Regular Silver vs. 925 Sterling Silver–What’s the Difference?

Silver jewelry is shiny, beautiful, and can be easily created into a unique design. If you are a jewelry store owner, jewelry website owner, or even a jewelry enthusiast, there is no doubt that you have purchased or at least browsed sterling silver jewelry such as silver rings, silver necklaces, silver bracelets, or silver earrings. Maybe you have checked out silver jewelry online or at a department store and wondered if it is real silver or if there is really a difference between regular silver and 925 sterling silver. The next time you go shopping at a jewelry store, you don’t have to wonder anymore because we will explain all about sterling silver jewelry and 925 sterling silver jewelry.

What is sterling silver jewelry?

Sterling silver jewelry is jewelry made from silver that is 99.9% pure and does not tarnish easily. Silver is a bright, easy-to-polish metal that has been used throughout history for currency, ornaments, and jewelry, but it has also been combined with other metals to create luxurious jewelry. Silver itself is too soft to be used in jewelry for daily wear. But it’s too beautiful not to be used in jewelry and other fine ornaments, so it’s often mixed with other metals to create a more durable material, 925 silver jewelry.

What is 925 silver?

925 silver is an alloy consisting of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper or zinc. 925 silver jewelry is often stamped with 925 to indicate its authenticity. One theory is that King Henry II called the durable silver alloy coins in circulation “Easterling coins,” which later evolved into “pure” silver. Today, the pound sterling remains the standard unit of currency in the United Kingdom.

Is 925 silver jewelry real?

925 silver is real silver, never fake. It’s just a mixture of pure silver and the right amount of other metals to make it strong but not too difficult to shape. In the United States, the proportion of silver to other metals in sterling silver is regulated, but jewelry in other countries often contains less than 92.5% silver. If you are looking for sterling silver or 925 silver jewelry, be careful to distinguish silver-plated jewelry, which is jewelry made of other metal jewelry with a certain thickness of silver plated on it.

How to tell if silver jewelry is real?

1-Look for the 925 mark. Real sterling silver jewelry will be marked with these three numbers or STERLING or STER.
2-Use a magnet to hold the silver. If the magnet holds, your jewelry is not sterling silver.
3-Smell the sterling silver. If it smells very metallic, your jewelry is not real sterling silver.
4-Take the jewelry to a jeweler. If you want to be sure that your jewelry is sterling silver, let an expert help you test it.

Which is better for jewelry, sterling silver or 925 silver?

When designing and wearing jewelry, 925 silver is better than sterling silver because it is stronger and can maintain its beauty. Sterling silver jewelry is easily damaged and is not the best choice for daily wear. 925 silver is also more suitable for setting gemstones, which can better stabilize the position of gemstones and the design of the overall ornaments.

Will silver jewelry lose its luster?

Silver jewelry tarnishes when gaseous compounds containing sulfur in the air come into contact with silver and react to form silver sulfate, leaving a dark coating or tarnish on the silver. Humidity, chlorine, makeup, cleaning products, and even acidic substances in the skin can cause silver to tarnish. But tarnish is not permanent and there is no need to worry. Just give your silver jewelry a simple polish and it will look brand new. You should also do a good job of cleaning and maintaining your jewelry on a regular basis.

How to Clean Sterling Silver Jewelry

Cleaning sterling silver is simple. You can wipe your silver jewelry with silver polish and a polishing cloth, or gently brush it with warm water, mild dishwashing liquid, and a soft toothbrush. Occasional deep cleaning with soap and a toothbrush is a good option, but wiping with a polishing cloth is best for regular cleaning because it is gentler.

How to Prevent Sterling Silver Jewelry from Tarnishing

While there is no way to completely eliminate tarnish, you can take steps to keep your sterling silver jewelry shiny longer.
Before putting your jewelry away, wipe it with a polishing cloth.
Store your sterling silver jewelry in a jewelry box to protect it.

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