Were you aware that not all silver is the same? Specifically, there’s pure silver and sterling silver. Discover here which one suits your needs best.
Keyword(s): pure silver
You’ve likely come across both pure silver and sterling silver… They sound like the same, don’t they?
Although frequently conflated, these terms actually indicate different compositions that any jewelry enthusiast should recognize.
Understanding the distinction can help you purchase higher quality pieces that are more durable, aesthetically pleasing, and comfortable to wear.
Continue reading to grasp the particulars of pure silver vs. sterling silver so you can make an informed choice between the two.
What is Pure Silver Jewelry?
If pure silver isn’t just a generic term for all silver jewelry, what exactly is it?
Pure silver is less frequently used in jewelry compared to other metals like sterling silver, primarily due to its malleability. Its softness makes it unsuitable for many everyday jewelry items.
To make silver more durable for regular use, it’s often combined with other metals. When this happens, it’s no longer classified as pure silver.
Pure silver boasts a high purity content, typically 99.9% silver, which is why it’s referred to as “pure.” Virtually the entire composition of this metal is silver.
Another term for pure silver jewelry is fine silver jewelry, given that many consider it the more refined and sophisticated silver option.
Pure silver pieces are marked with some variation of the 99.9% purity indication: you might see 999, 99.9, .999, or similar markings. These numbers denote the piece’s purity.
It’s also noteworthy that pure silver does not tarnish when exposed to air or moisture, unlike other metals. Although pure silver is more expensive than sterling silver, its higher quality justifies the cost.
How is Sterling Silver Jewelry Different?
Sterling silver is created by alloying pure silver with metals like copper or zinc to enhance durability. Most of the silver jewelry you’ll find is made of sterling silver unless it’s inexpensive costume jewelry.
To be labeled as sterling silver, the composition must be 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals. Similar to pure silver’s 999 mark, sterling silver will have a 925 mark, a crucial detail when purchasing silver jewelry.
While sterling silver can contain more than 92.5% silver, it cannot fall below this amount.
Anything less than 92.5% purity won’t meet the United States standards for sterling silver, a standard established in the 1300s and popularized by Tiffany and Co. in the 1900s, though it’s not uniformly regulated worldwide.
For example, German silver needs to be only 80% pure to be termed sterling, which doesn’t align with U.S. standards. Conversely, Italian sterling silver adheres to even stricter rules, particularly against nickel inclusion.
Thus, examining the markings on the piece becomes crucial, especially when purchasing overseas.
The alloying metals in sterling silver make it more prone to tarnishing as it reacts with oxygen and other elements found in the air and water. Although it can be plated with pure silver to enhance its shine, this doesn’t prevent eventual tarnishing.
While sterling silver is more affordable and easier to repair or replace compared to pure silver, it does require frequent polishing to maintain its appearance.
Jewelry labeled as sterling silver plated is different from genuine sterling silver. Sterling silver plating implies that only the outer layer is made of sterling silver, with the base metal being something else entirely.
This not only results in a less expensive piece but also means the outer layer will wear off faster, leaving the jewelry no longer silver over time.
When purchasing a piece of sterling silver jewelry, avoid sterling silver plated items as they’re often not worth the extra cost. Costume jewelry manufacturers frequently use this to make their products more appealing, but the longevity is lacking.
How to Test Silver Purity
How can you accurately gauge silver purity or trust the markings on the jewelry?
One common method is the acid test. A small sample of the silver is placed in acid, and you observe any color changes.
If the color shifts, the silver’s purity is below 92.5%, indicating that it’s not genuine sterling silver and not of high quality.
While anyone can buy an at-home testing kit, many prefer to take their pieces to a jeweler who can test the purity for a fee.
Start Buying Some Real Silver Jewelry
Whether you seek small pure silver pieces or larger sterling silver items, each type has unique benefits. The key lies in recognizing the differences when making a purchase.
Now that you’ve learned the distinctions, feel free to contact us for more information on our offerings and find jewelry pieces that could beautifully complement your collection. We recommend starting with 925 sterling silver chains to kick off your collection. We’re eager to help you broaden your accessory wardrobe.
