Sterling Silver: Your Complete Guide

Sterling silver is a jewelry metal that has been adored for centuries, thanks to its lustrous shine and timeless elegance. However, what exactly is sterling silver and is it real silver? Let’s explore the history of sterling silver, its properties and characteristics, and answer a few of your burning questions!

What Is Sterling Silver?

Sterling silver (also known as 925 silver) is composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper. This composition makes sterling silver stronger and more durable than pure silver, which is too soft and malleable for practical use in jewelry.

Sterling silver’s lustrous shine and hypoallergenic nature makes it an extremely popular choice for jewelry makers and wearers due to its beauty, durability, and versatility.

History of Sterling Silver

Sterling silver has a rich history that dates back centuries. The term "sterling" has its origins in medieval England, where it was first used to describe a specific type of high-quality silver coin. However, it wasn't until the 13th century that sterling silver became recognized as a standard of purity.

The addition of copper to pure silver made the resulting alloy more durable, leading to its widespread use in decorative pieces, religious objects and of course, jewelry!

Is Sterling Silver Real?

Yes, sterling silver is real silver! However, there are differences between sterling silver and pure silver. Pure silver is made up of 99.9% pure silver, while sterling silver is an alloy made up of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals. This composition gives sterling silver its unique set of characteristics, including increased durability and resistance to scratches.

The use of pure metals (such as pure gold and pure silver) in jewelry is quite uncommon due to the softness of these metals. That’s why most jewelry makers will opt to use sterling silver (or other alloys) when it comes to crafting jewelry.