What is sterling silver?
A. Sterling silver is an alloy consisting of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% of other metals, usually copper. Most silver jewellery is made using sterling silver because pure silver is too soft and needs a stronger metal like copper to preserve its ductility (capable of sustaining large plastic deformations without fracture).
Sterling silver is often characterized as pure silver, when in fact it is a silver alloy. Pure silver, also called fine silver, is defined as 99.9% pure silver, but is too soft for most uses. Sterling silver contains 92.5% silver, with the remaining 7.5% being another metal, most often copper. The addition of the less costly metal – often called a base metal – serves to harden the resulting alloy so that the metal can be cast into shapes that it will retain with use. Sterling silver is marked with a stamp on the bottom of the piece. The shape of the stamp varies from country to country, and in the US from manufacturer to manufacturer. One of the most common uses of sterling silver is in making fine tableware. This typically includes utensils – knives, forks, and spoons – as well as coffee and tea service sets, with silver trays. A set of formal silverware might include several different types of forks which would only be used in the place setting if the meal called for them – a seafood
Sterling silver is a white and highly reflective precious metal. Sterling refers to silver that is 92.5 percent pure — which should be stamped on the metal. Fixed by law, this proportion is usually copper that is intended to make the piece harder. This standard is used to assure consistent quality among sterling products. Silver that is not described as “sterling” or “.925” has less pure silver content and will often be darker in color and less shiny. Although less durable than stainless steel and other precious metals, sterling silver is often employed in watches that coordinate or look like sterling jewelry. A protective coating may be added to prevent tarnish. Sterling is 92.5% pure instead of 100% pure in order to achieve the requisite hardness and stability to resist wear and tear, and hold its shape. Not surprisingly, sterling silver is becoming one of the most popular metals in the jewelry industry. Most people that have allergic reactions to some metals are able to wear sterli
ilver, even fully work-hardened, gradually re-crystallizes and softens at room temperature. Alloys are added to make it harder, stronger, and less susceptible to scratching and marring. Sterling silver (or 925 silver) is the best copper-silver alloy and is 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. Some people claim sterling silver earrings are hypo-allergenic, it depends on the allergy. Most people have a problem with nickel and sterling would not bother them. If you have a problem with copper you may not be able to wear them. If you find that sterling silver bothers your ears you may have to stick to gold or titanium.
A. Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver metal. Silver clasps are often marked with .925 to indicate they are sterling. Since pure silver is such a soft metal findings and beads are made with 92.5% sterling (vs. 100% sterling) and mixed with a stronger metal to achieve the desired stability and hardness. The majority of our sterling is made in Bali, India, and Turkey. Silver colored beads and finding are less expensive but may also be less flexible and durable. Personally, I prefer to use sterling silver for all my finding to ensure consistent quality for jewelry I create and sell.
