Sterling Silver vs. Silver: Difference You Should Know

Sterling Silver vs. Silver, which is better? Have you ever been to a jewelry store and had to decide between sterling silver and silver jewelry? Sterling silver and silver jewelry, both seemingly made of silver, have very different characteristics. Today, we'll take a closer look at the differences between sterling silver and silver jewelry to help you make the best choice for yourself.

What is Silver?

Silver is a chemical element with the symbol Ag (from the Latin argentum, meaning "silver") and atomic number 47. Silver is also a precious metal used in jewelry, coins, and decorative items. Fine silver is also called pure silver, 999 silver, which contains 99.9% pure silver. Pure silver is highly prized for its purity and beauty but is too soft for everyday use.

What is Sterling Silver?

Sterling silver is a popular alloy consisting of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper. This combination is known as 925 sterling silver for the minimum millesimal fineness of 925, which indicates the purity of the silver. The added metal is not added at random, but to enhance the feel of the product. The addition of copper makes sterling silver harder and more durable than pure silver, making it suitable for everyday wear.

The Difference Between Silver vs. Sterling Silver

When considering the purchase of sterling silver versus silver, it's important to look at these two metals from different perspectives. Let's dissect the differences between these terms:

Sterling Silver vs. Silver: Composition

Sterling Silver: Known as 925 sterling silver, sterling silver consists of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals (usually copper). The copper alloy gives sterling silver increased durability and strength, making it more suitable for use in jewelry and everyday wear.

Silver: Known as fine silver or pure silver, it is almost entirely silver, consisting of 99.9% pure silver. Pure silver is malleable, making it unsuitable for most applications without being alloyed with another metal. However, one drawback is that pure silver is too soft for use in jewelry.

Sterling Silver vs. Silver: Appearance & Hallmarking

Sterling Silver: Bright, silvery white appearance, but the copper metal can slightly darken the color compared to pure silver. Sterling silver items are often stamped with a hallmark, usually "925". "S925" ".925", indicating 92.5% pure silver.

Pure Silver: Slightly softer, more grayish hue compared to sterling silver. Items made of pure silver are often marked "999" or "FS" (fine silver), indicating its high degree of purity.

Sterling Silver vs. Silver: Harness & Durability

Sterling Silver: Sterling silver is significantly harder than pure silver due to the addition of 7.5% of other metals, primarily copper, which can increase the durability and strength of silver. This makes it suitable for everyday use and less prone to scratching or damage.

Silver: Pure silver is very soft and malleable, making it susceptible to scratches and dents. 999 silver is not an ideal choice for a piece of jewelry. 

Sterling Silver vs. Silver: Price & Value

Sterling Silver: Generally more affordable due to its lower silver content. It is not likely to be as valuable as pure silver, but sterling silver still holds its value over time, especially for well-crafted and branded pieces.

Pure Silver: Considered a precious metal, it is highly prized for its beauty and rarity. As such, pure silver is more expensive and valuable than sterling silver.

However, the price and value of silver are influenced by factors such as the current price of silver, craftsmanship, brand reputation, and intricacy of design.

Key Differences between Sterling Silver and Silver

Pros And Cons of Silver vs. Sterling Silver

Silver (Fine Silver or Pure Silver)

Pros:

• Appearance: Bright and shiny appearance
• Purity: Very high purity, often 99.9% pure silver.
• Soft and malleable: Can be easily formed into intricate designs.
• Hypoallergenic: Less likely to cause skin irritation.

Cons:

• Softness: Too soft and prone to scratches and dents.
• Tarnish: Can easily tarnish over time, requiring regular cleaning.
• Higher cost: More expensive than sterling silver due to higher purity.

Sterling Silver (925 Sterling Silver)

Pros:

• Appearance: Bright and lustrous appearance
• Durability: Harder and more durable than pure silver, making it suitable for everyday wear.
• Affordability: Less expensive than pure silver.
• Wide Range of Designs: Available in various styles and designs.

Cons:

• Tarnishing: Can tarnish over time and is less prone to tarnishing than pure silver.
• Potential for Skin Irritation: Some people may be sensitive to the copper alloy in sterling silver.

How to Choose Between Sterling Silver And Silver?

When it comes to choosing between sterling silver and silver, you can use the following factors to help you decide:

1. Durability: Sterling silver is typically more durable and stronger than pure silver due to the addition of other metals. This makes sterling silver jewelry, such as rings, necklaces, earrings, or bracelets, suitable for everyday wear.

2. Budget: Sterling silver is generally more affordable than pure silver due to its lower silver content. Pure silver is more expensive due to its higher purity and rarity. Sterling silver is a good option for those on a budget.

3. Appearance: Both sterling silver and pure silver have a bright and shiny appearance. Sterling silver has a silvery-white appearance. Fine silver has a softer, more grayish hue.

4. Allergy concerns: Some people may have skin reactions to the copper content in sterling silver. If you have skin irritation, you may want to opt for pure silver or white gold to avoid any potential irritation.

5. Usage: For everyday use, sterling silver is a great choice for everyday jewelry due to its durability and affordability. For special occasions or investments, such as coins or bars, pure silver may be a good choice for special purposes.

How to Tell if Sterling Silver or Silver is Real?

1. Hallmark: Usually "925" for real sterling silver or "999" for pure silver. Fake silver is unlikely to have such a hallmark.
2. Magnet test: Genuine silver is not magnetic. If a magnet sticks to the item, it's probably not pure silver, but probably 430 stainless steel.

Read more: Sterling Silver vs. Stainless Steel: Difference and Comparison

3. Nitric acid test: Apply a drop of nitric acid to a small scratch on the silver. If the acid turns green, it is not real silver. If there is no reaction, the silver is probably genuine.
4. Weight test: Real silver is heavier than other metals, so if a piece of silver feels unusually light, it may be fake.

Explore more ways to check if silver is real or fake.

Does Sterling Silver Turn Green?

Sterling silver can turn green over time. This is due to a chemical reaction between the copper in the alloy and substances such as sulfur in the air or on your skin, causing a greenish discoloration on your skin or on the jewelry itself.

Some have also reported that 925 sterling silver turns yellow. This is also due to chemical reactions, such as exposure to sulfur or chlorine, which causes tarnishing. Lower quality or fake silver is more prone to discoloration.

Read more: [2024] Does Sterling Silver Turn Green? Unveil the Puzzle

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