What Is the Difference Between Sterling Silver and Silver?
Silver has been around since ancient times, but it’s existed for so long that it’s hard to pinpoint the exact origins of this precious metal. What we do know, however, is that silver has played a significant role in shaping human history. Silver was used as currency back in the days when other forms of money were scarce, or not available at all.
In today’s world, silver continues to be one of the most popular metals. This is because it doesn’t corrode, and can be combined with many different other materials to create some truly beautiful jewelry pieces.
When shopping for silver jewelry, it’s crucial to be able to distinguish between the different types of metal. Pure and sterling silver are two related, but distinct materials that you’ll come across. If this is your first time buying either type, keep reading!
The following guide will answer questions like: what is sterling silver? What is pure silver? Is sterling silver real? And which is better, silver or sterling silver? Amongst many other things.
Keep your eyes peeled as all will be revealed in our sterling silver vs. silver comparison, right here in this blog post.
What Is Pure Silver/Fine Silver?
Since the dawn of time, humans have been drawn to precious metals like gold or silver that can be used as currency in trade. The word “currency” comes from the Latin root currens, which means flowing. This implies that the value of currency represented how much something was worth in terms of what it could be exchanged for.
The first known use of silver dates back to around 3000 BC, when humans began using coins made from precious metals like silver or gold instead of trading goods directly with one another.
Pure silver, also known as fine silver, is 99.99% silver and 0.1% trace elements. It’s also called “fine” because the metal is refined to a point where it lacks any impurities, and thus contains only particles of silver itself.
Silver is a beautiful, natural material that has been around for centuries. It’s made from sulfur deposits in the earth’s crust, where temperatures are hot enough to create the metal. Fine silver can also be created by purifying and extracting metal from other materials like gold or copper.
Uses of Silver
Fine silver is a highly versatile material that can be used in many different ways. What’s excellent about silver, apart from its beauty, is how easily it mixes with other materials to create new products or objects of art.
When it comes to jewelry, pure silver is quite soft and difficult to shape correctly, making it hard to use to make items that require daily use or specific shapes. This softness also means that fine silver items aren’t as durable. They can be easily bent, distorted, or damaged, which is why fine silver is mainly reserved for making fine jewelry pieces. Because of this, pure silver is not generally used to make fine and delicate jewelry items.
This means that if you’re looking for a silver-colored ring or necklace for daily use, it’s best to choose sterling silver instead of fine silver.
Stamp and Purity
Fine silver is considered to be 99.99% pure, which means it contains 0.01% impurities like other metals in the periodic table that could potentially affect its appearance or chemical properties.
Something to note when buying fine silver is that it’s stamped with a purity stamp. When a silver object is sold commercially, it is stamped with one or more silver hallmarks that indicate its purity.
The manufacturer or silversmith carries this out. It may also include another optional marking to indicate its date of manufacture, place of manufacture, and the maker’s mark. Hammers and punches are used to imprint the hallmarks, which result in sharp edges and spurs of metal. As a result, hallmarking is generally completed before the piece is sent for its final polish.
What Is Sterling Silver? - Sterling Silver Meaning
Since its creation, sterling silver has been used in jewelry design by all cultures across the world. Sterling silver contains 92.50% pure silver and is mixed with other alloys such as copper, zinc, or palladium to make it stronger and more durable overall. From a manufacturing perspective, this implies that sterling silver can be worked and re-worked repeatedly without losing its quality at a fast pace, unlike pure silver, which could potentially change shape or become weaker after repeated uses.
This means that sterling silver can be used to create the more intricate designs and details of jewelry, while also being sturdy enough for everyday use.
Sterling Silver Uses
This beautiful, soft metal is used in a plethora of different applications, with the most common being that it’s an ideal material for making jewelry.
Sterling silver can be shaped into anything desired, whether it’s necklaces, bracelets, or rings. In addition, sterling can be polished to a brilliant shine without any loss in strength or durability.
Sterling Silver Stamp and Purity
Sterling silver is stamped with a purity stamp of “925.” This means that a government or other regulating body has officially recognized the metal as having at least 92.50% pure silver content, with copper making up the rest of its composition.
Sterling silver purity stamps provide consumers and jewelers alike with an easy way to gauge how much actual fine silver is in any given piece. Ultimately, this provides peace of mind for everyone involved.
Is Sterling Silver Real?
Sterling silver is completely real, and in fact, one of the most common forms of metal used today. What’s excellent about sterling silver jewelry items is that it tarnishes much slower than pure silver. This is primarily because there isn’t anything mixed into its composition to make it change color or corrode. Here at ELF925, we use e-coating to avoid tarnishing as long as possible; that’s why our sterling silver jewelry is guaranteed to last.
