alloy is genuine silver. But it is still possible that some of the manufacturers just coated silver on the surface of the cheap metal to confuse the buyers.
How to Tell if Sterling Silver is Real
To determine if sterling silver is real, you can look for the following:
- Hallmarks: Authentic sterling silver items are often stamped with hallmarks such as “925,” “Ster,” or “Sterling.”
- Magnet Test: Silver is not magnetic. If the item is attracted to a magnet, it is likely not sterling silver.
- Acid Test: A small drop of nitric acid on a hidden part of the jewelry will turn it milky if it’s sterling silver, this method is not recommended most of the time.
- Tarnish: Sterling silver tarnishes over time, developing a blackish patina. This can be polished off, revealing the shiny silver underneath.
- Weight and Sound: Sterling silver is relatively heavy and produces a distinct ringing sound when tapped. This method is solely beneficial for experienced inspectors..
What’s the Difference Between Sterling Silver and Silver? Which Silver Is Better?
- Composition: Pure silver, also known as fine silver, is 99.9% pure. Sterling silver is an alloy containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper.
- Durability: Sterling silver is harder and more durable due to the addition of copper, making it more suitable for everyday wear and intricate designs.
- Usage: Fine silver is often used for items that don’t require high durability, such as certain types of jewelry and decorative pieces. Sterling silver is widely used in jewelry, cutlery, and other items that need to withstand wear and tear.
Comparing Different Types of Silver: 999, 990, and 925
999 Silver (Fine Silver)
- Composition: 99.9% pure silver, with only 0.1% of other metals.
- Properties: Extremely soft and malleable, making it prone to scratching, bending, and damage. High-purity silver is less suitable for items subject to rough wear, such as rings or bracelets.
- Usage: Primarily used in fine jewelry, decorative pieces, and bullion coins. It is also used in some high-end, limited-edition jewelry pieces where purity is prioritized over durability.
Appearance: Bright, white luster that is slightly more muted compared to sterling silver due to the lack of additional metals.
990 Silver
- Composition: 99.0% pure silver, with 1.0% of other metals, usually copper.
- Properties: Slightly harder than 999 silver but still relatively soft compared to sterling silver. It can still be prone to damage and deformation under stress.
- Usage: Sometimes used in jewelry, particularly in pieces that are more decorative than functional, such as pendants or earrings that do not face constant wear.
- Appearance: Similar bright, white luster to 999 silver, but with a slight increase in durability.
925 Silver (Sterling Silver)
- Composition: 92.5% pure silver, with 7.5% of other metals, primarily copper.
- Properties: Known for its durability and strength, making it ideal for everyday wear and more complex jewelry designs. It retains its shape and detail well over time, with minimal risk of damage.
- Usage: Widely used in a variety of jewelry items, including rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and more. It is the standard for high-quality silver jewelry.
- Appearance: Bright, shiny finish that is slightly more reflective than higher purity silvers due to the presence of copper, which enhances its shine.
Key Differences
- Purity: 999 silver is the purest, followed by 990 and then 925. Higher purity means softer metal, which can affect the durability and practical use of the jewelry.
- Durability: 925 silver is the most durable due to the addition of copper and zinc, making it suitable for daily wear and more intricate designs.
- Usage: 999 silver is often used for decorative pieces and bullion, while 925 silver is the preferred choice for most jewelry due to its balance of purity and strength.
- Appearance: While all three types of silver have a bright, white luster, 925 silver tends to be slightly shinier and more reflective due to the copper content.
Which is Better for Jewelry: Sterling Silver or Silver?
Sterling silver is generally better for jewelry because it is more durable and less prone to scratching and deformation than pure silver. Its added strength makes it suitable for items that are worn frequently.
Does Sterling Silver Rust?
Sterling silver does not rust, as rust is a form of iron oxide and silver does not contain iron. However, sterling silver can tarnish over time due to a chemical reaction with sulfur-containing substances in the air. Tarnish appears as a darkening or discoloration on the surface.
How to Clean Sterling Silver Jewelry
To clean sterling silver jewelry, you can follow these steps:
- Soap and Water: Use a mild soap and warm water to gently clean the jewelry. Use a soft cloth or a soft-bristle toothbrush to remove dirt.
- Baking Soda and Water: Make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply the paste with a soft cloth, rub gently, and rinse with warm water.
- Commercial Silver Cleaner: Use a silver cleaning solution available at most jewelry stores. Follow the instructions on the product.
- Aluminum Foil and Baking Soda: Line a bowl with aluminum foil, add hot water, and mix in a tablespoon of baking soda and salt. Place the jewelry in the solution for a few minutes, then rinse and dry.
- Polishing Cloth: Use a special silver polishing cloth to buff the jewelry and restore its shine.
Always store sterling silver jewelry in a cool, dry place, preferably in a tarnish-resistant cloth or a sealed plastic bag to minimize tarnishing.
Read more about How to clean the jewelry.
Conclusion
Sterling silver jewelry, with its balance of beauty, durability, and affordability, remains a favored choice for many. Understanding the differences between 999, 990, and 925 silver can help you make informed decisions about the type of silver jewelry that best suits your needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize purity, strength, or a combination of both, there is a type of silver to match your criteria.
For additional reading and information, please see the following article which includes some engaging videos.
What is the Difference Between Silver and Sterling Silver? (Which Silver is Better)