7 Important Differences Between Sterling Silver vs Silver
Diamo
If you have ever gone shopping a silver jewellery. You will come across silver and sterling
silver. At first glance, they sound the same after all the shine, beautiful, and have that classic
silver glow. In this article, we will explore 7 important differences between sterling silver vs
silver. So, you will never be confused again.
7 Key Differences Between Sterling Silver vs Silver
Purity Level
The purity of silver and sterling silver makes them apart. Silver in its purest form, also known
as fine silver, has 99.9% pure silver plus a small amount of other metals. In contrast, sterling
silver is 925
Silver, composed of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper, thus making it strong and durable. It is
not pure silver, yet it is perfect for making jewellery.
Strength and Durability
While pure silver is soft and easily forged, making it suitable for delicate designs, its lack of
durability is its disadvantage. Silver, with the addition of copper, is stronger and thus more
durable, so it is the best choice for everyday wear for items like rings, bracelets, and
necklaces.
Tarnish Resistance
Instead of tarnishing over time, sterling silver, a kind of silver, remains bright and beautiful
for a long time because of the copper in it, which slows down the reaction of the metal with
moisture, air, and sulfur that leads to darkening over time. However, this tarnishing can be done
away with easily; it gives it an old charm.
Appearance and shine
Silver and sterling silver are comparable in terms of brightness and elegance but their shine has
a slight difference. The pure silver is brighter and whiter, while that of sterling silver has a
very slight warmth because of the metal additives. Both can look beautiful when polished but the
preference goes to pure silver for its longer shine without frequent cleaning, though it is soft and
less suitable for daily wear.
Cost difference
925 silver jewellery, a lesser quality precious metal with
lesser silver content, is usually the one that comes cheaper when compared with pure silver, thus
making it the metal of choice for the majority of silver jewelry. It provides the customer with a
good quality piece at a reasonable price, hence being appropriate for the cost-sensitive people who
buy our jewellery.
Hallmark
When it comes to telling apart the two kinds of silver, namely, sterling silver and pure silver,
it all comes down to checking for hallmarks or stamps which include "925," ".925," or "Sterling."
These, of course, signify 92.5% silver content. On the other hand, pure silver may be marked as
"999" or ".999 Fine Silver" without stamps; a silver testing kit should be used for the metal's
examination.
Common use
Both silver and sterling silver have different uses and are considered to be of different quality,
with pure silver reserved for high-end jewellery, coins, and sterling silver, on the contrary, is
suitable for everyday jewellery, decorative items, and accessories.
Here is a Quick Comparison Between Sterling Silver and Pure Silver.
| Feature | Sterling Silver | Pure Silver (Fine Silver) |
|---|---|---|
| Silver Content | 92.5% | 99.9% |
| Durability | High | Low |
| Common Markings | .925, 92.5, STERLING | .999, FINE SILVER |
| Typical Uses | Daily Wear jewellery, silverware | Rare and fine jewellery |
| Tarnish Resistance | Moderate | High |
| Hardness | Harder, resists bending | Very soft, easy to bend |
| Price | Lower per gram, more affordable | Higher per gram, premium |
Bonus Tip: Caring for Your Silver
The shine of silver and its longevity are greatly dependent on the kind of care it receives; thus, if you happen to own any type of silver, proper care is a must to keep it shining. Below are a few points that could help you keep your silver sparkling:
- Regular cleaning with a soft cloth or gentle silver polish is recommended.
- Keep in an anti-tarnish bag or cloth pouch.
- No chemicals — One should always keep his/her silver away from perfumes, lotions, and cleaning agents.
- Wear it frequently - It may sound, but wearing silver does prevent tarnish as the natural oils of the skin form a barrier.
Conclusion
The choice between sterling silver vs silver can be difficult due to their different charms and values. The brilliance and purity of pure silver are its main attributes, whilst the durability and versatility of sterling silver are its main characteristics. Sterling silver is appropriate for daily use, while pure silver is meant for collectors or investors.