Sterling Silver vs. Silver: Why Use Sterling Silver Instead of Pure for Jewelry?
There are several advantages to using sterling silver over pure silver when it comes to making jewelry. When it comes to the silver vs. sterling silver comparison, sterling wins by a long shot.
Not only is it a less expensive alternative, but it also has the ability to be shaped into intricate designs and patterns more easily. It also provides a better luster overall when polished, looks beautiful on its own or combined with other types of metals in jewelry pieces, and will last for years without any noticeable wear.
Let’s expand on this a little bit more.
Durability
Unlike pure silver, sterling silver is incredibly durable. For those who love to wear their favorite pieces of sterling silver jewelry every day, they’ll be able to do so without the risk of it getting damaged or scratched with prolonged and repeated use.
Durability is vital, and sterling silver is able to stand up against the rigors of daily life. It can be polished to a brilliant shine without any loss in strength or durability.
Cost
Sterling silver is much less expensive than pure or fine silver. If you love to collect and wear sterling jewelry pieces, then you’re in luck. With sterling silver, you will be able to afford more items, without breaking the bank. Ultimately, you’ll be able to get more of what you love for less money.
Sterling Silver Looks as Good as Pure Silver
Hands down, sterling silver is just as beautiful and eye-catching as pure or fine silver. What it lacks in the purity department, it makes up for with its durability and cost-effectiveness.
The look of sterling silver jewelry pieces are typically described as bright white because they generally have a very polished shine to them that can’t be matched. What this means for you, the consumer and collector of fine jewelry pieces, is that your favorite accessories will look just as beautiful after years of use as they did when you first purchased them!
What more could anyone ask for?
In Jewelry, Is Sterling Silver Considered a Good Quality Item?
In short, yes! Sterling silver is considered the best choice for those who want a stunning, rich accessory that will last for years. What is most important, however, is your personal preference, as well as what you need in terms of durability and cost-effectiveness.
What is best for you? What speaks to your personality and style the most? The possibilities are endless when it comes to sterling silver jewelry, so go ahead and find what makes you happy!
Which is Better, Sterling Silver or Silver? The Conclusion
Now that you know the answer to the question: what is sterling silver? Among many others in our sterling silver vs. pure silver debate, it’s clear that sterling wins by a landslide.
Sterling silver is a wonderful choice for people who are looking for jewelry that will last. If you’re tired of your silver jewelry discoloring, tarnishing fast, or getting scratched up, then it’s time to make the switch!
Here at ELF925, we offer beautiful sterling silver jewelry in all different shapes and styles. All our stunning pieces come Stamped 925, and conform to international/EU/USA regulations.
With this in mind, it’s no wonder why we are Asia’s leading sterling silver jewelry manufacturer and wholesaler. Shop now to find out why so many people have made the decision to purchase their next piece from us today!
Are you in the market for some new jewelry but wondering whether to go for pure silver or the 925 sterling silver? It can be a tough decision, especially if you don’t know the differences between the two. Pure silver and sterling silver may sound like they’re the same, but they have some significant differences in terms of durability, cost, and appearance.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the differences between pure silver and sterling silver. We’ll also delve into what the “925” marking on jewelry means and why paying attention to it is important.
So, whether you’re a jewelry enthusiast or just looking for a new piece to add to your collection, this blog post will help you make an informed decision about whether pure silver or sterling silver is the right choice for you.
Pure silver, also known as fine silver, is the closest form of silver to its pure element state. It is highly valued for its high purity percentage, which is commonly identified by quality stamps such as “.999 FS,” “999,” or “99.9.” These stamps reflect the silver alloy’s actual silver content of 99.9%, with the remaining 0.1% consisting of trace elements of insignificant quality.
However, due to its high purity, fine silver is a soft metal that can easily scratch, dent, or change shape, making it a challenging material for jewelry making. Despite this, its exceptional beauty and luster make it a popular choice for creating unique and delicate jewelry pieces.
Sterling silver is a type of alloy that consists of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper and other alloy compositions. The addition of copper to the silver provides additional strength and durability, making it more stable and easier to work with than pure silver. As a result, many of the silver jewelry items available for purchase in the market are crafted from sterling silver.
Sterling silver is a compound made up of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. The 925 sterling silver markings indicate the actual silver content in the alloy. The addition of copper increases the hardness of the alloy, transforming it into a much more durable material for jewelry making. The quality of sterling silver is often identified by the hallmark stamp of “.925”, “925 STG”, or “92.5”, which allows jewelers to produce intricate and complex designs of jewelry pieces with sterling silver.
