How Pure Is Sterling Silver

Sterling silver is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, durable and beautiful silver product. With a purity made up of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper, this alloy is not only strong and long-lasting but also maintains the luster and shine of pure silver.

This makes sterling sliver an excellent choice for those considering silver as a present. Whether it’s women’s sterling silver jewellery or a sterling silver gift for a man; the properties of sterling silver make it ideal for creating stunning jewellery and decorative items that will be treasured for a lifetime.

Not only that but it is also more affordable than pure silver, making it a great value for your money. In short, sterling silver is the perfect blend of beauty, strength, and affordability.  

What is sterling silver?

Sterling silver is a luxurious and elegant alloy that is sure to elevate your style. But have you ever wondered where this beautiful metal comes from? Well, let me tell you a little secret, silver is found all around the world, from the Americas to Europe and Asia. Mines extract the raw silver ore, which is then sent to refineries to purify the ore.

Once the silver is purified, it is ready to be used to create various products. But the real magic happens when the silver is combined with other metals, typically copper, to create the alloy we know as Sterling silver. This combination gives it a strength and durability that is unmatched by pure silver. And the best part? The shine and luster of sterling silver is truly breathtaking and will make you stand out in a crowd.

Silver has been used for thousands of years and the process of creating silver jewellery is a form of art as much as science, passed down from generation to generation, from the mining and refining of the ore, to the alloying and crafting of the final product. Skilled artisans use traditional techniques to craft the silver into intricate and beautiful jewellery, decorative items and other luxurious goods.

So, next time you admire a piece of sterling silver, remember that it's not just a piece of metal, it's a story of a journey that starts deep in the earth and ends in the hands of skilled artisans who have turned it into a work of art. And now, you have the opportunity to be a part of that story and make it a part of your own.

What is the difference between pure silver and sterling silver?

The main difference between pure silver and sterling silver is the purity of the metal. Pure silver, also known as fine silver, is 99.9% pure silver. Sterling silver, on the other hand, is an alloy that contains 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper. Pure silver is very soft and malleable, making it easy to create decorative items. However, this also makes it less durable and more prone to damage or scratching.

Pure silver also tends to tarnish more quickly than sterling silver. Sterling silver, on the other hand, is stronger and more durable due to the addition of other metals in the alloy. This makes it more suitable for use in jewellery and other decorative items that will be subject to regular wear and tear.

Sterling silver also has a brighter and more lustrous finish than pure silver. So to summaries, pure silver is softer, more malleable, and prone to tarnishing, but it is also more expensive. Sterling silver is stronger, more durable, and has a brighter finish, and more affordable.

What is 925 silver?

925 silver is the international name given to sterling silver. 925 silver is called 925 silver because it contains 92.5% pure silver. The number 925 is used to indicate the purity of the silver in the alloy. The use of this alloy was first standardized in the 16th century in England, and it is known as "sterling silver" and the stamp 925 is used to indicate that the silver is of sterling quality.

The standard of 925 is also widely used internationally and is accepted as a standard of quality for silver. The use of the number 925 indicates that a piece of silver jewellery or other item meets a certain level of purity and quality, and it is a guarantee that the item is made of 92.5% pure silver. This makes it easy for consumers to identify and purchase high-quality silver items.

Is sterling silver better, or pure silver?

When it comes to pure silver versus sterling silver, both have their own unique set of advantages and disadvantages. Pure silver, also known as fine silver, is 99.9% pure silver. It is very soft and malleable. As mentioned before this also makes it less durable and more prone to damage or scratching. Pure silver also tends to tarnish more quickly than sterling silver reacting to the sulphur in the air.

Pure silver is used for in many applications and industries including; coating on mirrors, dentistry, electronic equipment as well as delicate jewellery.  

On the other hand, sterling silver is stronger and more durable due to the addition of copper. Because of these properties the use of sterling silver is almost exclusively in jewellery and other decorative items that will be subject to regular wear and tear.

Sterling silver can be polished to a brilliant lustrous shine without any loss in strength or durability. 

Why buy sterling silver jewellery?

So, why buy sterling silver jewellery? For one, it's an affordable alternative to gold and other precious metals. It's also hypoallergenic, which means it's less likely to cause an allergic reaction, making it a great option for those with sensitive skin. Additionally, sterling silver is easy to care for and maintain, making it a great investment piece that can last for many years.

Is sterling silver expensive?

Put simply the answer is no, it is not expensive. Because sterling silver is an alloy, it’s cost is lower than pure silver. Sterling silver is also much more affordable than other precious metals such as gold, and it is also more durable than pure silver.

This means that you can get a beautiful piece of jewellery that will last for a lifetime, without breaking the bank. In fact, sterling silver is a great value for your money, and you can find a wide range of designs and styles at different price points.

Conclusion

Sterling silver is a versatile and beautiful metal that is perfect for jewellery making and other decorative items. It offers a unique blend of strength, durability, and shine that makes it stand out from other types of silver. Plus, it is more affordable than other precious metals, making it a great option for everyone.

If you are looking for a high-quality, durable and beautiful silver product, then sterling silver is the right choice for you.

Author Written by Puneet

Puneet who is Silver Smith and director of Lunar Moth Jewellery and has been lovingly hand crafting pieces for over 12 years. You can read more about Lunar Moth Jewellery on our About page here.