For everyday wear, sterling silver is better than pure silver because it's an alloy (92.5% silver, 7.5% other metals like copper) that's much stronger and more durable, resisting scratches and bending, whereas pure silver (fine silver) is too soft and easily damaged, making sterling silver ideal for lasting jewelry. While pure silver offers a brighter shine, its softness makes sterling silver the practical choice for rings, bracelets, and other items that need to withstand daily use.
Sterling silver is better than silver when designing and wearing jewelry because it's stronger and can look good for a lifetime. Fine silver jewelry is easily damaged and not the best choice to wear on a regular basis. Sterling silver is also better for setting gemstones.
In order for a silver to be classified as sterling silver, it must meet at least a 92.5 purity, AKA 925. So, as you can see: 925 silver is sterling silver. Conversely, metals that contain less than 92.5 percent silver are not sterling silver, which is important to keep in mind when buying sterling silver.
Silver turning black is not a defect – it is a natural property of silver. If your jewellery is made of sterling silver (925/1000) and does not have a protective surface treatment such as rhodium plating, platinum plating, or another finish, it will naturally react with its environment.
What Silver is Best to Buy?
The 80/50 rule for silver is a precious metals investing strategy using the gold-to-silver ratio: switch into silver when the ratio (ounces of silver per ounce of gold) goes above 80 (silver is cheap), and switch back to gold when it drops below 50 (silver is expensive), aiming to profit from the ratio's mean reversion by rotating between undervalued metals. This strategy signals a good time to buy silver when gold is relatively expensive compared to silver, and a good time to buy gold when silver has become disproportionately expensive.
Argentium Silver and Non-Tarnish Alloys
These alloys are a minimum of 92.5% silver though some will be slightly higher in silver content. The remainder consists of copper and the addition of the element germanium. The germanium makes the alloy harder and resistant to tarnish.
Thanks to its mild abrasives and detergent properties, toothpaste can gently lift away tarnish and grime without wrecking your jewellery. And, while I'm not saying ditch the polish for good, when you're in a pinch, it might just save you.
Can You Wear Sterling Silver in the Shower? Unfortunately, sterling silver jewelry can oxidize in water, meaning it's best to leave those silver hoop earrings and friendship bracelets away from your daily wash. Silver can gradually tarnish under the effects of water.
925 sterling silver is affordable because it's an alloy (92.5% silver, 7.5% cheaper metals like copper) that provides durability for jewelry at a lower material cost than pure gold or platinum, while silver's general commodity status and industrial demand also keep its base price lower than gold, making it accessible for everyday wear and collections.
Beware of Fake Stamps
Some counterfeiters may try to pass off their jewelry as genuine by stamping it with "S925" or other similar marks. However, these stamps may not be accurate, and the piece could still be made of a cheap metal.
Sterling silver is a softer metal than gold or platinum. This means that it is more susceptible to scratches and dents. Sterling silver is a reactive metal. This means that it can react with certain chemicals in the environment, which can cause it to tarnish.
Stainless steel is often marked with the abbreviation SS, which can help you identify it. SS could also refer to sterling silver. Read our guide to how to identify silver. Stainless steel features an alloy of chromium, steel, carbon, and nickel. The ratio of these metals will determine its grade.
Best Hypoallergenic Jewelry Metals
Fine silver jewelry is less common than sterling silver. It costs more because it is purer and softer. However, this softness can make it prone to scratches and dents, so it may not be the best choice for all types of jewelry. If you like fine silver jewelry, earrings and necklaces are good options.
Though platinum and silver may look similar, they differ greatly in durability, cost, and care. Platinum is stronger, hypoallergenic, and requires less maintenance. Silver is more affordable but tarnishes easily and wears down faster. Choosing the right metal depends on lifestyle, budget, and long-term wear.
You should also avoid swimming while wearing your pieces, especially in a chlorinated pool. Further, store your silver jewelry outside of the bathroom while showering. Not only can soaps and hair products corrode silver, but the steam's moisture can also accelerate tarnish. Silver's arch-nemesis is sulfur.
Stainless steel: This is your best option if you are looking for jewelry that you can get wet. It is corrosion-resistant and doesn't rust easily. Gold: This is another popular material in jewelry making which is water resistant.
Since sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver, it holds a solid percentage of the value of pure silver. So if the market price of pure silver is, say, $1 per gram, 925 sterling silver value would be around $0.925 per gram, minus any fees or markups.
Coca Cola contains citric acid, which is a mild abrasive. This can help remove tarnish from your silver jewellery. For best results, make sure not to use diet coke as this contains a lower level of acidity. Boil Coca Cola over medium heat and then dip your jewellery in it.
Dust your silver every so often using a soft cloth—it will help keep the tarnish away. And whenever you start to see it slightly tarnish (which will vary depending on the piece and how pure the silver is—less sterling tarnishes more quickly), simply give it a light cleaning using a gentle dish soap (like Dawn).
Pure Silver (99.9%): Often called "fine silver," this type lacks those reactive alloy metals like copper, making it far more resistant to turning black.
What Do 925 and 999 Silver Mean? These numbers refer to the purity of silver: - 999 silver: Fine silver is 99.9% pure. - 925 silver, or sterling silver is an alloy which is 92.5% pure silver mixed with 7.5% other metals (usually copper).
If you're wondering what type of silver won't tarnish, two great options to consider are Argentium silver and rhodium-plated silver. Argentium silver boasts a higher purity and contains germanium, which significantly reduces tarnish while preserving its durability and strength.