Although sterling silver is harder than pure silver, it is still prone to scratches and tarnishing. To prevent this, a layer of plating can be applied using gold to change the color, or rhodium to enhance the safety guard over the jewelry surface. By taking these precautions, sterling silver jewelry can retain its beauty and durability for years.
The difference between sterling silver vs. pure silver is highly influenced by the following factors:
Cost – When it comes to silver, purity is directly proportional to cost. Real silver, which has a higher purity than sterling silver, is generally more expensive. However, silver 925 is a popular alternative due to its relative affordability. Despite being less pure than real silver, silver 925 retains its beauty and lustrous appearance. Therefore, it is an excellent choice for those seeking an affordable option.
Durability Factor – The added metal alloys in sterling silver makes it significantly stronger and more durable compared to fine silver. This durability ensures that jewelry pieces made from sterling silver can last longer while retaining their design and appeal. Copper is the most commonly chosen metal for creating the alloys used in sterling silver. It offers excellent durability, stability, and longevity, making it a reliable option for creating high-quality sterling silver pieces.
Easier to shape – The design complexity of a piece of jewelry can significantly increase its value. Pure silver is known for being soft and malleable, whereas sterling silver (also known as 925 silver) is much stronger and more pliable. This makes it easier to create intricate and unique designs with 925 silver jewelry. Furthermore, sterling silver is easier to resize, repair, and polish compared to other types of jewelry. And when scratches or scuffs appear, sterling silver can be easily restored to its original luster.
There are techniques that can help you to identify real sterling silver from the fake silver jewelry that is available in the market.
Clean your jewelry – Use a soft white polishing cloth and rub it gently. If you notice any black marks on the cloth after rubbing, it’s a good sign that the jewelry is made of genuine sterling silver. This is because the polishing action removes the oxidized layer that naturally forms on silver over time, revealing the shiny, unblemished metal beneath.
Perform the nitric acid test – Begin by adding a single drop of nitric acid to the surface of the jewelry. If it is authentic, the surface will remain unchanged. However, if the jewelry is made of fake silver or is silver-plated, the area with nitric acid will turn green due to the presence of impurities such as nickel. In contrast, real sterling silver will turn creamy in color when exposed to nitric acid.
Note: Remember to wear gloves and goggles to protect your hand and eyes during the nitric acid test.
Perform a smell test – If you detect an unpleasant odor, it could be a sign that the item contains an excessive amount of copper. True sterling silver should not have any discernible scent.
Perform magnet test – A magnet should have no impact on fine silver or sterling silver. If a piece of jewelry is attracted to a magnet, it is likely not made of authentic sterling silver but rather silver-plated over a base metal.
Identify the quality stamp marking – Determining the authenticity of sterling silver is quite simple, as the markings are straightforward. A genuine sterling silver piece will have a stamp with markings such as “.925”, “92.5”, “925”, “Ster,” or “Sterling Silver” in a hidden area or behind every piece of jewelry.
In conclusion, sterling silver and pure silver have their own unique characteristics and qualities. Pure silver, also known as fine silver, is 99.9% pure silver and is extremely soft, making it difficult to use in jewelry making. On the other hand, sterling silver is a popular choice for jewelry because of its durability and affordability. It is made up of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, which makes it more resistant to wear and tear.
If you’ve ever come across the number “925” on your silver jewelry, it is an indication that it is made of sterling silver. The number 925 represents the purity level of the silver used in the jewelry, which is 92.5%. This hallmark guarantees that you’re getting the real thing and not a cheap imitation.
When choosing between pure silver and sterling silver, it’s important to consider your needs and preferences. While pure silver is ideal for certain types of jewelry, such as fine art pieces, it may not be suitable for everyday wear. Sterling silver, on the other hand, offers a great balance of affordability, durability, and style.
Overall, both pure silver and sterling silver have their own advantages and disadvantages. But if you’re looking for a beautiful and durable material for your jewelry collection, sterling silver is a way to go!
So, if you plan to add sterling silver to your jewelry collection or want to improve your existing designs, it’s crucial to source from a reputable supplier. It’s equally important to choose a reliable destination known for crafting authentic sterling silver with exceptional quality and sophisticated designs.
One such destination is Thailand, which has a well-earned reputation for producing high-quality sterling silver jewelry. Thailand offers a range of beautiful designs crafted with premium materials. To learn more about why you should source your sterling silver from Thailand, CLICK HERE.
And aside from Thailand, at Deepwear, we can help you connect with several manufacturers of sterling silver worldwide. With our in-house team of jewelry specialists and a large network of sterling silver jewelry suppliers, you can rest assured that you’re getting the real deal. CONTACT US today to get started!